Meet Mia... (Clarisonic Mia!)

The biggest of my recent skincare splurges recently... I finally caved in and bought a Clarisonic Mia! After hearing so many amazing things about it, umming and aahing for a good year, and wincing at the thought of handing over 120 hard earned pounds, I closed my eyes and pressed the Checkout button at Current Body.

Mine is the limited edition colour "Peony" which I am actually in love with! Currentbody offer a two year guarantee on their Clarisonics, and also a 60 day money-back guarantee! They also offer a price match on other sites, so should you find the Clarisonic cheaper anywhere else, just email their extremely friendly customer service team who will match the price! I ended up paying just over £97 for this baby, which I am over the moon with. I can honestly say I have never been more excited to wash my face - I just have to wait 24hrs for it to charge.. Boo! 

As with all of my recent skincare purchases, I will be sure to keep you updated with how I find them. Just one question for all you lucky people with Clarisonics: which cleanser(s) do you use with it? I'm a bit overwhelmed and not sure what to use!

Have you been tempted by a Clarisonic before? 

xxx

Recent Skincare Purchases...

I love reading posts like this, so I thought I'd share with you some of my latest skincare purchases! My skin has been really bad recently so I decided to invest in some new items...

Re-Gen Cream - £4.50

I bought this as Zoella has raved about its ability to get rid of acne scarring. It contains the same sort of ingredients as Bio Oil, but in a moisturiser form. I was really surprised how light it is, despite containing all sorts of oils. I can't wait to start seeing some results!

Etat Pur Salicylic Acid 300mg - £12.20

Another spot treatment here. I have heard a lot about Etat Pur on blogs, and my skin is pretty bad at the moment, so I caved in and bought it. My skin has also reacted well to Salicylic Acid in the past, so I'm expecting good things from this!

Alpha-H Liquid Gold - £28.50

I first heard about this from Ruth @Amodelrecommends and it has recently exploded in the blogosphere! From numerous reviews, it uses 5% glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin, refine pores, clear up breakouts and fix scarring. Sounds like a miracle in a bottle! I am so excited to try this, and will definitely review it soon!

Origins Super Spot Remover - £13

This seems to be the cult spot treatment on blogs at the moment, so I just had to hop on to the band wagon and try it out! Now, Bloggers have mentioned how small this is, and I thought yeah ok. They weren't kidding - this thing is tiny! My mouth actually dropped a little bit when I first received it. "I just paid £13 for that?!" The bottle is literally comparable to a penny! It better show some amazing results..

Ren Clearcalm 3 Clarity Restoring Mask - £30

Ren is another brand very popular with bloggers at the moment, so I decided to try one of their face masks. I've been in need of a good one for a little while now, and feel it'll do the world of good for my skin! Here's to hoping...

What are your favourite blemish busting skincare items?

xxx

My Miracle Nail Strengthening Products: Part 3/3 – OPI Nail Envy

I have definitely saved the best until last for my strengthening nails series. Forget all of the other nail treatments, which promise to make your nails stronger than diamonds, (ahem, Sally Hansen, I’m talking about you!) OPI Nail Envy actually works.  

I apply this once a day following my Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter to ensure my nails remain strong and healthy. The Nail envy features an extra wide applicator brush, meaning application is incredibly quick and easy! I have been using this for a good few years now, and I believe I first noticed a difference after I applied it religiously once a day for two weeks. The instructions say to apply once a day for a week, then remove the polish and start over again, to ensure you see optimal results.  Follow this, along with a good cuticle moisturiser and you’ll have strong nails in no time!

OPI Nail Envy retails at £18.55 here for a 15ml bottle, which I don’t think is too bad at all! A bottle lasts me a good few months, and it is well worth the investment in my opinion. It also doubles up as a great top coat! You can also purchase a Maintenance version of the original (right in the photo), which you are supposed to use having used the original for six months. To be honest, I haven’t noticed much difference between the Maintenance and the Original, so I say sticking with the Original is your best bet!

