New Year, More Me

So I know the title of the blog post seems pretty self-absorbed and vain, and yeah, although pretty abrupt and quite self-centered, that's what I am to be a bit more of in 2018. 2017 was a year that taught me a lot of lessons, all good, and I feel was a year of growth. Now 2018 has begun I am making a conscious effort to do what makes ME happy. So many of us go about our daily lives and routines, forgetting one key ingredient to life, being happy. So starting now I am going to put myself out there. And here's how...

1. Get out and about doing activities that I enjoy.

Go to all those art exhibitions I said I was going to see but never did, see those films that I think look pretty damn cool, and try that doughnut shop that I've been drooling over on Instagram for months.

2. Make more time to see friends (those that bring joy to my life).

3. Make career choices and steps that contribute to my lifelong goal. Put in the extra hours if needs be, and voice my opinions and ideas when needed.

4. Exercise. I've always been pretty good with this one, but I want to change up my exercise routine this year. I've been stuck in a rut for a while doing the same stuff over and over, so maybe I'll try out a new class or start exercising with a friend, this will boost my moral and get me seeing some progress. 

5. Diet. when people hear the word diet they so often think about cutting their calorie intake and taking out all your favourite fatty and sugary foods. Well, I'm not talking about diet in that regard, I'm talking about changing my diet to a healthy and sustainable one. Since the winter months started to creep in I often find myself reaching for ready meals, quick and easy right? Well, my skin and energy levels have definitely been paying for it. I'm going to try my hardest to cook all my meals from scratch, and make sure that I've got a hell of a lot more fruit and veg in my daily diet, because I've noticed a mental change since putting this into action since Jan 1st (yes after devouring a tube of smarties to help cure my hangover from NYE). I'm even going veggie for the majority of my meals- also a great way to save some extra dollar (another goal of mine for 2018!).

So there you have it. New Year... more me!
 

Born This Way... Nah Its Make-up

I'm a firm believer in buying whatever suits your skin, and if I can find a product for half the price AND it gives me just the same coverage... then I'm going to buy the cheaper one. I am constantly trying to sniff out the best deals around. I love a good barGAIN. As of recent I started my new job at DIARY Directory, and I was lucky enough to have been able to attend the Too Faced cosmetics Flag Ship Store launch in Carnaby two weeks ago, and my god the crowd was insane. Soooo many beautiful people in one room, that also made me think 'Jesus I have no idea how to do my make-up!'.

The event was amazing, influencer galore, and I then had my skin matched to the perfect concealer and foundation... Fairest and Snow, yeah I'm pretty pale! Now here's the important part, whether these products are worth it. In all honesty, I love them both and think they are fab, but if I had to choose one over the other it would definitely be the foundation. I don't use foundation every day, I am actually a concealer girl through and through, but this one is a bit too thick for my skin. I'm definitely better off with my Soap and Glory Trick and Treatment. But...this foundation is an absolute DREAM! You only have to put the smallest dab on and you are covered, and it lasts throughout the day. No having to re-apply at work HAZAH! 

Too Faced products are definitely a new favourite of mine and are giving Benefit and Soap & Glory a run for their money. Watch this space for more product reviews soon!

Busy In Brighton

Exciting news guys! I am currently in-between jobs and am taking a week's holiday to relax and rejuvenate before starting my new editorial role, more info on this soon. I decided to use these days of relaxation to take a trip down to Brighton and Hove, for a little getaway and to catch up with an old friend. I had visited Brighton before, but never really soaked up the seaside, coffee culture and delicious brunch spots. 

We started the day by stopping for a quick cuppa and Bond St. Coffee, a cafe that I have heard serves up arguably the best coffee in Brighton, and that it was... delish! 

After sipping on my Flat White, we ventured around the lanes, taking a look at the market stalls, and partook in much window shopping (payday can't come sooner!). 

Our next adventure... lunch. I was taken to a fiery sandwich store, Hell's Kitchen. 

