VO5 Hair Saviours!

My hair is naturally really fine and pretty boring if I'm honest and I don't tend to make much effort with it  (slap on the wrist, I know!) so I've been meaning to purchase a few products to lend a hand so when I saw an offer going on for VO5 I couldn't resist. I mean it was pretty much fate...no? 

The first thing I picked up was the Smoothly Does It Heat Protect Serum. I don't tend to use much heat on my hair (I'd love to say it just doesn't need it but it's down to pure laziness), but when I do I always forget to use heat protection. This serum promises illuminated hair with shine, as well as protecting so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It says to use it on damp, towel dried hair before drying for a sleek look and after the hair is dry if you want curly hair, although I'm not sure how it's protecting from the heat after it's dry? Anyway, I opt to use it before drying as I think it's thick, gel-like consistency would make my hair feel a bit slick otherwise. I've used this a few times and really like it, plus it smells good! 

I also chose the Extra Body Styling Mousse, because as I said my hair is really fine and quite lank so I bought this in the hope that it gives a bit of body to my lacklustre hair. I used a golf ball size dollop in my hair before drying, making sure it was evenly distributed and I was seriously impressed with the outcome. My hair was smooth, volumous and considerably thicker, which made it a lot easier to do something with it. Could this be a holy grail hair necessity? Maybe!

The last thing I got was the Strong Hold Hairspray which claims to have 5 vital benefits including a UV filter, all day hold and weather protection. I used this in conjuction with the other two products after a bit of styling and loved the ultrafine spray as it didn't feel like I was wearing a lot of hairspray and my hair still felt super soft. It also kept my hair held in place all night, even after a bit (ok...a lot) of dancing.

All of these products are winners for me and really helped my lank hair look full, soft and healthy.

Have you tried any of the VO5 products lately?

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Quick Fix - No7 Make-up Brush Cleanser

If there's one thing I find tedious it's deep cleaning my make-up brushes, but I try to do it every 3-4 weeks. Inbetween deep cleans I like to use the No7 Make-up Brush Cleanser which is great for a quick clean up of your brushes. It's so simple to use and works like a dream.

All you have to do is pump it on to a bit of tissue and give your brushes a little swirl. This is perfect for when your doing eye-makeup and need to use the same brush for a different shadow as you can give it a quick swish about and you're good to go with the next one. I find your brushes dry quickly after so you don't have to wait for ageeesss to use them again and it leaves them super soft.

Obviously, make-up brushes still need to be deep cleaned with warm water and baby shampoo (or whatever works best for you) atleast once a month to prevent them getting too dirty but this brush cleanser is just a quick fix for inbetween the soaks.

How do you prefer to clean your brushes?

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Mini Beauty Haul - #01

I spent my day yesterday hitting the shops with two of my favourite people and we ended up in Boots.What a surprise! There's something about that shop that sucks me in and leaves me £30 poorer every time. Like usual I tried my best to be good, but ended up buying a few bits and bobs.

The first thing I picked up is the new Orangeasm Body Wash by Soap & Glory. This is just a citrus-y wash, scented with orange peel oils, green mandarin and Sicilian lemon. Oh my, is it zesty! I used this in the shower this morning and it left me feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. It's so fresh and perfect for really waking you up in the sticky Summer months.

I've been eyeing this Maybelline Brow Drama for a little while now and finally gave in. Now, I know eyebrows are meant to be sisters, not twins but I'm not even sure mine are related. I have the worst behaved left brow ever. Today though, I did my eyebrows as usual, then used a little slick of this over the top. It's kept them in place all day and has even tamed my badly behaved brow. Hurrah!

Not the most glamorous purchase, but lately I've been suffering more that usual with chapped, dry lips and normal lipbalms just aren't cutting it. So, I popped the Blistex MedPlus Repairing Lip Balm in my basket. It contains cocoa butter, menthol and jojoba oil and is so moistursing on your lips. The menthol in it does make it smell a little medicine-y but it does the job. I applied it last night and again this morning and my lips still feel soft and are no longer sore. A little pot of heaven.

