Rimmel London's new Stay Matte Lip Colours

So I've recently joined the Influenster gang, and luckily enough my first voxbox package was these lovely Rimmel London Stay Matte Lip Colours! These really have been a fab introduction to the Influenster programme, and have made me rethink my daily makeup routine. They are quick and easy to use, and last throughout the work day. 

I was sent 5 new beautiful shades; Midnight, Blink Pink, Rose & Shine, Blush, and Latte To Go. So far I have only worn Blink Pink, Rose & Shine, and Blush, for either a night out or to go to work, as I believe those are the three that are better suited to my complexion. Don't worry I will be sharing more pics of how to pull off those other daring shades soon on my Insta!

Whilst trialing these products I was slightly skeptical, as I had previously heard reviews that they flake and come off fairly easily. I have to say I completely disagree, and that even when wearing the Blink Pink on a night out drinking, it still remained on my lips when I ventured back at around 1 in the morning. I think that this may indeed be affected by the smoothness of your lips, due to the matte nature of the lips colours they do tend to dry them out, so if you have naturally dry lips I'd give them a quick exfoliation before wearing these, as it's likely to improve the chances of them staying on for longer. 

I usually steer away from any products that even slightly resemble lip gloss, but these are a must! 

K.x

Holiday Beach Basics

Styling beach chic can be tricky, and sometimes a bit of a disaster. Too many patterns, too many harsh colours, don't worry i've been there! I'd like to think I have now mastered the art of simplistic beach style, with the occasional hiccup every now and again - who doesn't! So I've done a quick round-up of all of the holiday beach basics that I think everyone needs in their wardrobe. Enjoy! 

1. The Towel

Comon, of course you need a chic towel to hit the beach with and this New Look Tropical Print does just the job!

2. The Throw-On Dress

Any light and loose fitting dress, the simpler the better, always looks great at the pool or on the beach, trust me. This Zara Poplin Dress is perfect.

3. The Bikini

I am painfully fussy when it comes to swimwear! It will take me week s to finally find a bikini that I don't only like, but also suits my body. This Seafolly Mesh About Triangle Bikini is in my ultimate favourite colour, and is perfect if your body is slightly more on the athletic side, like myself.

4. The Hat 

If, like me, you are on the paler side, then a hat is a definite must-have. But not only are they great for keeping yourself cool and sheltered, they can make or break an outfit as the perfect beach accessory. I've fallen in love with this ASOS Fedora, and will definitely be making this purchase for my own holiday! 

5. Lace-Up Sandals

These are one of SS16's must-have items, they took over the catwalks and now the high street, aren't they gorgeous? These KG by Kurt Geiger's are slightly more expensive than what I'd usually buy, but for an item like this, you want quality material so they don't deteriorate in the heat! 

5. The Cap

You can never have too many hats! A classic cap is perfect for any holiday, whether your gallivanting through a city, or sitting on the beach, and this Airtex Cap from Topshop would give any outfit that Athleisure vibe.

6. The Woven Beach Bag

It's not exactly groundbreaking to suggest a straw bag for the beach, but this South Beach Woven Cross Body Bag gives a new twist on an old classic that will have everyone staring.  

7. The Bardot Dress

Named after the beautiful Brigette Bardot, this SS16 off-the-shoulder number is simple, elegant, and chic. Wear this Topshop Poplin Bardot Dress in the day or evening to show off those sassy shoulders.

8. The Simple Tee

Need I say more.

Zara

9. The Boho Maxi

Whether it's for the day or the evening, a loose fitting maxi can be dressed up or down and won't leave you sweltering in the heat. Try this Tiered Maxi from Asos.

10. The Swimsuit 

A stylish yet simple swimsuit. Surely I'm not the only one that can't pull off these low-cut swimming costumes that are in style, but this Roxy one-piece with an orange zip adds a bit of character to an all-time classic. 

11. The Shades

I love that Ray-Ban has taken on this cool addition and fixed a metal brow bar! A frame that suits any face shape.

12. The Gingham

SS16 saw the rise of Gingham, and you should definitely have at least one piece in your holiday wardrobe! Why not this Gingham Open Back Dress from Topshop?

