October Favourites 2016 [Beauty]

Some of my beauty favourites for the month of October:

Lipstick - MAC Rebel 

My ultimate go-to lipstick for the Autumn / Winter time has to be MAC Rebel. This is a bold berry colour that doesn’t dry out the lips and like other MAC lipsticks it has lasting power. It’s hard not to feel like a bad ass wearing this one. LOVE. 

Primer: L'oréal Lumi Magique

This is a lovely glowy primer that is very affordable (€14.99 from Boots). The L'oréal Lumi Magique primer is a great dupe for the higher end Becca Backlight Priming Filter which is more than double the price. It provides a smooth base for foundation, while leaving your skin with a dewy fresh glow. It is quite white when first applied to the skin so this can be off putting if you haven't used this type of primer before but it blends nicely and helps foundation to stay put throughout the day. The packaging is perfect in that it is sleek and simple while also being compact. It comes with a pump for easy application and how cute is the pearl and rose gold design!

Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

This is actually the first proper setting spray that I have used on my skin and I am pretty sure I will be repurchasing this product once I've used it up. My skin has become quite oily lately and so it really needs any help that it can get when it comes to making my makeup last that little bit longer. It is lightweight on the skin and although a little bit pricey (€30.00 Debanhams) is worth the money in my opinion as it helps foundation to stay put for hours after this has been applied. I like the fact that it is oil free and doesn't feel sticky on the skin. 

Foundation: L'oréal Infallible 24 Hour Matte

Another L'oréal product (it helps that there is always a 3 for 2 offer on L'oréal makeup in Boots!) This matte foundation is perfect for any oily T-zone/combination skin sufferers. It blends perfectly into the skin and I love that the palest shade (Porcelain) is actually pale enough to match my vampire-esque complexion. There are at least 7 shades to choose from and at only €12.29 it is well worth the money for its lasting power (maybe not quite 24 hours though...I mean let's not get totally carried away) and for providing good coverage. This to me is not quite a full coverage foundation but it is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum and it is very buildable without being cakey. 

Face wash: Lush Angels on Bare Skin 

So let's be honest, this is not the most aesthetically pleasing cleanser in the world (it looks like regurgitated porridge...sorry for that image) HOWEVER do not let that put you off because this stuff is what skincare dreams are made of. Mix it with some water in your hand and it will turn to a paste which can then easily be applied to the face. It is extremely gentle and according to Lush is made from 100% natural ingredients, including lavender, kaolin (to absorb dirt and grease) and rose to calm the skin. This is perfect for a morning cleanse when you don't need to be as thorough as the evening but you want your skin to feel fresh and clean without drying it out. I actually forgot about this cleanser until a recent trip to Lush and I am so glad I repurchased this old time favourite. 

Hair Product: Sugar Hair Spray by M&G Australia

I was not familiar with sugar spray before coming across this one in TK Maxx but I was pleasantly surprised with the effect. Basically, a sugar spray is similar to the more well known salt spray but is typically less drying, resulting in a softer take on traditional beachy waves. This one contains mango and coconut and for this reason it smells HEAVENLY! It conditions the hair while providing texture, extra shine and bounce. It can be used on damp hair for loose beach waves by scrunching or spritzed on dry hair for a little bit of added volume. This is like sun holiday in a bottle (or at least as good as you're going to get for €5.99 in the midst of October/November!) 

                                                                    
That's all for now. Let me know in the comments what beauty bits you have been enjoying this month.

-SG

Digital Detox: Why I want to throw my phone in a bin [Lifestyle]

Recently I've started to wonder more and more what life would be like without Internet. One in which our hands (and heads) were not constantly attached to our iPhones or tablets by some sort of invisible umbilical cord. I was just saying the other day that I genuinely would like to go back to the 80s and live in a time when the internet had not yet taken over our lives. 

This might come as quite a surprise due to the fact that I, like many twenty something year olds, am permanently checking my smartphone...clicking on to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube (and Snapchat before I recently had enough of that one and deleted it from my phone altogether), going through my bank details on the daily, updating my to-do list on the reminders app, setting alarms (I do love an alarm) and just browsing whatever random thing pops into my head thanks to my good friend Google. 

I mean yes I'll admit that the Internet has made a lot of things easier. Gone are the days where we actually had to physically go to the library to renew a book or wait in line at the bank for our cash to be counted out in front of us. Now we can meet a friend for a coffee in the blink of an eye by simply sending a quick text or whatsapp message. 

Would you like to know what your cousin in San Francisco is up to? Why not Skype! Need to make an appointment at your local doctor? No need to make a phone call, there's an app for that now. Pizza craving? Just click onto justeat.ie and voila 30 minutes later there it is, just like magic. 

Isn't that all fantastic? 

Well no actually, it's not. 

Being a twenty something year old, with who knows how many "friends" on Facebook (half of whom probably wouldn't even stop to say hello to you if you passed them in the street), two Instagram pages (God knows why I have two), a member of every whatsapp group known to man is actually...what's the word? Draining. 

