Simple Facial Wash Gel

Ever since I can remember first buying skincare products Simple products have always been a brand I have trusted. The brand is famed for being aimed at those with sensitive skin but unlike so many brands I like does not have a hefty price tag.

The issue I have with so many affordable cleansers is how so many of them actually make me breakout far worse than not using them. After experimenting with so many face washes I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to go back to basics, not buying products containing numerous amounts of chemicals. All these cleansers are actually doing is stripping my skin of any goodness that needs to be there. Even after a few washes with my coconut oil and Simple I saw notable differences in how my skin felt and looked. I don’t have that horrible squeaky feel but skin that feels clean from all my makeup being removed and any breakouts have been dramatically reduced.

With the inclusion of Vitamin E and Vitamin B5 means this gel is designed to heighten how healthy and glowing your skin looks and feels. Containing no fragrance, I believe is also vital against skin that can become irritated and potentially prone to breakout. My skin has reaped the benefits of swapping to the use of my Simple skincare products so if you think you suffer with similar skin concerns then maybe it is time to reconsider your skincare routine too.

My Love of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has for a long time been on my radar for its numerous health and beauty benefits. I am constantly in disbelieve how versatile one jar of coconut oil can be. The Real Food Company Coconut Oil is 100% raw, organic cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil meaning it is the purest it can be. When choosing coconut oils so many different ones are on the market, therefore it is very important to check carefully you are not buying one which contains anything but 100% coconut.

Coconut oil has been an absolute winner as an alternative to other types of oil for cooking. However, I’ve been particularly loving experimenting with coconut oil in some of my baking creations. I’m totally loving how different my baking is tasting using other types of ingredients other than butter and conventional flours and sugars. Somehow it also makes having an extra piece of cake slightly more justifiable too… Side note: coconut oil is so yummy on toasted fruit bread instead of butter.

Not only has this been brilliant in cooking, but also in my haircare routine. With hair that is pretty in need of a cut at the moment I have used this melted between my fingers as a hair mask once or twice a week through the length of my hair for 10-15 minutes before showering with my normal shampoo leaving my hair beautifully soft and looking nourished. Apparently, coconut oil is also ideal for heat protection so that is a brilliant natural bonus for me.

With regard to the beauty aspect of coconut oil whilst finishing up some of my sample cleansers I apply this onto my face and neck through melting the oil between my fingers. I then wash this away with warm water. The oil is really safe for use around the eye area and seems to get into my pores to pick up all that dirt and makeup that may have accumulated throughout the day. Sometimes I like to use a double cleansing method to get rid of some of the coconut oil residue left but more often than not just using the coconut oil is enough for me.
My Mum now also keeps her jar near the kitchen sink for applying after washing up as this makes the best hand cream.

I’ve spied many other ways coconut oil can be used. I am not totally sure how I feel about brushing my teeth with it but I truly can see a lot of other things working well with coconut oil.

The smell just seems to add to the appeal- I imagine yummy cocktails and exotic summer holidays to smell like this. Absolute heaven.

June Favourites

June has been an extremely busy month for me both working most days of the week and also trying to fit in seeing various friends and family. This month has not seen many new favourites but here are three things that I have been really loving.

* I apologise for the poor quality of picture. I couldn't take this with my normal camera and I didn't realise how poor it was until it came to editing and sorting this post out.... Sorry!!*

Calumurid Pro Hand Cream: I have been trying a range of the Calmurid products because these are designed for people with particularly dry skin and eczema. The hand cream has deserved a particular mention this month though because working and being on the go has at times left my hands in need of a little TLC at the end of each day. I don’t rate the smell to be honest but my hands have obviously reaped the benefits of regular use.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Rose Gold: A definite range of matte and shimmery eyeshadows I go back to time and time again. I find with this a little definitely goes a long way and combined with some of my other eyeshadows I absolutely last the staying power and finish it gives to my makeup which can be made to be bold or a subtler shimmer.

Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough ‘Wich’: Oh boy if you love Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough is definitely the thing for you! This is two cookies sandwiched together with vanilla ice cream. Eating these I honestly think I’ve died and gone to heaven. These come in various sizes a smaller eight pack or the larger 3 pack. Plus, they now do this in tubbed ice cream form too. I really hope they consider doing these in other flavours too.

Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo

Recently, I’ve been trying out a range of new shampoos and conditioners. I find I either get quite bored of using the same brand of hair products or I find it’s quite beneficial for my hair not becoming reliant on a series of products. I often fear my hair takes a bit of a battering from being exposed to heat frequently, so often I like to look for new products that keep some of those concerns at bay.

The Dove Nutritive Solutions Intensive Repair range which includes shampoo, conditioner and also a hair treatment mask which all contain keratin shown to improve the strength and health of hair. I bought the shampoo as a trial as in the past I’ve found the consistency of both the Dove shampoos and conditioners to be a little too thick for my liking. However, this shampoo definitely seems to be a much better consistency that allows you to create a good lather that can be rinsed out easily. I’ve been combining this with my current conditioner, a Tresmee one, that to be honest I don’t love but needs using. The results have definitely been pleasing with a good lasting scent, hair that looks super silky and best of all I don’t feel such an urge to reach for any dry shampoos as grease is not an issue between hair washes. Hooray!!

I’m definitely considering going to purchase the conditioner and hair treatment mask to try as I would be interested to see in combination how well the range as a whole will work for my hair.

A few things I've learnt in my first year of University

I have finally finished my first year of university. Hooray!! This year has gone so unbelievably quickly that Freshers' and being in a whole new city seems many moons ago.

I have learnt a lot in my first year of university, so here are a few things I want to share with you:

1) Freshers' Week: It is totally normal to feel slightly lost in Freshers’ Week everyone is in exactly the same boat. Don’t forget that! Although people don’t admit it for some people it is not the best week of their lives, and not quite what it is hyped up to be. People tend to be quite fake in the first few weeks of university as everyone is desperate to make friends. Some people I spoke to in my first couple of weeks I haven’t spoken to since, but you’ll never know if they could be your friend unless you make the effort to speak to them.

2) Budgeting: Something that both my parents and lots of other older friends used to bang on about. Seriously, it is worth sticking to some sort of budget to make sure that your student loan is stretching as far as you need it to. It may take some time to work how much you can get away with spending on food, rent, bills and importantly going out but it will be worth it when you are not heavily reliant on your overdraft.

3) Nights out: An important topic for any student and some of my best memories of my first year have been made on nights out. I have trashed so many pairs of shoes this year, so my advice would definitely be to buy a couple of pairs you like but are cheap and can get ruined without too many tears. Ensure you put some cash aside at the start of the night it will save you so much embarrassment later on. Your drunken self may thank you too.

4) Housing: I take the view to not stress to much about housing for second year until after Christmas unless you know you are going to be a large group. I am living with 7 other people next year and we found it slightly difficult finding the right house at the end of January, but it all worked out pretty well. Never feel pressured by the agent to make an instant decision. Go with your instinct slightly on whether the house feels right. If there is mould or any sign of damp, it’s a definite NO!!

I really hope that this might be of some help to someone.

A Moment of Reflection

I decided for this week I wanted to do a slightly reflective post. I stopped writing a diary when I first started at university which I really miss. I got into bed a few days ago and just for a few seconds I lay there thinking about the last year and what has happened in this space of time. On occasions like this I would go back to consult my diary to see how I was feeling, see where I’ve come from and how things have changed but lots of those memories and in the moment emotions have obviously never been written down.

I am currently about a week away from starting my exams for the end of my first year of university. Funnily enough I was doing virtually exactly the same thing last year and was stressing over preparing for the most important exams of my life, so far. Many people will know that my exams don’t count towards my degree this year so maybe I’m slightly less stressed this year. I’ve learnt so much about myself in the last year- my taste in boys or maybe lack of taste?! That is most certainly open to debate. I’ve had to learn to make new friends meeting some of the kindest people ever but missed some of the ones I already had.