I hope you enjoyed my Nail Strengthening Series and my advice has helped you on the way to strong, healthy, gorgeous nails!

xxx

New Look's Holiday Hop

Following Michelle's blog post about New Look's Holiday Hop, I unleashed my creativity and compiled an entry! The brief was as follows...

"Imagine you are going to Ibiza for a long weekend. Create a post on your blog stating which items from the New Look store you would wear to complete each of the following outfits on your holiday. You can create one of five outfits, so get creative and show off your style with the items you would wear and tell me why you'd wear it."

So, here are my entries! I wanted to capture and combine some on-trend pieces, but make sure the outfits are ideal for the Ibiza climate, and also has a sophisticated, rock-chick edge, so it wasn't too girly, and more grown up! I have also shared these looks on Facebook and Twitter, so please hop over and like/retweet!

"Arriving at the airport, I am snuggled up to the comfy grey hoodie as the definition of a British summertime is rain and grey skies! I keep telling myself I'll soon be in warm, sunny Ibiza, as Venga-boys is on replay on my iPod. Wooooah, we're going to Ibiza! Ohhh, back to the Island! For ultimate travel comfort, my advice is to throw on a zip hoodie, like this one from New Look. Don't worry - as soon as you hit Ibiza, you can just take it off, and have a super-stylish holiday-ready outfit underneath! Two outfits for the effort of one! Add an element of style to the outfit with a gorgeous sheer floaty top, teamed with vintage-look mini shorts. My outfit for travelling:

My hair would be in a messy bun for effortless style, slicked back and out of the way with a few bobby pins and a super stylish cross-link headband. As soon as I arrive, I'd add the beautiful turquoise flower to get me in the summer spirit! Think Jessica Alba for the perfect messy bun...

Upon arriving at Ibiza, an overwhelming sense of serenity overcomes me, as I throw the hoodie in to my luggage, let my hair down and hit the beach! After all, I had to as I've worn my bikini on the plane all the way from England! My best piece of advice for hitting the beach is to mis-match your bikini - it's the perfect way to show off your individuality and create a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind look!

After a couple of hours relaxing and recuperating on the sun-soaked beaches, I hit the Ibiza clubs! I would stay in the bikini top, due to the sizzling Ibiza climate. It also doubles up as a super-cute bralet! In addition, I'd throw on a light and airy skirt to add a stylish edge to my club outfit. The skirt doesn't take up much space in a beach bag, so it's perfect for just throwing on after a long beach day! I would swap the over-sized beach tote for a sparkling clutch and I'm ready to go! My Beach to Club outfit:

Tousled beach waves would be perfect for both of these looks. For the day at the beach, I'd wear the gorgeous feathered hair clip for a laid back beach look. Then, to transform the hairstyle to club-ready, I'd clip back small front sections of hair with these sparkling bobby pins. I'd get inspiration from Miley Cyrus...

Following an amazing night at Ibiza's best clubs, I'm feeling a little delicate, so a day by the pool is exactly what the Doctor ordered! Cut-out costumes are HUGE this summer, and I love this electric blue number. After a quick dip in the pool, I'd add a kaftan as a little cover-up, as it's too hot for clothes in the blazing Ibiza sun! My accessories for a poolside outfit would definitely be a straw hat and over-sized sunglasses, to keep the sun off your face while you're having a cheeky pool-side read! My outfit:

A loose plait would be perfect for relaxing by the pool. I'd want my hair out of my face, but still looking pretty and also relaxed. I would add a few bow hair grips to make the look cute and ensure it's not too plain. They also go perfectly with the sunglasses! The queen of plaits has to be Fearne Cotton...