Social media is great when everything is going well in your life. You always enjoy getting updates on your nieces and nephews who look so cute in their Disney Princess ensembles, peanut butter smeared across their faces. It's nice to keep in touch with old friends from college and see what they're up to now, how they're doing. If you’re bored on a break at work you can mindlessly scroll through other people's holiday photos, planning your next get away. You congratulate your friend on Facebook for passing her accountancy exams, knowing she worked so hard and she deserved to do well. And occasionally you pass on your well wishes to whatever couple recently shared their engagement with the world. It’s easy. It’s quick. You’re happy for them. 

But not all the time. 

We all have those days when things don't go quite right…

You wake up a little unnerved and have your morning coffee. You can't seem to put your finger on it but there is something tick tick ticking away in the back of your head. You can't find the perfect outfit, the one that would make you feel that little bit more confident and so after a desperate rummage through your wardrobe you end up missing your bus. Ugh great, you're late now. 

You tell yourself it’ll be fine and off you trot to the job that you secretly don't really like, which you accepted anyway in order to pay for the skyrocketing rent in your postage stamp sized Donnybrook apartment. “A job is a job”, you try to convince yourself, “I’ll do it for now, I’ll get through the hard part and I’ll eventually find something better”. 

At the bus stop you automatically click onto Instagram and you begin the scroll. “Oh look another slim tanned model promoting a Detox Tea of some sort”, you think to yourself. She’s smiling away at you as you're late for your 9-5, yet again. "That lucky bitch", you think to yourself. “She probably never worked a day in her life, she wouldn’t have to wait 11 minutes for the 145 in this weather”.

                                                               

It’s five past 9 as you sneak to your seat as that smarmy guy who sits opposite you in the office tells you with a grin that you’re looking a bit “wind swept”. You ignore him and truck on dutifully. At 11’o clock you snapchat your latte with the caption "Mondays…groan". While you’re at it, you click onto your story and there she is in all her glory - that stupid beauty blogger guru influencer with perfectly straight white teeth. “What is she going on about now?” you wonder. “Who has time to listen to this stuff?’…you don't know what exactly because you’ve already muted her. Note to self: delete her. 

Somebody else has snapped an airport selfie, their glass of prosecco in shot. “Well look at you being original”, you muse away to yourself. Meanwhile as you make it back to your desk, over which a dark cloud has started to hover, your demon of a boss has plonked a load of papers on your desk for you to get through. You dream of white sands and seashells.

Finally, you come home at 6, wrecked. You slip off your pumps which are chafing away at the blisters on the soles of your feet. You replace the bandage with a sting. And you open the fridge to observe the situation. “Okay, I need to actually be healthy", you remind yourself. “Abs are made in the kitchen aren't they?”, I mean you definitely read that somewhere. Wholemeal bread it is, it'll go nice with a poached egg and beans. 

You turn on the TV and there are the Kardashians, munching away on their store bought designer salads with their signature designer pouts. 10 minutes in and Kim's wailing after a close call with her diamond earring failing to resurface from the ocean. "People are dyingggg", Kourtney drawls in her slow Californian monotone. You switch to the news instead and needless to say she is right, people are in fact dying.

Two seconds later you get distracted by a Daily Mail article highlighting yet again another female celebrity who is shamelessly "flaunting" her curves like some sort of slutty sorceress. ‘WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS?’ is the tone you’re picking up on. 

It’s at this point that you have decided that you would actually prefer to relocate to a dark hole under a mossy rock. You formulate a carefully thought out plan that entails packing away the last of your cans of beans and a few good books, which by the way are sitting there on your bed side table looking at you mockingly.. "look at her on her phone again!” they whisper to one another with a smirk. "We've been here for a whole fort night and she’s barely gotten past the prologue! The shame!” 

Jokes aside...do you ever just feel like you want to throw your smart phone in a bin? I know I do.

I think we've all had these thoughts and it's very easy to see why. Social media has taken over every aspect of our reality transforming what it once meant to be successful and happy. It's not just reality TV stars who are posting endless updates today and the world is filled with makeup gurus, fitness models, vloggers and bloggers (I mean look at me blogging away as we speak! How ironic.) 

It’s sometimes hard to keep up with all the changes going on within the digital world. And in a time when we're all so virtually connected, it can sometimes be a painful reminder that your situation is just not up to scratch. 

Being so connected can often serve to heighten our own insecurity and loneliness even more. Between the wedding photos and the job promotion updates, the ‘fitspiration’ posts dotted all over Instagram of toned bikini models and the ’relationship goals’ of the happy smiling attractive families decked out in Ralph Lauren matching outfits…how is one to feel about themselves? 

The answer is easy isn't it? Don't focus on others, focus on yourself and how you can improve your own situation. Don't pay heed to whatever people post to their highlight reel as you've no idea what's going on behind the carefully filtered snapshots that are meant to capture 'reality'. 

The real truth is we all have problems and we're not going to fix them by crying about somebody else's supposed success. Because it's not real life. In fact, often the content a person chooses to post online simply acts as a cover up for whatever real crap is going on in that person's reality. People are transforming themselves into picture perfect brands that appeal to the masses (often to make money). But without actually meeting up with that person face-to-face to have a real conversation, you have no idea what their day to day life consists of. 