The last year has been crazy with doing a major house move, passing my driving test- goodness the freedom that has given me, getting contact lenses. I’ve realised that having to do adult things is not all that its cracked up to be. Signing tenancy agreements for renting a house and learning to pay bills was a tad scary but something I knew I had to do.

I feel so much is yet to come especially over the next two years, but I am thankful for the all the experiences that I have had over the last 12 months which have helped me develop and become stronger. Who knows what’s ahead?

Exam Stress Necessities

The joys of exam season are on us again. Over the last few years of taking public exams I have gained a few things that get me through these horrible few weeks of exams. Virtually, all I want to do is curl up in a ball and hope they go away but that is definitely not going to get me anywhere. Instead I often try to include a few special treats during my day to make a lot of revision that more bearable and to have something to motivate me. Sweet treats are a must, the ban on buying chocolate has been lifted for the next few weeks, and sometimes a quick sugar boost just does the trick. On this occasion I did buy Cadburys Fruit and Nut, but the new Cadburys bars with Oreos and other amazing things may have to go in my basket when current chocolate levels are running low. Tea is also another exam essential in my life. I can’t find many other things that are as comforting as a mug of hot tea. A great relaxant before bed.

Exam season also calls for lots of evening DVD and series watching. Chick flicks or Disney have to be on that list for a good singalong or cry. Well nothing that is too taxing on the brain really! This week I have been out quite a bit with some of my friends which has been brilliant for taking my mind off any exam stresses. Being all in the same boat really helps to know you aren’t alone but has helped me get any worries off my chest. The plans for the next few days are having some pampering sessions, my skin is in desperate need of some TLC, and also being out in the beautiful sunshine for some much needed exercise with some of my music.  

Have you got any other good exam season tips or tricks? Fingers crossed for anyone also sitting exams too.

Mini Samples Review

About two weeks ago I put up an Instagram picture showing some the of the samples that I have got to try and I thought it might be a good idea to tell you what I thought of some of them.

Grounded Chocolate Orange Body Scrub: After quite a bit of hype over this range of body scrubs I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some to try. Of the three I would have to say this would have been the last I would have tried not being a massive fan of chocolate orange. However, I was surprised by how much I liked the smell being so chocolate orange. This scrub is very messy so trying this in the shower is very important. I think the packaging is something different and attractive in keeping with the coffee idea, but ideally it really needs to be made of a more waterproof material if coming into contact with water.
What is also pretty cool is they are running a competition for a trip to Paris if you upload a selfie onto Instagram using your Grounded Scrub.

Alpha H Micro Cleanse with Glycolic acid and Peppermint: I often so many exfoliants seem to merge into one and can often feel quite harsh which puts me off wanting to use them. I have used this about once or twice a week for 3 weeks and because the beads are much finer than in other exfoliants this seems to do a better job of unclogging my pores. My skin seems much brighter with the inclusion of cucumber and the anti-bacterial peppermint properties ensure my skin truly is clean. For the time being I will have to stick to some other more affordable exfoliators but the Alpha-H range has so much on offer.

Vichy Normaderm Anti- Blemish care: I’ve never knowingly used any Vichy products before but I always like trying new moisturisers. This claims to help any hormone imbalances around the time of your period which may increase the chances of blemishes and the production of extra sebum. I honestly can’t testify to these claims yet but I know that it has done a brilliant job keeping my skin hydrated and as radiant as it can be with a lack of sleep.

Trying to be Healthy: Snacks

Today I have a slightly different post, but none the less something that I love! Since starting university it has seemed so much harder to make sure I am both doing the amount exercise I am used to and also making healthy food choices. Many factors have meant I have had little control over both these aspects of my life. One key being paying to live in catered halls has meant I am slightly restricted on the amount of food options I have. Plus, sadly at the start of the year a recurring sports injury reared its ugly head again leaving me unable to run and do many sports so I’ve been slightly conscious of not overdoing exercise for fear of doing more lasting damage.