This Sleek Face Contour Kit was a bit of an impulse buy but it's definitely something I'll use. I'm not a contouring pro but I know how it works so I just need a little practise and thought this would be a good way to start. I got it in the shade 'light' as I'm quite pale and after using it today, it's definitely a good colour match for my skin. It comes with a contouring powder and a highlighter which is so pretty. I love how compact the Sleek makeup is and they always come with a decent mirror which I love for on-the-go touch-ups.

 The final thing I bought was a re-purchase of the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, but as I've mentioned it before I thought I'd show the Nail Polish from H&M that I bought. Does anyone else get tricked by all the little bits and bobs lined around the ques in H&M? Because I clearly do. I was nearly at the till when this caught my eye. 'Stop Sign' its a burnt out orangey/red and looks really vibrant on. I think I'll be wearing this non-stop for a while.

Which beauty bits have you picked up lately?

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Taking a break - Oxburgh Hall

A little bit of a different post than usual today, no beauty bits or outfits, but instead a nosy at some pictures from Oxburgh Hall. They were just too pretty to not share.

Last week, I had booked off a few days at work so Dan and I headed to Norwich to stay with some family. Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes a weekend just isn't enough time away from work and a few extra days are much needed and appreciated.

When we arrived we had a few leaflets of places to visit and the first of the bunch was Oxburgh Hall, a moated country house from the 1400's owned by the National Trust. I know this sort of thing isn't for everyone, but it was honestly such a lovely day. You get to walk around the house, which is full of extravagant interior, secret doors and little information cards if you want to know a little more. After walking around the house we had a stroll around the grounds which was beautiful! We were lucky it was such a nice day weather wise so we could fully enjoy the views.

On our way in we were asked by the lady selling tickets if we were under 25 and wanted to become members of the National Trust for £27. We said we'd think about it, but after spending the day there we agreed. Entry here was around £10 so we figured if we went a couple more places we'd have our money's worth and also the rest of the year for free. Even if we only use our passes when visting Norwich again, we'd be saving money, and we also got our original £10 back. Bargain!

Just outside of Oxburgh Hall, there's a lovely pub called The Bedingfeld Arms which serves delicious food and also has a really unique style. The owner of the pub and her little pooch were also chilling in the garden of the pub and chatting to the customers which was nice. I'll definitely be going back here next time I visit.

I know the subject of this post won't be for everyone but it was such a good day I thought it was worth sharing. 

Have you taken a break lately? Where did you visit?

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In my mind, they're roses on white lace...

Cardigan - H&M // Top - H&M // Necklace - Topshop // Joni Jeans - Topshop // Sandals - Primark // Watch - Everours // Sunglasses - Lozza

Sometimes I go in H&M and there is absolutely nothing in there worth buying, but other times I walk in and it's absolute heaven! The last time I visited was just that. I actually put a small dent in my bank balance by picking up so many gems. This top and cardigan being just a couple.

I've been hunting for the perfect black cardigan for so long now and when I saw this I snapped it up as I'm so fussy with them. Now the warmer months are here (hurrah!), I don't need to be wearing my beloved cosy Winter jumpers but I do need a little something to chuck on over my dresses/tops. I'm not a fan of the usual basic cardigans as I like them to be loose and baggy but I find the material of the longer ones make them hang funny and just look a bit odd. So the loose knit of this is ideal for a relaxed cardi to sling on.

Next up is this top. I just bloody love it. I originally bought it to take on holiday with me (which isn't actually until July, I'm just eager to shop!) but I've already worn it twice as I couldn't resist. The back and top half (boob upwards) is sheer and embroidered with flowers which I think looks beautiful! It's such a simple top and so easy to wear and I can't wait to wear this when I get a tan.

I got these sunglasses free the other year as part of a deal when buying my actual glasses and I love the style of them. I can't actually find them online but Boots stock a great selection of the Lozza range. They've survived two summers, one holiday and getting lost in the waves and are still in great condition.

My best friend got me this necklace for part of my Christmas present and I wear it to death! Chunky, gold neckalces go with pretty much everything and this just adds something to a basic black and white outfit. I picked up this map-faced watch a few months ago but only recently started to wear it but it looks so cute with the tan strap and is also pretty handy. I'm not sure it's still stocked on Everours but Urban Outiftters are selling one similar here.

I'm in love with these sandals so much that I even went back and picked up another pair in black (so I'll be pretty much wear them constantly until Autumn rolls around). At £8 a pop they're so so cheap and the quality isn't actually too bad. They're so comfortable with no annoying bit inbetween your toes (which I cannot stand!) and will go with most outfits through the Summer months.