It’s easier said than done but it’s very possible to put our smartphones down (if only momentarily) and allow ourselves to just be. Not to snapchat, not to scroll, not to judge a celebrity who you have not nor probably never will meet in real life. Don’t worry that somebody isn’t texting you, calmly suppress that Fear of Missing Out and remind yourself that you’re more than an airbrushed advertisement.

I myself have decided to do somewhat of a digital detox by:

1. Not looking at my phone for at least one hour after I wake up each morning (this means focusing on your own life and not starting the day on the wrong foot) and

2. Taking another hour at some point throughout the day and turning my phone off (or realistically on airplane mode).

Technology is a wonderful thing when used correctly and in moderation. I love my smartphone just as much as the next person. But when it becomes invasive and oppressive it’s necessary to simply put it down and look around at what’s in front of you (and who is in front of you for that matter...there's nothing worse than having a conversation with someone who is constantly glued to their screen). Maybe you’ll be surprised by what greets you. 

If you do feel inadequate or lonely, just take a deep breath and before you throw your phone in a bin, try switching it off and relaxing. I guarantee you there is someone else who is probably feeling exactly the same way who would only love to spend some time with you.

P.S., I don't think anyone on their death bed ever said “I wish I’d spent more time on Facebook”.

         

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5 Ways to Step Up Your Fashion Game this Autumn

What comes into your mind when you think of autumn? Crumpled leaves lining the pavement, cosy nights in as it gets a little colder, carving a pumpkin for Halloween (or at least looking at Pinterest versions which are so much more aesthetically pleasing than anything you could create). For me, Autumn is probably my favourite season when it comes to fashion. Chunky knit sweaters, a dark berry lip (Mac Rebel is my best friend at this time of year), over the knee boots and a tartan skirt with tights. I love it all! And it also makes me want to get seriously spendy! However, if you want to step up your fashion game this autumn, you don't necessarily have to spend a huge amount of money. It's best to invest in what suits you, rather than following every fleeting trend.

1. Invest in a solid 'capsule' style wardrobe: you don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe to give yourself a new look and more than often it's better to invest slowly in pieces of clothing that you know you will wear again and again. Before getting creative with your own personal style, it's important to start by buying simple items that suit you, that make you feel good and that won't go out of fashion in the blink of an eye.

So what kind of clothing items should you be spending your money on? For autumn, it's time for the trench coat, the perfect black blazer, a crisp white shirt, well fitting jeans, leather boots with a chunky heel, over sized comfy knits. The capsule wardrobe is not designed to be lavish or even particularly exciting, even a simple white T-shirt counts as a good staple piece that will never go out of style. The most important thing is that these items fit you well (ask for a friend's opinion if you're not entirely sure) and that you are comfortable and confident while wearing them.

One thing that I find useful is to keep a list of fashion staples on my phone that I am always on the look out for and updating, without actually going out of my way to shop specifically for the purpose of finding them (I always think it's impossible to hunt down a staple piece when you're really desperate to find it, but you will at one point stumble across the perfect boots or the little black dress when you least expect it).

Don't rush into anything, the capsule wardrobe can be built and added to over time, but always keep these things in the back of your mind when choosing what is most important to buy. I always allow myself to splurge on a staple, rather than a seasonal trend, as I know it will always serve me well and will be there on those mornings when I just can't seem to find anything to wear.

2. Find your 'signature style': Marie Kondo's bestseller 'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up' really helped me out with this one. Even though it doesn't exclusively focus on fashion, Marie's decluttering method can be applied to clothing and it really does work. All you have to do is bring all of your clothes together in one place (I mean everything, even your socks!) and hold each item individually.

When you are ready, take each item in your hand and ask yourself the question 'does this bring me joy?' I know you might be thinking that this sounds absolutely ridiculous but if you go through your wardrobe piece by piece taking each item in your hand & asking this simple question, you'll be amazed at what you discover. It's not something I ever thought about before I read the book but once I used this method I realized that the majority of items that brought me happiness and that I therefore kept were lacy, soft fabrics and feminine in the the way they fit while the items that did not bring me any joy seemed to be restrictive & high necked or contrastingly boyish & baggy.

Why wear an item of clothing that doesn't bring you happiness? Life is too short! In order to find your signature style and to start buying clothes that truly make you shine, you must discover what makes you happy. Does a floral pattern make your heart flutter? Do you get pleasure from clacking around in stiletto high heels? Your own signature style should make you feel happy and reveal something of your personality. Re-home everything that does not fit these categories, even if it was a recent purchase or a gift (a gift has already served its purpose by making you happy the moment you received it, don't feel guilty about giving it away if it just isn't YOU). You deserve to feel great in whatever you wear and finding out what your own personal style is will help to guide your fashion choices and give you a sparkle that cannot be mimicked, even with the help of the most expensive branded items.