Healthy eating has always been very much on my radar and I am all for having some of ‘the bad’ stuff too in moderation. I always find my day seems to be much more productive if I can look forward to some kind of snack throughout the day. Working on an empty stomach does not suit me… cue a hangry Ella.

Therefore, I wanted to show you a few things I have got this week while food shopping and what I received in my Graze Box to have for my snacks.

In my graze box: Mango & Coconut Protein Yoghurt Topper with a Mango Coulis, Original Fruity Flapjack with dried apricot and seeds, Honeycomb Crunch with almonds and raisins, Peanut Butter and Pretzel Sticks.

I have just eaten the Flapjack which was absolutely delicious considering often I can’t stand dried fruit in flapjacks! I just love how easy your order is to manage with Graze allowing you to tailor your box to your needs, dietary requirements and how often you want a box delivered. The packaging is pretty insane too with individual pots that are perfect to take to the office or have on the go.

Food shopping: Banana Soreen Loaf, Jamie Oliver Tomato and Olive Quinoa, Kallo Paprika Ricecakes

The Soreen loaf got eaten up very quickly as it’s all squidgy and gooey but tastes very similar to my Mum’s homemade banana bread. I will definitely have to repurchase this as it is slightly better for you than a lot of other teatime treats. The mini lunchbox ones also look very appealing too! I have yet to try the Jamie Oliver quinoa but thought it was worth a try being on special offer. The Kallo ricecakes were also on special offer. These are spicer than I thought they would be. I have to say I do prefer the sweet ones in the range, but these are still delicious.

Did you like this post? Would you like to see more of this kind of thing?

April Favourites

It's so nearly the end of April. How?? So here are a few of my loves for April:

Jordans Muesli: I literally cannot get enough of muesli at the moment. I do find myself reaching for various mueslis and granolas over anything else for breakfast at the moment. I am always on the lookout for new mueslis to try. Sugar content has always been something that does concern me in cereals so I do like to look for the most natural and simple recipes I can.

Scholl Gel Activ Insoles for Flat Shoes*: I laughed when I started taking the pictures for this blog post as I realised in my excitement to test these insoles out I totally forgot to take any pictures before trashing the packaging. Oops!!... a rooky blogger error. I often find myself doing lots of walking and standing up while working so these have been amazingly comfortable and ideal for my flat feet for added support. Having sticky bottoms once in your shoes there is no slippage which can be so annoying. There are also various other types for heels and all shoe types so I may have to invest in a few more pairs.

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Varnishes: This particular one is in the colour Lychee. A firm nail varnish favourite, and one that seems to have had a lot of use this month after lots of events. I am the worst person for chipping my nail varnish but somehow this one seems to last a little longer than many others. I love the formulation too so now I find using normal nail varnishes a tad strange.

Witch Blemish Gel: This has done the trick after cleaning my skin for any stubborn red patches and spots overnight. I love the smell of witchhazel and this just seems so calming, but also allows my skin to breathe too.

Ella and Rose Patchouli and Vanilla Body Butter: I think I originally bought this from a supermarket with no real expectations. The smell of this is amazing, I’m not a massive a fan of vanilla, and seems to linger even once absorbed into the skin. The texture is quite creamy which I find means you don’t need much and sorts those troublesome drier areas out.

*Kindly gifted by Bzzagent

Time Bomb Powerball Intensive Moisturiser

Don’t you love it when you find products you thought you’d lost? I was first gifted the Time Bomb Powerball Intensive Moisturiser* very soon after it was first released. At the time I had many other moisturisers I needed to use up first and having never heard of Time Bomb it this was unfortunately put to the back of my shelf.

What is so striking on first appearance of the Powerball is the simple white, ball-shaped packaging which is not overstated. However, the Powerball aims to defeat dehydration causing ageing through the use of 21 natural hydrating elements particularly Ecotin and Thehalose which help the skin to maintain hydrated in both hot and colder climates.