After a day of relaxing, I'm raring to go again! I met a guy at the clubs last night, and he's invited me out to a local restaurant! I can't wait to see him again - he's gorgeous! I really want to impress him, so I've chosen my outfit carefully... I chose the deep red as the colour pop for my outfit to transform my outfit from flirty beach day to sophisticated date night. Studs are huge this season, so I incorporated them in to my outfit in the form of the shirt. Its light flowy material is perfect for warm Ibiza nights- highly recommended by me! Its important not to go overboard with studs though - you don't want to scare your date off! You definitely need a quick sweep of glittery eye-liner over fake eye lashes, and killer heels to complete the look.

To ensure my outfit is sophisticated, I'd use one of New Look's super handy hair doughnuts to create a neat bun. For inspiration, I'd look to Kim Kardashian, whos hair is ALWAYS perfect!

The date went so well last night! We're meeting at the beach today, which will be SO much fun! I've kept my outfit nice and casual, and I'm looking forward to a fun day out before I leave the gorgeous Ibiza this evening. I kept my outfit stylishly simple, as you don't want to over-do it on the beach! I would recommend one focal point for the outfit, then a few small extras, don't go mad! After all, you want all attention to be on your newly-acquired tan! The beaded bikini was my focal point, then I added a simple hat, shorts, and sandals. When walking around the seafront, I'd add the bracelet, worn as an anklet, for a little summer sparkle!

For my final day on the beach, I would plait the front sections of my hair and clip them back with some lovely flower hair grips, which would complement my bikini and nail polish perfectly! I would leave my hair wavy and down, but if it gets too hot in the Ibiza sun, I'd put it in to a pony tail with a chic spiked hair band. I would look to Pixie Lott for this hair style...

I have the most amazing time in Ibiza, I don't want to go! I will definitely be back soon, and I have got my date's number, so who knows what will happen? But for now, it's off to the airport..."


I had SO much fun entering this competition and have my fingers and toes crossed that I am lucky! Thank you so much to Michelle and New Look for hosting such an amazing competition! I hope you all found my advice helpful if you are lucky enough to be jetting off to Ibiza soon! Don't forget to retweet my outfit on Twitter and Like it on Facebook!

What do you think of my outfits? Which is your favourite?

xxx

My Miracle Nail Strengthening Products: Part 2/3 – Lush Lemony Flutter

Part two of my guide to achieving strong nails features one of my all time favourite and most repurchased Lush item! I even have my Mum hooked on this, I feel it’s one of the main reasons my nails are in such a good condition, in addition to my Crystal Nail file of course!

I smooth this gorgeous moisturising butter on to each nail and cuticle every night to leave them wonderfully moisturised by the morning. The butter is a little greasy, which is why I only apply it at night. Any residue works fantastically as a hand cream, though! You only need the tiniest bit to cover all of your nails so the pot lasts forever! I only have to purchase one a year – it’s amazing value!

Lush have packed this butter full of Organic, fresh ingredients: Shea Butter, Avocado Oil and Lemon Infusion to name but a few.   There are a lot of products similar to this – I know Burt’s Bees do a cuticle cream and OPI do a cuticle oil, but I feel this is superior – it’s a holy grail for me! My nails have never been in a better condition, and I will continue to purchase this for a long time! 

Lush have several stores up and down the county, or alternatively, you can purchase a 50g pot of Lemony Flutter online for just £5.95 – click here.

Do you use a cuticle butter/oil to strengthen your nails?

xxx

This Month's Giveaways - August-September

Hi everyone, just a quick post to let you know about giveaways August-September!

Carissa is giving away OPI polishes here!

Angie is giving away a Mac lipstick of your choice here

Huge international giveaway by Tattooed tea lady here

The black pearl is running a huge international giveaway here!

Glossyboutique is giving away some beauty goodies and a surprise here!

Fantastic international giveaway here

Fabulous illamasqua blush giveaway here!

Meg is giving away a Mac lipstick here

Shesaidbeauty giveaway here

Sarah's giving away some revlon goodies here!

Great sleek palette giveaway here

Win some great MUA products from Georgia's giveaway here

Great makeup bundle giveaway here!