3. Accessorize: This goes back to the previous step in that in order to know what accessories to wear, it's important to know your personal style. Start by writing a list of what your essential accessories are according to your lifestyle and the season (pointed toe heels, a silky scarf, a statement necklace etc) and what items you think are worth spending more money on (investment pieces). This should help to focus your future purchases. Accessories can instantly transform a boring outfit into a sophisticated and put together look. A scarf with a solid colour can add vibrancy to a dark outfit while a dainty piece of jewellery can soften a structured outfit by adding a touch of femininity.

You don't always have to spend lots of money on accessories (particularly statement jewellery or trending items) and it is possible to find unique pieces by being thrifty in vintage shops for example. I do however think it's sometimes worth spending more money on certain accessories such as handbags and shoes that are better quality and will last longer. These investment pieces should be classic items that you know you will wear for years to come and not something that will quickly go out of style.

4. Be adventurous: now that you have found your holy grail clothing items and have started to build your staple wardrobe, you can become more adventurous when it comes to accessories & to any purchases that fall outside of the capsule wardrobe. Play with colours and fabrics, using inspiration from the things you like and don't be afraid to step into shops that you have never set foot in before. In order to find you own style, it's necessary to branch out and try new things. If you always shop in the same places you will never find anything new (I am guilty of this as I love Zara and always go back to it so this autumn I am going to try to venture in to as many new shops as possible). In order to save money, you could try an outlet mall that has a variety of brands all under the same roof and that will naturally be less expensive than the main retailers.

Quirky little boutiques are treasure chests when it comes to new discoveries where you will likely find unique items like an unusual piece of jewellery that not everybody will have.

5. Declutter: get rid of clothing that is ill fitting. Always dress for your figure and do not hold on to 'motivational' items that are too small or don't fit right in some way but that you hold onto in the hopes of dropping a dress size. If it's not something you will wear now, you won't ever wear it. Over worn clothes that don't inspire you - even if it's the last item of its kind in your wardrobe (e.g., an old cardigan) can also be given a new home. To make a bit of money in the process, you can sell on apps like depop or at a car boot sale. Again I highly recommend Marie Kondo's book if you want to do a proper clear out. It's important that the place where you store your clothing is organised and clutter free, especially if you have a small wardrobe. Get rid of any outdated pieces, trends that came and went, fast fashion and anything that has had the tags on it for months. When you have a wardrobe that you really love, it will make you more enthusiastic about choosing an outfit, even if there is less to choose from. You can add to your wardrobe over time with clothing and accessories that really reflect your personality and that make you sparkle.

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Korean Skincare Routine for Beginners [Beauty]

- 10 Steps To Glowing Skin -

Want to know how to get glowing youthful looking skin without necessarily having to spend a crazy amount of money on products? Do you love cutesy packaging and soft sweet fragrances? If you are a skincare obsessive like me, you will love the Korean skincare routine. Koreans are renowned for having beautiful skin and their culture places a lot of importance on looking youthful. The Korean skincare market is booming and always seems to be one step ahead when it comes to product innovation, with the Western world usually following suit one or two years later. Usually the trends that spread like wildfire really do work (such as the BB cream and CC cream which originated in Korea & have since gained huge popularity in the West). There is a huge amount of variety when it comes to Korean products and there really is something to suit every skin type. If you are interested in trying out the routine, read on to discover the basic '10 steps' to get you started!

1. OIL CLEANSE: Cleansing is the epitome of any good quality skincare routine and for the Korean skincare routine this is no exception. In fact, it is taken even one step further with the double cleanse! Yes that's right! Two cleanses is apparently better than one and this routine starts off with an oil based cleanser. There are many oil based cleansers on the market these days and lots of Western brands to choose from as well. The oil nourishes the skin, while removing dirt, impurities and makeup, working away at the pores and leaving skin feeling silky smooth. Massage the oil slowly into your skin for best results working in upward motions. [Facial massage is a big part of the Korean skincare routine - it's believed that the increased blood circulation will improve skin elasticity helping you to maintain a youthful appearance.]

Korean brand oil cleanser: Banila Co Clean it Zero, £14.20, 100 ml, Amazon.co.uk,  sokoglam.com (one of the most popular Korean skincare websites that ships to the West)

Western alternative: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil, €29.00, 200 ml, Clinique

Best value for money: L'Oreal Extraordinary Cleansing Oil €7.66, 150 ml, Boots (see http://www.boots.ie/)

2. WATER CLEANSE: the second part of the 2-step cleanse involves a water based cleanser, i.e., a foaming or non foaming cleanser that is applied to the skin & then washed off to remove water based impurities. A thorough cleanse is essential for clear skin and so this part cannot be avoided. You might think that one cleanse is enough but you'd be amazed at how much makeup traces & grime can be left on the skin and in the pores, even after the initial oil cleanse.

