Sponge Effect Nails

I absolutely love painting my nails of an evening, but recently I have been wanting to experiment with colours and textures! Tonight I decided to use a pink colour as a base (I let it dry) and then I dotted yellow and gold nail varnish on top. Quickly, so that the yellow and gold varnish didn't dry, I picked up a new cheap kitchen sponge and lightly pressed and dabbed my nails with it to spread/disperse the nail varnish to create a textured sponge effect.

This is the result. What do you think?

Royal Blue Dream

Recently, I have seen jaw dropping necklaces everywhere! There are so many colours and styles available at the moment - and they are a great way to add a splash of colour or glamour.

This is another necklace I recently stumbled upon - can't wait to wear it.......

Some unusual statement necklaces here, and here

Gold Detail

I just bought this beautiful gold necklace to go with a sea green one shoulder dress for a wedding in August. Although it is early, I just couldn't resist such an unusual and beautiful design of necklace! This is something that will 'beautify' any dress or top.

Some gold statement necklaces here and here.

Jelly Flip Flop Love

Jelly Flip Flops are my favourite type of everyday footwear in the summer. Ever since I was introduced to Primark's glittery silver and gold jelly flip flops around 3 years ago I have been obsessed!

I recently purchased these flip flops from Linzi and I absolutely LOVE them. They are super comfy and I really like the extra detail on the them! They are available in different colours but I thought I would get the most wear out of the darker/red hue flip flops.

Sunshine Fever

I love the colour yellow at the moment - perhaps it's because of the lack of sunshine lately! This nail polish was an impulse buy from Tesco yesterday when I walked past the Rimmel counter!

I have coated my nails 3 times using this polish - I could have got away with 2, but I wanted just one more to make it more intense!

 The colour is 280 Sunshine!


What's your favourite summer nail colour?

Lumie Clear Skin Update....

So, for those of you who have been following my posts (1 and 2) about Lumie Clear Red and Blue Light Treatment you will know that my skin flared up in the first few days of using this product. I have now been using Lumie Clear for over a week and I am pleased to report that the 'storm' has subsided and my skin is looking decidedly clearer!!

I read once in a book, from an acne sufferer, that the first thing that she did every morning was feel her skin to see if any new spots had appeared overnight. This is something that I can relate too. When I wake up I always have a little feel of my face (without really putting too much thought into it) to see if any new blemishes await me! For the last few days my skin has felt smoother and less bumpy. I notice, in particular, a difference when I wash my face; the water feels like it 'glides' more easily off my face and it feels more 'shiny' and 'silky'. I know 'shiny' is a funny choice of word as it doesn't generally describe a feeling, more a visual description, but that is exactly how I have always 'felt' when my skin has started to clear before (when I was on roaccutane). Perhaps those of you have had acne before understand what I mean by that comment! It feels tighter, and reminds me of a blemish free, shiny object - or skin!

Anyway, so far I am pleased with the results. I will continue to use the treatment and let you know what happens next.......

Monochrome Stripe

Today I'm wearing.....

Work wear:

Black and white stipe top - Primark

Black cami - M&S

Black pleated skirt - Therapy, House of Fraser

Belt - Primark

Sandals - old from Primark

Crochet trend

Summer Evening attire

Fashion flashback...crochet. I am loving crochet this summer, but it can be difficult to wear unless it is a over garment such as a cardi, wrap, waistcoat etc. This top (I felt) was a little revealing without  wearing a cami underneath so I incorporated the 1970's cochet trend in a way I was comfortable with. The photos, however do not pick up as much detail in real life.....the effect of the crochet is slightly lost in digital translation!

What I wore:

Black cami - H&M

Crochet top - Boutique. Crochet tops here and here.

Skirt - Boutique. Similar style here.
Wedge - old New Look

Summer Blues

Today I'm wearing.......

Quick outfit of the day!

Today I'm wearing a navy lace and 'chiffon' dress, gold beaded jellies and a tan belt, all from Primark. The chain effect bracelet is an old Primark purchase and the orange bag is from a boutique.  

Loving the hot weather - just need to get a tan now...

Chain Detail

I love all the chain detail that is around this summer. From rings and necklaces to prints on scarves, tops etc. 'Chains' are going to be huge this summer, and  jewellery is a really fun and easy way to inject this trend into your wardrobe!