Amazing international giveaway here!

Win great Topshop and essie goodies here!

Amazing Dahlia fashion giveaway here

Michaela is giving away a big beauty bundle here!

Great makeup and nail giveaway here

xxx

Avene Cleanance Lotion Toner - Summer MUST HAVE!

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll have seen I tried out Avene's Cleanance Range. I couldn't sing the range's praises enough - but this didn't particularly agree with my skin. At the time, the weather was much colder and my skin was much drier. However, now the Sun has finally reared its head, my oily skin is back *horay*. The gorgeous weather we're currently having gave me the perfect opportunity to re-introduce the toner in to my skin care routine.

During the summer, I love nothing more than to use a toner around midday to make my skin feel fresh again. Suncream and the increased temperatures play havoc with my skin, so I really like to get everything off midday and start a fresh. I usually use Lush's Tea Tree Water, however, it has definitely been replaced by Avene's Cleanance Toner.

"Wave goodbye to excess shine with the Cleanance Purifying Anti-Shine Lotion.

Formulated with specific active ingredients, this cooling lotion gently purifies the skin. Its matifying effect is made up of powders that absorb excess oil, so you're left with matte, shine-free skin that lasts. Added Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes irritation, and added Cucurbita regulates oil secretion.

Shake well before use, and apply to the face with a cotton pad.

Non-comodogenic, hypoallergenic, paraben-free."

The description of the toner is really fitting - the toner literally sweeps away all traces of oil, dirt and shine. It makes my skin feel really soft and refreshed, without feeling tight. It gives the perfect base for me to reapply my suncream. My suncream of choice is Avene's Hydrance Light SPF 20 on cooler days, and La Roche Posay's Anthelios Fluid SPF 50 (both reviewed here). The thing I have noticed most while using this toner is the reduction in oil production my skin has experienced. I can remember last summer how awful my skin was during the summer months, however, in addition to the Hydrance Light, my skin has been looking matte and shine-free pretty much all day! These two items are definite summer essentials for me - I would highly recommend them for oily, spot prone, yet sensitive skin. All of Avene's products are extremely gentle, they don't irritate my skin, and they really keep oil at bay.

What are your summer Skincare essentials?

xxx

My Miracle Nail Strengthening Products: Part 1/3 - Essie Crystal Nail File

Ever since I stopped biting my nails, (terrible hait, ahem!)  I have been trying to get them as strong as possible. I feel I’m at a place now where I can safely recommend a few wonder products which have helped me to achieve this. This three part series covers these products which I highly recommend to anyone stuggling with brittle nail. One of my first plans of action for strong nails was switching to a crystal nail file, and let me tell you - my nails have been in an amazing condition ever since!

My nail file is by Essie, a brand that has recently blown up in the Blogosphere following the launch of their Diffusion line in the UK.

 The crystal nail file leaves my nails incredibly smooth following filing them, and it makes maintaining them at a healthy length incredibly easy! A few strokes is all you need to perfectly file your nails down to your desired length. Unlike emery boards, the crystal nail file doesn’t leave a scratchy edge on your nail post-filing. Another great thing about the crystal nail file is it should last a lifetime if you use it in the advised way! It can also be rinsed with water and comes up as good as new after!

I bought mine from America, but I know that you can get them on Ebay (Click here) for £10.49.

What do you do to keep your nails strong and healthy?

xxx

Nourish Skincare Range: A Review

Following my review of some Organic Surge products (here), I was offered the chance to try some products from a new skincare range called Nourish. I am really in to natural, paraben-free skincare at the moment, so I knew these products would be perfect for me!

Nourish has four ranges featuring four different ingredients to suit different skin types. These include: Orange for Dry Skin, Apple for Combination Skin, Lavender for Sensitive Skin and Rose for Normal Skin. Each range features four key products: Cleanser, Toner, Moisturiser and Serum. This is one thing I really like about the company: they're not trying to sell you millions of different "wonder" products for every problem under the sun - it's just the basics (which are perfectly adequate, don't get me wrong!) 