I have been using this after cleansing in the evenings and even though the suggestion is to use a serum after moisturising I have felt no need to reach for any other products. I can say that it is the richest, yet lightest moisturiser I think I have ever used and thankfully I have not gone to bed feeling sticky as my skin immediately starts to absorb and hydrate. I have seen a difference in how hydrated my skin has looked when waking up with far less dry patches which seems to last throughout the next day too.

I’m just sorry that I haven’t given this or any of the other Time Bomb products a try before the last few weeks.

Have you tried anything from Time Bomb? What should I try next?

*PR Sample

25 Facts About Me.

Since it was my birthday this week I thought it would be a fun post to write 25 facts about myself. It is much harder than you think!

1)      I have an ‘unhealthy’ addiction to peanut butter and houmous. A slight issue...

2)      I have a twin brother called Angus, who is 9 minutes older than me (may explain why the picture above has been chosen.)

3)      I only have my ears pierced, and I have no wish to get anything else done.

4)      My family have just moved house for the 11^th time.

5)      My guilty crush is Ben Fogle.

6)      I’ve known since I was very little I want to become a teacher once I have finished my Geography degree and done a PGCE.

7)      When I was about 7 all I wanted to be when I grew up was the tooth fairy.

8)      I have never broken any bones *Touch wood.*

9)      I have a real fear of falling backwards, well that and at times heights.
10)   I really dislike cooked ham.

11)   Every time I watch Monsters Inc I cry.

12)   I’m definitely more of a morning person than a night owl.

13)   I have kept virtually every letter I have ever received since the day I started secondary school.

14)    I love going to sleep to the sound of rain.

15)   I am the least artistic person I think you'll ever meet.

16)   One of my biggest pet peeves is when people don’t put down the loo seat after using it. Thanks boys!!

17)   I literally love anything that is stripy.

18)   I am definitely more of a dog person than a cat person.

19)   I often enjoy getting ready to go out more than the actual going out.

20)   I hate smoking. I have never smoked and I never will.

21)   I take the view that everything happens for a reason in life.

22)   I absolutely hate being late for things. I get really panicky.

23)   People often tell me I am very observant, but also a very good judge of character too.

24)   Since I was little I’ve had a little puppet donkey called Cuggly who whenever I’m at home has to sleep in my bed.

25) I would do anything for my family and friends, they are my complete world.

4 Series I am loving on Netflix

Gone are the days where we need to wait for the DVD boxset to compulsively watch our favourite TV series. It is now easier than ever to binge watch our favourite films or TV on demand through numerous forms of TV monthly subscriptions or through catch up TV.

I hold my hands up and admit I am a massive fan of catch up and on demand TV services as it gives me the flexibility to watch what I want, where I and when I want. My definite guilty pleasure is getting into my pyjamas and binge watching a new series recommended to me by a friend. I have so many things I want to watch but here is what I have watched and loved recently:

Grantchester: The second series of this has just finished set in the 1950s starring the rather handsome James Norton as a village parish vicar who combines forces with a police detective to solve various crimes. The series is set in some beautiful areas. A definite watch if you like crime dramas with a bit of romance. ITV have also commissioned another series…!!

Call the Midwife: Another series set in the 1950s and 60s (can you see a trend already emerging in the kind of things I love watching!?) which follows the lives of a group of East London midwives and their patients. I love a bit of history and the series seems to cover some important life messages that make it a brilliant watch. I have laughed, cried and smiled through the many twists and turns of this programme.

Vicar of Dibley: After many years I decided this series was something that needed a rewatch. A total classic in our household and luckily something that everyone is happy to watch. As the name suggests the main character is a vicar and her hilarious parish. Alice’s wedding has me in stiches every time I watch it.

House: I am without doubt late to the party on this one. My Dad and brother watched all the seasons for this a few years ago, but I never really got into it. However, it wasn’t until I really gave it a few episodes that I got into it. The series follows Dr. House and his many clashes with other doctors over diagnosing his patients with some very exotic diseases.