Pictured below are 2 pieces of jewellery that I purchased around Christmas time from River Island. I have worn them throughout the winter period and know they will be a staple this summer too. They add detail to plain clothing, make very girly outfits more edgy and generally make a statement.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Review

As well as having greasy skin, I also have greasy hair. I read over and over that you shouldn't wash your hair everyday but, for people with oily skin it isn't often a reality.I have always had to wash my hair everyday, unless I was having a pj day. That is until....

Batiste. A friend recommended Batiste Dry Shampoo to me when I was complaining one day about having to wash and dry my hair every single night. Batiste is a spray powdery style mixture which absorbs grease and leaves hair looking fresh and volumized. I bought it from Boots, still unsure, and tried it the next day. Ever since then I have been in love with this miracle powder/product which means I now can wash my hair every other day!

 The one downside of Batiste is that it can leave a slight white residue in the hair, but brushing the hair firmly at the root usually disperses the powder. I do find it can feel powdery if you rub your hands through your hair but it gives the appearance of clean, freshly washed hair. If you have brunette hair you can buy Batiste with a hint of colour. They sell it online here and here. I'm sure you can also buy it in large shops such as Boots.

How to use:

1) Shake the can really well. If you don't it doesn't work nearly as well!
2) Then, section your hair and spray onto the roots (holding the can 30cm away from hair).
3) Leave on the hair and massage it through your roots so that the product is absorbed. This also helps get rid of the white residue.
4) Brush your hair (firmly if the product is sill slightly visible) and style as normal.

For more information look here.

Have you used it? What do you think?

Lumie Clear update

The Storm before the Calm?

General Usage

So, I have been using Lumie Clear every night since Friday. The recommended time to use the lamp is 15mins when held directly against the skin thus the treatment plan takes 45mins; I hold it against both my cheeks and my forehead!

Using Lumie Clear can be tiresome as I find the goggles slightly uncomfortable and it is time consuming - especially if you wanted to add any other difficult areas. For those of you who might be concerned about skin sensitivity I am delighted to report that using the lamp hasn't caused any irritation or redness!

Results so far

As you can see from the photos I took on Friday (look here), I have many 'under the skins'. Since using Lumie Clear some of these have turned into larger whiteheads/blind spots. Now, although I am disappointed my skin has not 'improved' I do need to think back to when I was prescribed Roaccutane by my dermatologist (which cleared up my skin perfectly whilst I was on the tablets). Before my acne cleared I did have an outbreak (quite large) which I was very upset with, however my dermatologist had warned me that it would happen! I guess 'under the skins' need to go somewhere; they don't, and can't, just disappear into nothing.

It is with that in mind that I am still feeling positive about the treatment. Perhaps the correlation with my outbreak whilst on Roaccutane is an indication that Lumie Clear is causing a reaction from my skin which, fingers crossed, will be positive in the long run.

I will keep you updated on the progress!!
Please leave a comment if there is something in particular you would like to ask/say or if you have used Lumie Clear in the past.


P.S For those interested- I have been using MyFitnessPal for a few days and so far I am really pleased! I have been updating my calorie consumption after breakfast, lunch and dinner and am finding it really helpful to see how many calories I've used and how many I have left! Definitely worth it so far....let's see if it makes a difference on the scales soon!

Clinique Superbalanced OIL-FREE Foundation

I’ve been a fan of Clinique foundation ever since my Mum first introduced me to their products when I was embarrassed about my acne and trying to hide it with cheap pressed powder out of a makeup box in my bedroom. It was the start of a love for the high end brand that seemed ahead of its time with products that were light enough for girls, like me, with problematic skin.

Over the years I have experimented with lots of other brands of foundations, but unfortunately they left me with more oily, spotty skin.  Although I still do suffer from acne when using Superbalanced foundation, it does not make my acne any worse. For instance, when I haven’t used it for a while (say on holiday) and start using it again it does not cause my skin to become more inflamed, greasy or spotty. A definite bonus! Clinique make, and have always made, light, oil-free make-up that suits my acne prone, oily skin!

This is a product I would thoroughly recommend to fellow readers with acne prone, oily skin. It offers moderate coverage, doesn’t clog pores and it leaves my skin feeling fresh, rather than ‘heavy’ or ‘greasy’ as so many do. 

Buy here.

Work Wear Chic

Today I'm wearing....

Floral Zara Dress

Outfit of the day is a floral dress from Zara that I purchased in the sale, with a basic H&M cami and a black belt with a gold buckle and tassles.
This is one of my favourite dresses for work as it is chiffon material and is really easy to wear, comfy and pretty.