Korean water based cleanser: NEOGEN Real Flower Cleansing Water Rose Cleanser, $22, 150 ml, Soko Glam, Amazon 

Western alternative: Purity by Philosophy Facial Cleanser, €24, 236ml, Boots, House of Fraser, Sephora 

Best value for money: Botanics All Bright Cleansing Foam Wash, €2.99, 150 ml, Boots 

3. EXFOLIATE: now that you have thoroughly cleansed the skin, it's time to get rid of those dead skin cells that have been building up over time. Exfoliation will help to brighten the skin, deeply cleaning the pores and brightening the surface. This should be done twice a week with the exfoliating scrub of your choice or alternatively you can use a facial brush (such as the Clarisonic) or an exfoliating mask, such as Skinfood's Exfoliating Black Sugar Mask.

Korean exfoliator: Skinfood Rice Brightening Scrub, $14, Soko Glam 

Western alternative: Antipodes Reincarnation Facial exfoliator, €25, 75ml, Health food stores

Best value for money: Johnson's Face Care Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Wash, €4.29, 150ml, Boots

4. TONER: now that you have sloughed away those dead skin cells, it's time to pamper your skin with a refreshing and hydrating toner. The difference between the standard Western toner and the Korean equivalent is that it is much more hydrating and will not typically contain disinfecting ingredients such as tea tree oil or alcohol. Korean toners opt instead for anti-ageing and moisturising ingredients such as lactic acid and snail secretion filtrate (yes you heard me right! Koreans swear by snail 'slime' as a revolutionary ingredient that supposedly turns back the clock!) These toners work to hydrate and refresh your skin leaving it soft and supple. 

Korean toner: MISSHA Time Revolution Clear Toner, €28, 250 ml, Soko Glam

Western alternative: Caudalie Moisturising Toning Lotion, €14.40, 200 ml, Selected Pharmacies

Best value for money: ❤ La Roche Posay Serozinc Toner, €11, 150 ml, Boots ❤

                                   

5. ESSENCE: now that you have begun to rehydrate the skin, it's time to continue that process with an essence. What's an essence I hear you ask! This clever beauty water is packed with hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients and is considered the most important step in the Korean skincare routine. It apparently preps the skin for the final stages of the regime by speeding up your cell turnover making the skin brighter and smoother. I love using an essence and have really noticed a difference in my skin since adding in this simple step. 

Korean essence: MISSHA Time Revolution First Treatment Essence, $49.00, 150 ml, Soko Glam

Western alternative: ❤ Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Essence Treatment, €40, 200 ml, Kiehl's stores ❤

Best value for money: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Glow Re-Activating Essence, €13.99, 125 ml, Boots

[Optional step] Ampoules: an ampoule comes from the same 'family' as the essence and is basically the same thing but with a higher concentration of active ingredients. This will further rehydrate your worn out skin, giving it the moisture surge it needs to restore itself. These usually come with a dropper and are to be used whenever you need a little extra help (normally once or twice a week). 

Korean ampoule: LJH Vita Propolis Ampoule, $38, 15 ml, GlowRecipe.com.

Western alternative: Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Concentrate Boosters (pack of 3), $58, 15 ml each, Sephora.

Best value for money: Propolis Sparkle Ampoule, $29, 100 ml, peachandlily.com

6. The Sheet Mask: this is a fabric mask (usually made from cotton) which is placed over the skin for 10-20 minutes. The sheet mask is again different to typical Western face masks due to its intensive hydrating properties. Anti-aging ingredients such as collagen and hyaluronic acid are common and will absorb into the skin deeply during this time. There is no need to wash the face afterwards, simply pat the product into the skin with your fingertips and leave it to absorb. Use once or twice a week depending on the dryness of your skin.

Korean sheet mask: SKINFOOD Hydro Fitting Snail Sheet Mask, $13.50, set of 5, Soko Glam.

Western alternative: Sephora Collection Orchid Anti-Aging Face Mask, $6, 1 x 22g, Sephora.

Best value for money: Mizon Enjoy Vital Up Time Watery Moisture Mask, €2.00, 1 x 23 ml, Peauxdanges.com.

7. SERUM: another layer of hydration won't do any harm! For dry skin it is apparently best to apply many thin layers of deeply moisturising ingredients rather than one thick layer. This will help to nourish skin without leaving it greasy looking. There are many serums on the Western skincare market these days so there is plenty to choose from.

Korean serum: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum, $23, 35 ml, Soko Glam.

Western alternative: ❤ Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum, €60, 30 ml, Liz Earle. ❤

Best value for money: Botanics Radiant Youth Serum, €6.99, 30 ml, Boots.

8. EYE CREAM: the skin around the eye area is very fragile and is thinner than the rest of the face so it needs some extra love and attention. In order to prevent premature ageing, it is essential to moisturise the delicate eye area with a concentrated eye cream. Pat gently (rather than rub) the cream into the under eye area, as well as the eyelids using a pea sized amount. 

Korean brand: Banila Co Radiant Brightening Eye Cream, $17.50, 20 ml, Soko Glam.

Western alternative: Vitamin E Eye Cream, €16, 15 ml, The Body Shop.

Best value for money: Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Eye Cream, €6.19, 15 ml, Boots. 

9. MOISTURISE: we are nearly there don't worry! This is actually the last step of the night-time skin care routine and consists of applying a plain and simple moisturiser. I know you're probably getting tired at this stage but once you have applied that last layer your skin will feel so much softer and you will finally be ready for bed. Massage all over, paying attention to the neck and décolleté as well.

