Real Techniques Vs Pinterest

For around a year I would have sworn by my homemade makeup brush remedy (courtesy of Pinterest) to clean my brushes, whilst also keeping their texture and shape. This Christmas I was gifted the Real Techniques Brush Cleanser, and instantly had myself thinking 'Well this is nice but I've got my home remedy that is cheap and effective.' I spoke too soon. My usual remedy of water, shampoo, olive oil, and hand soap (don't knock it till you try it!) takes a good 5-10 minutes to soak and clean your brushes, and having tries other cleansers decided this was the best and cheapest solution to wash my brushes monthly.

 When I eventually tried my new product I found the whole process 5x faster and easier than ever before! Although I am ashamed to say I didn't follow the instructions word-for-word, instead I half-filled an old glass with water and then put 4 drops of the solution in. Upon putting my brushes in the solution I could see the product work instantly, only taking 1-2 minutes to work its magic! I will never be going back to my old remedy(unless i'm too broke to afford the Real Techniques product)and can honestly say that this is the best brush cleanser I have ever used. I can't wait to buy their Cleansing Brush Palette and use both products together! 

K.

Super Smoothies

Now i'm not one for smoothie diets and food replacement meals, but I can't deny that I love a good cup of blended goodness to start off my day! It's one of the easiest ways to make sure you're getting at least five fruit and veg in your diet. As I love smoothies so much I thought i'd share my simple format for juicing along with my current favourite combo. You simply chose one or two ingredients from each section to create your own healthy snack...

Base: Milk, soy milk, almond milk,coconut milk, coconut water, water, ice

Second Base: Orange juice, tropical juice, apple juice, pineapple juice

Thickeners: Banana, greek yoghurt, natural yoghurt(flavoured if you wish)

Main fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes etc.

energy-kick: Spinach, Kale, raisins, goji berries, chia seeds, mara powder

Sweetner: Honey, cocoa powder, nut butter(peanut,cashew,almond), coconut flakes, cinnamon, chai latte powder

My Current favourite: Banana, raspberries, natural yoghurt, honey and pineapple juice

K. 

Kick-start 2016!

Every year we stuff ourselves with festive pies and puddings and then swear that in the new year we’ll either keep to our new strict diet, quit an unhealthy habit, take up a new hobby or improve (or for some people start!) our exercise routine. Well it’s fair to say i’ve dabbled in my fair share of gym classes, so here a few of my top picks, in case you’re wondering what to have a taste of…

Legs Bums and Tums

A great class to try out if you are looking to introduce an hour of high intensity exercise into your weekly routine. These classes aim to one up, firm up and burn fat from your tummy, hips, thighs and bottom, often held in-time to energising pop/dance music, which personally gets me through the session.

Yoga

My personal favourite! If anyone is stressed out from revision, work, coursework, or just life in general, get yourself to a yoga class! a calm and soothing class, but not one for people looking for a hardcore workout. a fuse of the body and the mind to build your core and maintain a healthy state of mind.

Pilates

These I am not so very fond of, although I have various friends who swear by Pilates, it’s definitely not for me. Often compared to Yoga yet vastly different in terms of character, for those who are looking at developing strength balance core and coordination and aren’t scared of a tough workout.

Body Combat

a high-energy martial arts-inspired workout that is often held to up tempo pop/dance music. Another one of my favourite classes, high intensity, energising and great for releasing stress, anger or any other emotions. a definite must for a hard core full body workout!

In the upcoming weeks i'm going to have a go at a few sessions of kick-boxing to sessions to see if it tickles my fancy as a new hobby! i'll keep you all updated!

K.

Christmas Party Inspo

We are now well into December and if like me you are stressing about presents, money and Christmas festivities, there may be one thing you have overlooked... Christmas party gear! Too much worrying about getting your budget to stretch to Aunt Liv's Yankee Candle, but you haven't even thought of what to wear to the Christmas Work do, or the Boxing Day family get-together? 

Here's a few of my top picks from my go-to brands... 

Scrappy Chainmail Bodycon Dress from Topshop (£45)

ASOS Metallic Leather Skirt With Oversized Pockets (£70)

Karmen Burgundy Suede Heeled Shoes from Urban Outfitters (£75)

Oasis Faux Fur Clutch Bag (£16)

Velvet Bralet and Skirt from Topshop (£102)

ASOS Midi Skirt with Asymmetric Wrap(£45)

Dune Sadie Double Pouch Set in Nude (£20)

ASOS SAY YOU WILL Pointed Heels (£40)

Thanks for reading!

K.

K's Christmas WishList

Apologies for our short break in blog posting, it's been a busy few months! But we're back and will be posting weekly on our top picks, favourite items, products, tips and so much more.

It's almost that time of year again and I can just about hear those sleigh bells in the distance. So here's a few products I think everyone deserves on their wish list this holiday season...

 1. Diptyque Advent Calendar, £250

Inside are a selection of 25 mini candles, fragrances and body oils,  to keep you going for this holiday season!

2. Navy Fluffy Disk Keyring from Topshop, £6.50

This has to be one of this season's must have accessories, whether it's a keyring or on the end of a shoe, everybody loves a pom pom!

3. Water and Glitter iPhone 6 Case from Urban Outfitters, £20. 

Tis the season to be Sparkly! 

                                             

4. NAILSINC Snowglobe(£15) and Winter Lights (15). Just because we can't get enough of the glitter.

5. Dual-Intensity Blush - Vengeful from Nars Cosmetics, £25.50. The perfect way to give you skin a healthy glow for festivities. 

6. Last but not least, Benefits So Tintillating Makeup set, with Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain and Benebalm Lip Balm. An alternative to the previous selection if you prefer liquids to powders.

K.

AW15: Trends to Nail

Hope you have all enjoyed a well-deserved Summer break, I know I have! Unfortunately it's back to reality for now, but what better way to hit back than nailing this coming's A/W trends? Here's my pick of this season's major components ...

 Turtle Necks

Victoria Beckham, Topshop, J.W.Anderson

Faux Fur 

Gucci, Burberry, Topshop 

Flares

Adam Lippes, Topshop, Etro

Autumnal Browns 

Etro, Fendi, BCBG Max Azria

Chunky Knits

Victoria Beckham, Topshop, DKNY

Winter Florals 

                                                       Burberry, Erdem, Gucci

All the best

K.