13. The Coin Purse 

Everybody needs a coin purse, a handy slot to separate your essentials within your beach bag. This New Look Daydreams and Ice Creams one is too cute!

How to Achieve a Good Gym/Work Balance

Having Started working full-time recently, I've found myself reevaluating a perspective that I believed was completely and entirely true - There's always time to exercise. Now, I have been lectured by a few friends about this before, and used to entirely agree with this statement, but now being in the world of work, rather than being a University student, has thrown a few more hurdles my way. My first issue is my commute, depending on where I'm commuting from, this can vary between 30-45 and 1hr 30 mins. I currently spend some nights at my house, and some at my boyfriends. So depending on what night it is I get home anytime between 6pm and 7pm. Now if I get home at 7, then eat at say 7.30, then I wont want to exercise until at least 8.30, and by that time I could be snuggled up on the sofa in my pjs, see my issue? 

Exercise is something that A LOT of people struggle with, and now I can see why. I used to go to the gym around 4 times a week, I am now struggling with 2, and wish I could fit in 3. So, what's changed? I am no longer within walking distance of my gym, I no longer finish my working day at 4, and I am VERY tired after a days work. So this is my plan, this doesn't have to be yours, but here are some tips and tricks for anyone stuck at a desk all day long, who also struggles to make it to the gym every week. 

1. Designate 2 gym sessions that you know you can make each week. You don't HAVE to go to both, but you MUST stick to at least 1.

2. Exercise once at home, whether it be an online Zumba Youtube video, pilates, or in the garden doing circuits.

3. If you're really struggling allocate 1 or 2 days a week where you eat your lunch at your desk, then use your 30-60 minute break to go for a walk or a run. This is a key tip as many people forget to break up their day, this is not only healthier for you, but also makes you more productive when you are at your desk as you have a fresh state of mind. 

So there is my short but sweet rant about how exercise has become a bit harder recently, and now I totally get you guys! Hope these tips and tricks help. 

K.

A Day at Wimbledon

So my posts have made a slight change recently, i've been writing more about experiences than products or tips and tricks. I guess i've been sharing these experiences with you because i'm so excited to start this new chapter in my life, and want you to join me in my next steps. 

Last week I ventured to Wimbledon, an amazing 21st Birthday present I received from my Mum and Dad. The seats were amazing, row F on Centre Court, and I got to see Serena, Murray and Broady. 

I had to enjoy a lovely pimms as soon as I got in becuase... It's Wimbledon!

Before the games started I enjoyed a lovely three course meal at the wonderful Wingfield, where I enjoyed patte for starter, cod for main, and chocolate cheesecake for desert - I know, what a pig!

  

We then made our way to Centre Court where we stayed from 1pm-5.30, I could practically smell the players we were so close!

A short post I know, but I just couldn't wait to share all my photos and experience of the day I had. Thanks Wimbledon, It was a pleasure!

A Day in the Life of a Birthday Girl

I Know it's a bit late but I thought I'd share a day 'in the life of 'my 21st Birthday. Yeah, the big 21! I was absolutely spoilt, taken of an adventurous day trip (a surprise fun-filled day organised by my boyfriend, and if you don't know him that's kind of a big deal).

So here is goes...

My day began in Greenwich, a stroll along the Thames to The Sail Loft, for a wonderful brunch with some gorgeous chorizo scotch eggs!

We then made our way to Old Street Station in Shoreditch, where we grabbed one of the best cups of coffee i've had in London, myself a Latte and the boyf an Americano, from The Shoreditch Grind.

(A beautiful tribute to the late Muhammad Ali) 

We then made our way to Brick Lane for a cheeky shop. And of course I had to take an edgy photo in front of the graffitied railway arches (as you do). 

After this we made our way to my next surprise, The Electric Cinema! This was 100% better than any cinematic experience I've ever had, and a great idea for any present or treat. The cinema was lush. We ordered our freshly pressed juices and popcorn, and made our way to our seats, or should I say armchair sofas with individual cashmere blankets! Then to top it all off, we watched The Nice Guys (gotta love Ryan Gosling). 