Korean brand: Whamisa Organic Flowers Water Cream, €40.50, 50 ml, peauxdanges.com.

Western alternative: ❤ Bioderma Hydrabio, €16.50, 40 ml, Selected Pharmacies. ❤

Best value for money: ❤ Tony Moly Cold Water Cream, €22, 200 ml, Sephora. ❤  

                             

10. SPF: this is the last step I swear! And it  should not be avoided if you want to keep your skin healthy and wrinkle free for as long as possible - a good quality SPF. My all time favourite SPF, which I mentioned in my recent post 'Summer Favourites 2016', happens to be a Korean brand and it is HOLY GRAIL status!! I love this stuff! It sinks into the skin quickly, almost like a regular moisturiser, and doesn't leave that pasty residue that every Western brand of SPF seems to have. Look for a high SPF (minimum Factor 30) and apply it every single day rain or shine. The key to Korean skincare? Consistency. If you want beautiful skin, do not neglect it and have fun (I mean, as much fun as you can have applying ten layers of product...) 

Korean SPF: ❤ MISSHA Safe Block SPF 45, €7 (approximately), 50 ml, Amazon UK. ❤

Western alternative: Vitamin E Day Lotion SPF 30, €18, 50 ml, The Body Shop.

Best value for money: Nivea Sun Pocket Size SPF 30, 50 ml, Boots. 

[Products marked with a ❤ are ones that I really love and recommend!]

Summer 2016 Beauty Favourites [Beauty & Lifestyle]

The hot weather, the salty sea water, jetting off on holidays to experience somewhere new and exciting (what's not to like about summer?!) It has always been my favourite season and just another excuse for a product obsessive like myself to splash out on more skincare and hair care bits and bobs (good quality SPF, moisturising after sun, hair masks and lip balms...I go to town at this time of year!) Out of all the things I have tried over the summer months, here is a list of some of the things I have been loving for summer time and beyond!

Body scrub: Grounded Coconut Body Scrub. If you are looking for a scrub that leaves your skin feeling as soft as a newborn's bottom then this is your answer! I had seen scrubs similar to this one being advertised all over Instragram from various different companies such as 'Frank' and 'Rub n Scrub' but  I eventually stumbled across this one on sale in Boots and decided to give it a try. It's on the expensive side (at around €20 at full price) but definitely worth spending extra on for its natural ingredients and excellent skin softening results. The coffee, brown sugar and Himalayan rock salt combine to leave the skin feeling beautifully smooth while the sweet almond oil, vitamin E and coconut oil help to soften and deeply hydrate. Prepare to get messy as this is a coffee scrub! I was very impressed and will most definitely be repurchasing this (next on my list to try is the chocolate orange scent which sounds delicious).

Conditioner: Klorane Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter. Carrying on with the tropical theme, first coconuts, now mangos! This conditioner has been a favourite of mine for some time now (I think this is my third or fourth bottle) and I'm so glad I bought it. It leaves my hair feeling silky and shiny, all the while smelling of mango, which is one of my all time favourite fruit scents. If you have dry hair you will love this as it deeply conditions but at the same time washes out easily and doesn't leave that horrible greasy/sticky feeling that some heavy duty conditioners do. This is the ideal cure for dried out hair that needs a little extra hydration and shine.

Serum: Liz Earle Super Skin Serum. What can I say, this is without a doubt THE most lovely serum I have ever used. Once again, Liz Earle proves itself as an excellent skincare brand. I cannot imagine anyone not liking this serum, it sinks into the skin quickly, without leaving any greasy residue and it contains lots of lovely anti-aging natural ingredients. It has a light, buttery scent, nothing too strong and feels luxurious on the skin after a long day. My skin drinks this stuff up! The only downside is that at €60 for a 30 ml container, it isn't exactly the best value for money and it won't last you all that long if you use it every day. That being said, if you are looking for a skin treat that is worth the splurge, I highly recommend this.

Lip treatment: Blistex Relief Cream. I think you might be noticing another theme here, I am all about the hydrating products when it comes to summer time! But I feel like the hotter weather can really dry out skin, hair and lips when not using the right products. This is my number one lip treatment that effectively puts all of the lost moisture back into your lips. Let's be honest the packaging is not all that appealing, it looks like a cream that you would use on your foot rather than your face, but don't let that put you off as the results are amazing. It's a medicated cream that really works, leaving the most dry chapped lips feeling soft. It does however leave a thin white residue when applied so I wouldn't recommend this as an on-the-go lip product but rather for a night time/not leaving the house kind of situation. Available in chemists for around €5, you can't go wrong with this one. 