Maybe that has given you some inspiration for your next TV binge. I would love to know what you have been loving as I'm always on the look out for new things to watch!

March Favourites

I can't believe we are already into April. Kind of scary we are already a quarter of the way through 2016. I have quite a variety of favourites for March including some Easter inspired favourites.

Crème Eggs

What would Easter be without these little beauties? They had to be included in this months favourites as I look forward to them every year Our household certainly went a tad overboard this year on Crème Eggs so I have quite a few to get through!

Naked Basics Palette

A brilliant palette for every day use. Obviously, I love the other Naked palettes with some mattes and shimmery shades but this a great for an understated neutral look. Perfect to pack up and take anywhere when the other palettes are slightly more bulky.

L’Occitane Rose Hand Cream

This is a repurchase after being given this for my birthday last year. Since my repurchase I think they might have updated their packaging which I think looks even better. This is has been an absolute staple for me over the winter months but has continued to be very loved into February and March. This is brilliant for those dry and chapped areas of your hands. A definite treat!

Cigarette Trousers

This pair are a Warehouse blue print. Quite a recent purchase and have worked very well with various shirts, jumpers and teamed with my pair of suede tassel loafers have been a great transition to the warmer spells of weather we have been having in the UK.

Anthropologie Measuring Spoons

I know truly my most random favourite to date but these have been invaluable in the kitchen over Easter. There is nothing quite like some vibrant kitchenware and there is something so happy about these.

If I could I would literally buy all my homeware in Anthropologie.

Would love to know what you have been loving throughout March.

Ella xx

What's in my Bag: Paul Costello Edition

I want to begin by firstly saying that I am that girl who often carries around stray hair ties, hairgrips and maybe a few stray cake crumbs. Plus, some other female essentials, but I am more than sure you don’t need to see those!? For the purposes of this post I have left out these minor components. I should try and empty my bag more often as I am sure carrying around some of the stuff I do acquire is not good for my back.

Paul Costello Bag:
I got given this beautiful black leather tote bag last year for my birthday. I tend not to use this all the time and go in definite fits and starts of using it dependent on my mood for the moment. I love the size of this bag but it unfortunately does fuel my issue with accumulating stuff.

Purse

This purse is faux suede and the absolutely ideal size for all my cards, money, railcard and holds a mini time capsule of all my past train tickets, receipts and bits of random paper with ‘important’ notes to self.

Student Planner:

Sadly, not the most attractive planner but it does contain my life! I would have a normal planner but this has really useful reminders and tips for your student budget, space for work, deadlines and notes. Basically, what any disorganised student might need. My Mum thinks it nannies me too much, but anything to make my life easier…

House keys and car keys: Well a necessity...

Glasses and Contact Lenses case:

I haven’t needed to change between the two while out as of yet, but better safe than sorry for any emergency.

Snack bars:

Well any type of bar really. This tends to sit in my bag for a while, but if I’ve learnt one thing from my Mum is that having a snack in your bag is a near essential. Having low blood sugar levels not cool.

Chewing Gum:

A rather battered packet but a definite essential. You never know when you might need it!?

A healthy supply of pens:

I do seem to acquire these like my stray hair ties and hairgrips.

Make-up and Beauty bits:

· Carmex: My absolute go to lip salve.

· Chanel: Le Volume de Chanel Mascara: Great for a quick midday volume boost. Maybe this does deserve a place other than at the bottom of my bag pocket.
· Clinique Chubby Stick in Chunky Cherry: I love how quick this is to apply. I really like the packaging on this too. Very easy for on the go.
· Hand sanitiser: I like to quickly use this if I am getting on and off public transport or if I am out and about having a bite to eat. I am by no means OCD about this but I’m sure it has helped avoid many nasty colds and coughs over the last few months.
· Chloe: A mini which was given to me last year by a lovely friend. It has taken me a while to get through this after having a mini Vera Wang Princess in my handbag. Always good for a quick freshen up during the day.