I was sent two of their products to try out: The apple toner spritzer and lavender moisturiser. The first thing you'll notice about their products is the amazing scents! Really nice for waking you up in the morning!

"Balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. The refining mist restores the natural pH level of oily and dry skin after cleansing. Recommended for combination skin and to restore the skin's natural barrier. 97% Organic."

-Taken from their website

This is a really, really nice toner. I have always been a bit sceptical about toners as they've never really done much for my skin, except dry it out. This one is totally different: it soothes and calms my skin, without leaving it sticky or greasy. I have noticed that my moisturiser sinks in a lot quicker when I've used this, and I therefore use a lot less product. The scent is gorgeous - it smells of apple, but not a really artificial, sickly-sweet scent: It's very pleasant and refreshing. This would be perfect for taking on holiday for a quick refresh for your skin midday - the spritzer nozzle is perfect for this! The toner is free from alcohol so would be suitable for most skin types, and is a bargain at £8.95 for 100ml. I would really recommend this for the summer (if we ever get one!) as it is extremely refreshing and pleasant to use!

Next up, their Lavender moisturiser.

"With Organic Lavender Oil, Borage and special Shea Butter Nilotica, this delicate and light cream is rich is Omega Oils and balancing ingredients to sooth sensitive skin. Lavender is well known for its powerful anti-inflammatory actives that help to alleviate the effects of damaging free radicals, to reduce physical stress and relax the spirit and soothe the skin.97% Organic."

-Taken from their website

Now, I have to admit, this was a little too heavy for my skin. It broke me out, but I am pretty sure this is down to the shea butter content, as my skin doesn't get on well with it! I was determined not to let this lovely product go to waste, so I have been using it on my neck. My skin is ridiculously confused: my facial moisturiser gives me spots on my chest, but not my face, and this hasn't given me spots on my chest, but does on my face. Strange, right? Anyway, I'm not complaining as I really like this as a neck cream!

The moisturiser is quite thick - it reminds me more of a whipped butter than a cream, which would be very nice if your skin tends to be slightly dry. This makes it perfect for use as a neck/décolletage cream, as it is very moisturising and leaves my skin super soft by the morning. The gorgeous lavender scent makes this heavenly to use at night, as it really calms me down and helps me to sleep - big thumbs up! I also really like the extra little lid which comes with this moisturiser, it makes me feel the product is staying lovely and fresh! This pot will last you a long time - I have been using it for around a month now and I'm not even near half full. You really only need a little bit, as the moisturiser is very thick and nourishing, making it excellent value for money.

If your skin is fine with shea butter, then I'd really encourage you to try this, as it is a gorgeous moisturiser. If your skin is a little more combination, like mine, you'll probably be better off with their balancing moisturiser. 

Overall, I am really impressed with these products. They are extremely good quality for the price, and the ingredients really are something special. There is definitely something for everyone, and the products are extremely affordable and of an excellent quality. Both products mentioned are available on the Nourish website, and since I was sent them, the packaging has had a makeover. I liked the previous packaging, but the new is gorgeous! It makes the products look really up-market, and a lot more expensive than they actually are! Here are some examples of the lovely new packaging, and some of their products I'd love to try in the future.

Have you tried anything from Nourish?

xxx

Steal Her Style: Kendall Jenner *EXACT MATCH!*

Hi everyone! The other day, I stumbled across a dress on Motel Rocks which caught my eye. I could have sworn I'd seen it before, and I did!

Motel Goldie Bodycon Dress - £15 *ON SALE!*

Or, if pink is more your thing...

 

Motel Elsa Bodycon Dress - £18 *ON SALE!*

I actually couldn't believe it when I found these dresses as I LOVE Kendall Jenner! She always looks so gorgeous, and I'm so surprised how cheap these dresses are! What more could you ask for - exact matches, and they are both on sale!

xxx