Thursday, June 20

Beach Ready: Cosmetics



When it comes to going to the beach or just generally being on holiday/at home and it's too hot to trot with full face makeup on, there is a solution. Here I have compiled my go-to cosmetics when I go to the beach or if I'm too warm on holiday.

What to do:

1 Sun cream is an essential, even for everyday wear, if it's hot, cold or raining, you must protect your skin from harmful UV rays. So I always apply this first, after I have exfoliated and used toner. The other great thing about sun cream, is that it acts like a moisturizer, so throughout the day your skin will be left feeling hydrated and smooth - not to mention you'll have a healthy glow. I always wear SPF 50.

2 Then it's on to the concealer, under the eyes and on any imperfections.

3 Tom Ford's Illuminating Highlight Pen is a lifesaver, applying some on the cheekbones and on the bridge of your nose will give a healthy glow. To apply this and the concealer, I use my cosmetics hero, the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

4 Next it's onto the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact to add a sun kissed tan to your face and neck. This works well with the Tom Ford Highlighting pen.

5 Even if you are one of those people that would prefer not to wear makeup to the beach, mascara is a must, and this Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara makes your eyes really pop.

6 For a lovely glossy pink colour on my lips I always apply the Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss.

Wednesday, June 19

Lovely Links


1 Never heard of Bikram yoga, but now I am definitely going to be looking out for a class nearby! (vogue.co.uk)

2 The place to get your favourite beauty products for a fraction of the price. (fragrancedirect.co.uk)

3 I think I have just discovered my new naughtiest indulgence. (henryhappened.com)

4 This dress, and the whole Rebecca Taylor collection, is on my wishlist! (rebeccataylor.com)

5 Over the moon that I found this travel blog, let's go explore. (baileycakesblog.com)

6 Due to my love (and obsession) with espressos, I'm smitten with this article. (guardian.co.uk)

7 I'm still in shock(!) - what celebrities looked like in the 90's ... can you believe this is Nicki Minaj?! (chacha.com)

8 I am now officially on the hunt for one of these beautiful lantern cages. (pinterest.com)

DIY Tea-Light Holders


I decided to make good use of my plain glass tea light holders, by decorating them with ceramic gold paint. I generally have a minor obsession with candles, especially with pretty ones; such as Jo Malone and Diptyque. However when I was on holiday last year I spotted some gorgeous hand painted and decorated tea light holders. Yet due to them being difficult to safely get back to Britain, I had to unfortunately leave them in Corfu ... but they've been on my mind ever since. To be honest, I think that there is something  really nice about having unbranded candles, because sometimes there is really nothing worse than a brand/logo over dominating your house. Also, it's just generally fun and more fulfilling to create/personalize your very own.

You will need:
Tea light holders/vases
Ceramic paint of your choice (mine was gold)
Paintbrush
Steady hand(!)

Firstly I decorated a tea light vase with dots of gold, doing a total of four lines of the dots, in a diagonal pattern. I began with the bottom layer, building my way up to the top.
I then did a vase with horizontal gold lines. Starting again at the bottom and building my way up.
Then for a modern, geometric style, I did zigzagged lines. I would say this way the trickiest.
Then leave them to dry upside down on a sheet of paper for a minimum of 24 hours.

Tuesday, June 18

Splurge or Save

1 Versace Print Triangle Bikini / 2 French Connection Rose Bud Bikini Top & Briefs

Summer has finally arrived and vacations are rapidly approaching, however every year I always am in search of a new bikini, something a bit different from the rest and when I found these two nearly identical red patterned/embellished bikinis I wanted to hit the 'Add to Shopping Bag' button. However, it is always worth browsing around for the best deal ... and who knows, you may prefer a bikini you find later on! This year for me, it's all about a statement bikini.