Now we are moving into Spring I would normally also carry around a pair of sunglasses. Quite often these are tortoiseshell wayfarers. I realised the other day what an issue I have with buying tortoiseshell sunglasses. This year I must break away from that vicious cycle…

Ella xx

6 Tiny Ways to Make Someone's Day

I've wanted to write a post like this for a bit. It is not about the material things in life and often the cheapest, simplest things offer the most happiness to someone else.

Katieandthekids.co.uk

1) Giving your unwanted things to a charity shop
I am currently in the process of moving house so now is the perfect opportunity for me to sort through my unwanted things. Charity shops are always in need of more things. You may not like your floral tops but I am sure someone else will!

2) Smiling at People
Something as small as this makes someone know you have acknowledged them and make them feel appreciated. I often found it difficult to speak to people I don’t know that well but often a smile as I pass them in the corridor or around campus makes them know I care.

3) Leave a message for someone to pick up
This may be sending them a message to tell them you are thinking of them, a sticky note on their desk or sending them a personal letter with something thoughtful inside.

4) Compliment someone on their outfit or hair for the day
I can’t tell you how happy I am when someone compliments me on something. It makes me feel like someone is taking an interest in me.

5) Bake or buy something to share in the office, at school or social gathering
This may not cost you very much but it shows you have thought about everyone else. A little bit of sugar never goes amiss. This kind of thing makes my day too!

6) Ask someone how they are
Allow yourself to be a listening ear, sometimes just showing that you can take the time out of your day to empathise and be thoughtful to someone else is a massive help.

Ella xx

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Five Places I'd Love to Visit

I thought I would post something a little different today as travel is something I love and want to do a lot more over the next few years. Picking only 5 places for this blog post I want to visit was actually very difficult. I have so many other places I want to visit:

1)      East Coast Australia and New Zealand: I’ve always had a bit of a dream to drive a campervan from Cairns to Adelaide or Melbourne. I think there are few places in the world that have such long stretches of beautiful coastline. The sun I think is a big attraction but I have been told that the atmosphere there is amazing.

I am not just thinking New Zealand and Australia in isolation and I would love to visit some of the nearby islands such as Fiji and even Bora Bora… swimming with pigs sounds very appealing!

2)      Marrakesh, Morocco: I’ve always wanted to experience souks. Apparently, a little bit of an intimidating experience but I love the idea of spice markets. There seems so much history in Marrakesh and the food is absolutely delicious.

3)      Santorini, Greece: The beautiful cobbled streets, weather, architecture, views and peacefulness of the place sounds blissful. The food is my absolute idea of heaven too. I feel like here you could really relax and enjoy your surroundings with hardly any distractions.

4)      Cape Town, South Africa: South Africa is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been abroad. I went to Johannesburg in 2014 to work in a school and to go on safari. I have family out near Cape Town so exploring the vineyards and areas such as Stellenbosch sounds absolutely incredible. Plus, if you are sitting on the correct side of the plane when landing during the day time in Cape Town you have the most spectacular views of Tabletop Mountain.

5)      Vancouver, Canada: I am not totally sure why I want to go to Vancouver. I think because I learnt so much about it at school. I love the idea of mountains. I love skiing and it would be nice to ski somewhere other than in Europe which I am very used to. The city has so much to offer too with Water Taxis to help get to different parts of the city.

I haven’t even mentioned wanting to go anywhere in the USA, South America, areas of Eastern Asia or other areas of Africa and even Europe. I will have to do a follow up post in the future and also see if I actually go to some of these places!

Ella xx
(Photo credit)

Benefit: Life of the Party Kit

This beautiful kit was released back in November. I have always thought the packaging on Benefit kits is always amazing. Being presented in lovely metal tins has always made these kits seem slightly different from other makeup brands. Practically, these means that they are much easier to keep clean and always travel much better than other kits I have used.