Suncream for under makeup: Missha Safe Block Factor 45. Out of all the products on this list, I have to say this is probably my absolute favourite as I've been searching for the perfect sun cream for a long time to no avail. I am so happy I discovered this, my now holy grail everyday sun cream. It absorbs into the skin quickly, unlike a lot of other sun creams which can be difficult to blend, and best of all it doesn't leave that pasty white residue like most SPFs. I have oily combination skin and it does not leave my skin feeling like an oil slick. Ideal for underneath makeup. It has a light lemony scent. Plus it helps that the packaging is the cutest thing ever! This is a Korean brand and is very affordable at around £7 on Amazon. As it ships from Asia, prepare to wait around 2 weeks for delivery to Europe. I highly recommend for summertime and an all year round SPF and I will be ordering this in bulk from now on!

Lipstick: Frog Prince by Lipstick Queen. "Things aren't always what they seem. Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince!" Poppy King, Lipstick Queen Founder. I got this lipstick as a birthday present and was surprised to find when I opened the pink tube that it was in fact GREEN! I know what you're thinking, green lips are so not on trend right now...don't worry though, as Frog Prince is designed to react with your lips and to create your perfect pink colour. I have no idea how this works but I really like the warm rosy pink tone (think your lips but better). It also contains moisturizing Shea butter and vitamin E for soft kissable lips (just don't go kissing too many frogs...)

Bronzer: Nars Laguna. I FINALLY jumped on the bandwagon with this one (approximately 6 years later) and I have to say this definitely lives up to the hype. This is the first Nars product I've ever bought and I just know I'll be repurchasing this one. It's the perfect bronze, dark enough to be noticed, leaving that chiseled cheek bone effect, but not too dark that it looks like you've slathered mud on your face. It's the perfect matte bronze to add a healthy glow to your face for summer days (well technically it's now autumn but I'm still in summer mode as the weather is still nice where I live!).

Primer: Benefit POREfessional Face Primer. Last but not least, another product that I had been vowing to try for some time but never got around to purchasing is the Benefit POREfessional primer. Many of you have probably already tried this one, it being somewhat of a cult beauty product that gets a lot of rave reviews on the Sephora website. I picked up the trial size to bring with me on holidays and wasn't disappointed. It instantly reduced the size of any visible pores and left me with a smooth base to work with before applying makeup. My foundation and eyeshadow noticeably blend a lot better with the help of this primer and I don't get too much of that sticky feeling which a lot of primers fall down on for me (it's a little sticky yes, but not as much as others). I think I will have to pick up the full size version of this one as I really liked how it made my makeup glide on so well.

How To Get a Good Night's Sleep [Health & Lifestyle]

There are so many benefits to a good night's sleep; improved health, fitness, memory, driving skills, reactions, ability to make good decisions, mood, energy levels, as well as being less likely to suffer from anxiety / depression. If you are not getting the best possible sleep, read on to find out how.

1. Cut down on the coffee: if you are a big coffee drinker, you might think that you are somehow 'immune' to the effects that caffeine can have, however it has been shown that caffeine consumption can cause problems with sleep up to ten to twelve hours afterwards. This doesn't mean you have to give up coffee altogether, but try to lower your intake as much as possible and avoid drinking coffee late in the day. Switch to a herbal tea before bedtime, such as chamomile, which is known to aid better sleep.

2. Get into a regular sleep routine: this is probably the most important one on the list, and something which is more easily said than done (especially if you work irregular hours, or have class at different times each day). Try to force yourself to get up at the same time every morning, and gradually you will see that you also start to get tired at the same time each night. Consistency is key - pick a time and stick to it. Follow a nightly bedtime routine and allow yourself time to relax. I find that once I get into a regular sleeping pattern, I wake up naturally without too much trouble in the morning and I also have more energy throughout the day...win!

Open your curtains first thing, 

the light will help you wake up naturally 

3. Be active during the day: tire your body out during the day with exercise. If you work long hours & find yourself crashing in the evening, why not get out for a walk on your lunch break. Physical activity improves overall quality of sleep - studies have found a 65% improvement in sleep quality among those who exercise regularly, compared with those who don't. Those who exercise more also report feeling less sleepy during the day, compared to those with less physical activity.

Yoga has been linked to better 

sleep quality and quantity 

4. Switch off: while settling down to sleep, turn off any electronic devices (or switch to airplane mode). Technology before bedtime can keep us from falling asleep and sleeping well. Electronics stimulate the mind, making it harder for us to drift off at night. The light projected from the screen of the device delays the release of the sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin. In order to maximise melatonin levels, dim your lights as much before bed, to give the message to the brain that it is time to sleep. Read a book (not an electronic one!) to distract the mind and de-stress. 

5. Sun exposure: recent studies have shown that sun exposure during the day can help us to sleep more soundly at night. One such study looked at the sleep quality of 49 office workers - half of whom sat in windowless workspaces, while the others had windows in their workspace. Those with windows received an average of 173% more natural light exposure during work hours, and slept an average of 46 minutes more each night than their windowless peers. In order to get into a good sleep cycle, try to get as much natural sun exposure during daylight hours.

6. Create the perfect sleeping environment: in order to ensure a good night's sleep, create a relaxing sleeping environment. Sleep in a cool, dark room and make sure you have a good quality, comfy mattress and pillow. Air out your room during the day to keep your bedroom from getting stuffy and get rid of alarm clocks with lighted displays.