What highstreet gems have you picked up lately?

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April Favourites!

April has really flown by and like every month, there's been alot of things that I've been loving. I've whittled it down to just these...

Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo & Conditioner - I picked these up on a quick dash to Tesco after running out of shampoo. After sampling every scent I settled on Argan & Camellia Oil and it smells heavenly. They lather up really well and leave my hair feeling silky smooth and smelling amazing all day.

Tangle Teezer - I have such fine hair that it gets knotted really easily, which is where this steps in. It's the perfect size and shape to fit in the palm of your hand and just run through your hair. I love it because it doesn't pull at all and just glides through my hair, detangling my unruly hair on its way.

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour (Cheeky Chops) - This is a nail varnish I have re-purchased time and time again, along with their Pink Grapefruit colour. I love the No7 varnishes as they don't chip as quickly as most and really do stay perfect. I'm loving the shade Cheeky Chops at the moment as it's the perfect bright coral for Spring.

Propercorn (Sweet & Salty) - You could say I've become a little obsessed with this stuff...I may have even stocked up with a few bags. Propercorn is the perfect snack if you're not sure what you fancy as you get a little bit of sweet and a little bit of savoury. Also, at 129 calories a bag, it's a guilt-free treat.

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Summer Glow Lotion - Now we're starting to get the warmer weather I needed a little something to make my legs look a little more human and a little less ghostly. As this is a gradual tan you can use it just like a moisturiser, and it will slowly build up a lovely, subtle colour. I apply this with a mitt to avoid any streaks and after a few applications I have a nice summery glow.

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Butter - All of the body butters at The Body Shop smell ridiculously good, but I'm a sucker for a citrus scent. This smells delicious and leaves my skin feeling nourished and fresh!

What have you been loving in April?

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My Top 5 Mac Lipsticks

 L-R: Ruby Woo  -  Lady Danger  -  Morange  -  Impassioned  -  Coral Bliss

Narrowing down my 5 favourite Mac lipsticks was tricky, but I think I've managed. I'm a lover of bright lipsticks as you can now probably tell, and these 5 are my most used & loved. At £15 a pop I can see why some people opt for drugstore lipsticks instead, I have loads myself, but I do like treating myself to Mac lipstick now and then as they last forever, have a huge variety of colours and just feel good!

First up, Ruby Woo. This is one of the Matte formula lipsticks by Mac and can be quite drying and tug when applying, but if you use a lipscrub (recipe here) and balm beforehand you'll have no problem. I prefer to apply this with a lipbrush to get a neat lipline or it can look a tad messy. All that said, I love this. Being an opaque blue-based red it makes my teeth look whiter, which is always a good thing. I love wearing this all year round (who says reds are just for winter?) and it makes me feel kinda sassy. I have a lot of red lipsticks (and I mean alot), but this is my go-to red.

Lady Danger. Mega heart-eyed emoji. I bought this in duty-free at the airport before a holiday and I'm glad I did because this looks so good with a tan. This is another matte formula lipstick but I don't find it drags upon application at all. It's described as a 'vivid, bright coral-red' and it really is. I think this colour would suit pretty much every skin tone, but I especially love this when I'm tanned. 

On braver days, I like to wear Morange. 'Loudmouth Orange' is how it's described, which I would say is pretty on point. This looks best with a pretty simple face, so a flawless base and a quick swish of mascara is all you need with this. Being it's complimentry colour, it really makes blue eyes pop, but I also think it'd really suit brown eyes (and all other coloured peepers) too. It has an amplified cream finish and is smooth and easy to apply. If you looking for a wearable but intense orange, this is for you.

I never feel Impassioned is done justice in photos, the true colour never shows but this is an 'amped up fuschia' with purple undertones. Again, it's an amplified cream formula, which is great for sore lip days (which I have more than my share of) as it doesn't cling to dry patches. This is another one that suits every complexion, and I find it really wearable both when I'm palest of the pale and when I have a nice tan going on.

I mentioned Coral Bliss in this post, as my everyday go-to shade, as it's so wearable and goes with pretty much everything. Great for a fresh, spring face.

What are your favourite Mac lipsticks?

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