Benefit makeup but especially Benefit makeup kits are ideal for present giving. May it be your Mum, sister, cousin or a good friend. Well anyone who might like makeup. Benefit always successfully seem to create kits that contain some of the most popular and classic popular products that will suit most skin tones and preferences.

Contents of the kit:
The POREfessional (mini 7.5ml): Not being a full sized tube I know I am going to have to be sparing on when I use this, but a little does go a long way. This sits beautifully on the skin, not being too oily, and has helped my makeup last longer than without. I didn’t notice much difference in a reduced fine lines but definitely made all the difference for pore visibility.

They’re Real! Mascara (mini 3g) I literally cannot stop raving about this. I have used They’re Real before and it is a definite mascara favourite. I am not gifted with the longest lashes but this truly does make all the difference and the rubber wand ensures you get those smaller inner corner lashes too. What does make me slightly sad is how easy the writing seems to rub out on the side of the packaging.

Longwear Powder Shadows (from top): Call my Bluff, Nude Swings and Taupe if Off: Personally, I love these because these are classic shades that are very natural and not too loud. Call my Bluff works very well as a highlighter and the more bronze Nude Swings looks beautiful as an all over lid colour. These have really good staying power and should as the price of Benefit products suggest have great pigmentation. What is particularly sad though is the combination of these three shadows is not available in any other kit.

Benetint (Mini 4ml) One of the first products that Benefit ever released and still clearly a firm favourite among makeup wearers. This was definitely a product I used to be slightly scared of worried I would look more like a tomato than someone with a natural flush or rosy lips. I have slowly grown to trust myself a little more and love this especially as a quick lip product as it does not feel sticky. Be warned a little does go a long way!

Dandelion and Rockateur (split pan) I am not sure whether the colour pay off is great for both the Dandelion and Rockateur and I actually prefer some of my cheaper blushers for better colour. I can  definitely say feel for my skin tone a combination gives me a good healthy, glow though which might not be so obvious on darker skin tones.

Mini Face Powder Brush and a Double-ended sponge applicator I haven’t actually used these yet!

Plus, like many other Benefit kits a little book comes containing tips and tricks to using all the products which for anyone who is just getting into makeup is definitely really helpful.

The only missing thing in this kit is a concealer, foundation and in my case a good brow gel for a full face of makeup but I can be quite fussy on these things so this suits me well.

At the moment Benefit are selling this kit on sale for £19.66, so if this sounds like your type of kit then I would get your skates on.

Ella xx

L'Oreal Studio Pro Ultra Smoothing Cream

Anyone who know me will know I have a massive love hate relationship with my hair. I have naturally very wavy/curly hair that is naturally very voluminous. I often have a massive case of wanting what I can’t have, i.e. hair that will not go frizzy the moment I step into any humidity or at the sight of a speck of rain. I want hair that will look sleek and well maintained.

I have tried a few products that suggest the same results as the L’Oréal Studio Pro Smoothing Cream and have been a bit of disappointment really. Trying this I was originally a little sceptical of its ability to be any different from any other similar haircare products I have tried.

Over the course of the last few weeks I have been putting this to the test smoothing through the lengths of wet hair and then drying normally with a hairdryer. This is where I’ve had to take the next step using hair straighteners to get the desired sleek look otherwise I’ve ended up with hair that resembles hair with no product in. This cream really does have some great staying power and I have noticed humidity and rain hasn’t been so much of an issue for flyaways.

I have not had any issues over using heat on my hair using the Smoothing Cream as this product is formulated with heat protection properties. I don’t like to straighten my hair too often, but I have peace of mind that I am not doing so much damage to my hair. I have been really pleased with how my hair has felt after using this product too. There is always a concern of hair appearing and feeling slightly greasy. No such problem here!

The smell is one which reminds me slightly of going to the hairdresser. Very fresh and subtle especially once applied to the hair. I know this product must be doing the trick if people think my hair is looking healthy and well maintained.

The back also has some handy tips on how to use the cream using their website, so I will have to try using this cream in a different way to see if does the trick when styling also.

Ella xx