Part 4 of our adventure, dinner. We made our way back through Shoreditch and strolled down to The Blues Kitchen, where we ordered their famous fried chicken and had a few cocktails. I particularly loved their house made ice tea, so asked for a tipple of white rum to make it into a scrummy cocktail, the waitress even complimented me on my idea. 

We strolled home with our bellies full and a great day of memories made.

 

K.

Summer Trends 2016

SUMMER IS HERE! Okay I know it doesn't really look like it outside, but we did have a two-day heat wave last week, its England, how much sun were you expecting?! This post is to share my top 5 wearable Summer 2016 trends from the catwalk to the highstreet...

1. Pleats 

Catwalk

Adam Lippes, Balenciaga, Céline

Highstreet

Boohoo, Asos, Topshop

2. Off-the-Shoulder 

Catwalk

Simone Rocha, Adam Lippes, Alexander McQueen

Highstreet

New Look, Asos, Urban Outfitters

3. Net/Mesh

Catwalk

Acne Studios, Simone Rocha, Alexander McQueen 

Highstreet

Urban Outfitters, Asos, River Island

4. Victoriana 

Catwalk

Erdem, Rodarte, Philosophy de Lorenzo Serafini

Highstreet

Warehouse, Topshop, Asos

5. Nightwear as Daywear 

Catwalk

Calvin Klein Collection, Burberry, Balenziaga 

Highstreet

Urban Outfitters, Asos, Topshop

Hope this give you inspo from this seasons catwalk trends, and helps you to rock the looks in day-to-day life!

K.

Legs, Bums & Tums

So summer is just around the corner, and if you're like me you'll be thinking 'How am I going to get my booty looking amazing in such little time?!' and 'I wanna be getting that hot bikini bod for my holiday!' Well fear not! with some hard work and training it's still possible to get your body looking fineeee. To help with your progress I thought i'd share one of my favourite workouts which targets all those areas that girls want to 'tone' for the summer... 

Squats: 3x10

Kettle-bell dead-lifts: 3x15

Leg extensions: 3 sets until failure

Sit-ups (with a medicine ball): 3x15

Glute bridges (with or without a powerbag): 3x20

Mountain climbers: 3x20 second sprints

Donkey kicks: 3x15 each leg

Plank: hold until failure

Push yourself and you'll achieve! 

K.

Bold, Bright & Blonde!

Due to the rapid change in weather (will we ever see Summer?!) , I've decided to do a post on brightening shampoos. My hair has been really dull and dark recently, and being a natural blonde i'm always looking forward to the Summer to get some rays through my hair. Unfortunately, British weather isn't looking too good recently and i've resorted to trying some colour enhancing shampoos, to give my hair the little lift it needs. I thought i'd share three of the shampoos that i've been using, and give them a quick review...

Bleach London : Silver Shampoo (£5.00)

After having been recommended this product from my housemate I had high hopes for this. I used it a few weeks ago when I was in desperate need of brightening my hair before my University Summer Ball. I used it 3 days straight, and left it in for 5 minutes before washing it out. It's great! I know it suggests using the product every other day, but I was on a tight schedule and decided to ignore the bottle (silly I know). Due to using it three days in a row my hair felt unhealthy and dry. Overall this is a super product, it's perfect for anyone looking to brighten their hair over a week-two week process.

Pro:Voke : Touch of Silver (£3.19)

Alike the previous product I had heard many people praise this shampoo, and decided to give it a go myself. I used this product over the Christmas period, and unfortunately didn't see any improvement in the colour or brightness of my hair. Although it's a great price, you're better off buying a good quality shampoo for a pound or two more. 

Charles Worthington : Violet Shampoo (£5.99)

I love this shampoo! Although it doesn't work as fast as Bleach London, it's perfect as a weekly shampoo. Unlike other brightening products it keeps your hair hydrated whilst also giving it that extra glow. 

WINNER: Charles Worthington! 

Hope this helps anyone looking to give their hair a sun-kissed glow.

K.