7. Aromatherapy: certain essential oils, such as lavender oil and clary sage, are said to stimulate sleepiness. The great thing about essential oils is that they can be used in so many ways. Add a few drops to your bath, massage into legs and feet, create a bed linen spray and lightly spray on sheets before bedtime or burn in a diffuser. 

For more info check: 

http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromatherapyandinsomnia.asp

8. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals: although alcohol can sometimes help to induce sleep, it overall has a negative effect in that it diminishes quality of sleep throughout the night & causes us to be more groggy in the mornings. Likewise, large meals before bedtime can disrupt sleep due to the physical effort it takes for the body to digest while sleeping. For better digestion, and sleep, aim to eat your last heavy meal of the day at least 3 hours before you go to sleep.

9. De-stress: if you are somebody whose mind races the minute you get into bed, you could try writing down all your thoughts in a diary or journal. Similarly, make a list of all the things you need to do the next day and then put it away. Follow the other steps in order to minimise stress and give yourself a full hour if possible to unwind before sleeping.

10. If you still can't sleep: if you find yourself wide awake after 30 minutes, don't sit stewing in your thoughts - get up and go into another room. Keep the lights low and do something distracting such as reading a book, writing down your thoughts or solving a crossword. Then once you're feeling drowsy, go back to bed. If you experience continued problems for a prolonged period of time, it might be rooted in a deeper issue (speak to a sleep specialist about possible solutions). 

Goodnight, sleep tight xoxo

How To Be Happy [Health & Lifestyle]

1. Think happy thoughts: the more you think positively, the more your attitude will fall in line with your thoughts. Train yourself to think of the good in every situation and slowly you will begin to adopt a happy disposition. This takes a real conscious effort. If you notice yourself falling into a train of negative thoughts, snap yourself out of it quickly before you think yourself out of a good mood.

2. Decide to be happy NOW: do you want to be happy? Well then be happy. You are the one who determines your own happiness, nobody else. If you're in a bad relationship, end it. If you're miserable in your job, leave it. Try not to say to yourself "I'll be happy when I have a new car", "I'll be happy when I lose ten pounds". Change your attitude and tell yourself that you deserve to be happy with what you have, the way you are now. Soon you will see that everything will start to fall into place.

3. Surround yourself with positive people: misery loves company. Try to distance yourself from the negative people in your life, notice the people who are happy for you when you succeed and who are sad for you when you don't. Those are the people you want to spend your time with. If somebody is constantly bringing you down, avoid them as much as possible. Be with friends and family who make you feel good about yourself and bring out the best in you.

4. Appreciate the things that you have: take note regularly of all the good things you have in your life, whether it's friends, family, a partner, good health or simply a roof over your head. Don't take your life for granted, somebody else would give anything to have what you have, whether or not it feels that way. Make a list of 5 or 10 things that you really appreciate in your life and go back to the list when having a bad day. The more you express gratitude, the more you will start to feel happy with what you have.

5. Treat yourself: no matter how hectic your life, always make time for yourself. Even if it's something small like painting your nails, buying a new book or enjoying a bubble bath, by treating yourself well you're telling yourself that you are worth it. Life's little indulgences will get you through tiresome working weeks and decrease your stress levels. Remind yourself that you deserve a bit of pampering now and again. Life doesn't have to be a struggle, it's important to take care of yourself in order to be content.

6. Exercise: exercise has so many benefits: it can keep you looking younger, prevent certain health conditions, such as heart disease and obesity and help to reduce anxiety. Exercise has also been known to fight depression and studies have shown that it has the same effects as antidepressants. When we exercise it releases feel good chemicals in our brain, and suppresses hormones that cause stress. So if you want to become a happier you, make sure that you include physical activity in your daily or weekly routine. 

7. Don't compare yourself to others: easier said than done in a time when we are surrounded by other people's holiday photos on social media. But in order to be truly happy, you have to focus on yourself. It's ok to occasionally want what other people have, but try to use this desire in a motivating way, rather than a self pitying kind of way. Realising that somebody is fitter, richer or more popular than you doesn't change your own situation. Likewise, putting people down in the hopes of making yourself feel better won't bring any positivity to your life. Focus on yourself and you will be better off.

8. Live in the present: focusing too much on the future and what could happen will increase anxiety, while living in the past will fill you with regret. This does not mean that you should abandon all future plans or stop setting goals, it simply means worrying less and enjoying the moment. If you are not happy with the present, you might have to make certain changes to your life until you can fully appreciate it. Accept what you cannot change and have faith in what is to come.

9. Accept yourself: avoid self criticism and accept yourself the way you are. Stop beating yourself up over mistakes you made in your past and instead accept your flaws and move on. Nobody is perfect (perfection does not exist) and you will not make your life any better by constantly filling your mind with negativity. Tell yourself you are happy, you are loved and eventually you will begin to believe it.

10. Smile more: we smile when we're happy and we frown when we're sad. However studies have shown that our emotions can actually be reinforced by the corresponding facial expressions. The more you smile, the happier you'll feel. And there are so many things to smile about.