Out of the 7 Deadly Sandwiches, I chose Sloth. A seedy roll filled with bacon, avocado, rocket, peppered tomatoes, and pesto. Sheer perfection. After which, we made our way through the Pavilion, and on to the water's edge and Pier to view the sunset. 

It was a much deserved fun-filled day with good company

Magnitone's New BlendUp Vibrasonic Beauty Brush!

So this post has been a long time coming, but I don't like writing a review of a product until I've given it a good try and tested it a few times. As a Magnitone Babe, I had the honour of receiving their newest product, BlendUp, a few days before its official launch. None of us were told what we would be receiving in the post, and as Mangnitone usually produce skincare and beauty based products I was so excited when I opened up my parcel to find this absolute gem!

BelndUp uses the same technology as their original BareFaced cleansing brushes, and is the very first vibrasonic makeup brush! The idea is that the consistency and fluidity of the vibrations create an even and smooth distribution of makeup, whether it be bronzer, blusher, or even foundation!  

I was so excited to try it out for myself, and over the past three weeks I have used this wonder brush for contouring, bronzers and blush. I will at some point try it out for foundation, but as this isn't part of my every-day makeup routine I will leave this for a special event or occasion. 

It's safe to say that this brush is fab! My usual makeup brushes (ABODY) are in fact the best I have ever used, and I stand by that they are the best (non-vibrasonic)for blending, eyeshadows and contouring, but this brush is a total winner and out of this world! Everyone experiences the odd skin patch that often collects and clumps your powder. I get this often on my cheeks in the morning and have to use my fingers to smooth and pat it out. BelndUp does exactly what it says on the tin, it glides over your skin to give the softest, most natural, and airbrushed effect. If you're using this new product from Magnintone its safe to say you will not experience any clumping or streaks. 

Oh Magnitone, you've done it again. Such genius! I will be using this brush for Halloween to create a mermaid inspired look, so keep your eyes peeled for pictures and how-tos! 

If you're interested check out their website HERE

Out and About in Notting Hill

So I know it seems a bit delayed, but I wanted to share with you all the fun I had out and about in Notting Hill two weeks back with one of my best friends. We found some great gems, including the best Gin & Tonic we have ever tried from The Distillery on Portobello Road, and the hustle and bustle of live acts and music whilst making our way through the famous market itself. 

We started off brunching at the Farm Girl cafe, which unfortunately was a bit of a let down. Yes, if you want a good instagram, sure go there, but the line was long, service slow and unpleasant, and the food was quite average for a brunch (my ultimate fave is still MILK in Balham). 

We then trotted through the markets and made our way to the Biscuiteers cafe, Notting Hill Bookshop (a dreams come true movie moment), and then off for a good old drink.

 It was a fab day exploring. I forgot the sheer experience of Notting Hill and The Portobello Market, the atmosphere is amazing, and SO many amazing street artists that you can stand and listen to for hours. 

If anybody has any recommendations around the area please let me know, I'm sure I'll be strolling around again soon!

 

Taylor's 32: An All-Natural Whitening Toothpaste

Taylor's 32 are a natural toothcare brand, which unlike so many other toothpastes are free from SLS, artificial preservatives, sweeteners and abrasives. It's safe to say when this product turned up in my Glossybox I was super excited to get some use out of it! They gifted me the Grapefruit & Mint flavour, and although I'm a massive fan of Grapefruit, most of my toiletries that feature this are soap oriented, so I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it...

My first use of the toothpaste wasn't actually too fab. As I had been used to typical toothpaste brands such as Oral B and Colgate, I only put a smidge of a dot on my toothbrush, and after the first use I was worried that it wouldn't leave my breath minty fresh, and in addition used mouthwash directly after, which definitely defeated the purpose of using this brand! But after a week of use, and trialing and testing using different amounts (ALWAYS USE A BIG DOLLOP), I have fallen in love with this fresh toothpaste, and am already starting to see my teeth looking whiter and brighter! I think next time I might take a wack of the classic mint, but it was nice to try a toothpaste with a flavour of something a little different. 

Beaut brand and beauty product, I would highly recommend!