                                                   

                                                   Black belt with gold buckle and tassles.


Do you have a favourite dress/work outfit?

The Wedge

Personally, I love wedges. I love the statement of a wedge – they certainly don’t go unnoticed – and the stability they bring when walking!

Heels and platforms seem set to get higher and higher, and whilst it makes legs look long, I can’t say they are easy to wear day in day out. A wedge however, is a fool proof way of hitting various trends in one go whilst walking easy. 

These particular wedges are from Linzi's. I have a lot of trouble finding wedges that fit as I have size 7 feet but they are narrow. I often slip through the front of open toes but these fit perfectly! Buy them here.

Summer Fitness Kick

The time of year when fear (and a winter spent over eating) grips you is here! The bikini season is nearly upon us and I am certainly starting to feel the pressure! Can I keep a healthy diet/fitness regime going long enough to see results?

This year I am ahead of where I was last year.  I have already joined a gym......although I haven't managed to lose weight despite going to the gym/classes around 4 times a week for the last 5 weeks. Very disappointing! I do feel fitter and slightly slimmer although the scales are not showing any difference. :-( On a more positive note I do have to say I am really enjoying it, especially the high impact aerobics classes! 

My next step is to assess my eating habits. I want to lose weight, get fit and eat healthily over the next few months but, I find staying on task challenging. I have therefore searched the internet for an app that counts calories - MyFitnessPal. It was free to download so I thought I'd give it a go! I have downloaded it today and entered all my vital statistics, my weight loss goal and recorded what I have eaten for breakfast and lunch! It generates the calories consumed and the calories remaining for the rest of the day. I am hoping that this will kickstart my healthy eating/weight loss and will challenge me to only eat my recommended daily calorie consumption. 

Fingers crossed that my new gym bunny ways and healthy eating/calorie counting app will help-sharpish! 

I will keep you updated on my progress - no cheating allowed!

How do you motivate yourself?

Floral Romance

 Florals are a popular trend this summer. From floral scarves, tops, blazers, skirts to perfume, it is a great way to feel summery (even if the sun isn’t shining outside).

Smell is a powerful sense and I'm sure everyone is acutely aware of the impact a familiar or long lost smell can have on emotions. The smell of Estée Lauder lipstick always reminds me of my Mum, 'Le Male' Jean Paul Gaultier of my fiancé and Chanel Platinum of my Dad. Perfumes, and smells, can remind people of holidays, favourite times and even perhaps sad events. This power and influence of smell has always interested me and I adore trying new perfumes.

One of my favourite perfumes at the moment is ‘Flora by Gucci' which includes rose, peony and sandalwood notes. Peonies have to be one of the most beautiful and romantic flowers of all time and I absolutely adore their distinct smell! In keeping with this theme, ‘Gucci Flora’ is a subtle yet elegant perfume which has a ‘clean’ smell - perfect for the summer daytime!

My well used bottle of Gucci Flora sitting in a bed of cotton flowers!

                                                 

Buy Flora by Gucci here. US link: here.

Scarf (old), similar here 

Rules for Colour Blocking.....

....there are none!

Colour blocking is a concept that is going to be massive this summer. Essentially colour blocking is wearing items of clothing that incorporate at least 2 colours. These can be complementary colours (colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel) or colours which are complimentary (side by side on the colour wheel). It seems that this summer, anything goes. Put it together and if you like it, wear it.

If you’re nervous about colour blocking start with fewer electric, neon colours. Or invest in items at first that have done the hardwork for you – such as this Topshop dress that I am wearing today. Whatever you decide, take a deep breath and go for it!

I'm wearing:
Dress - Topshop at Christmas. A few colour blocking dresses here, here and here.
Belt - Vintage fayre. Similar here
Shoes - Primark
Bag - Similar here

Look here at Vogue.com to find more inspiration for colour blocking.

Accessory overload

What I bought:

So, today I went shopping and I have to say – I had a successful day!

First and foremost I finally found a watch that I liked. I have hunted and hunted for a gold chunky watch which is fun and not too expensive; in my opinion I’ve found it.

One of the first shops I went in was Aldo (where I found the watch) and I was blown away by all the neon coloured bags. However, I wanted to wait until I had explored Primark before I purchased one.

Moving on to the watch…the watches in Aldo come in packs with 5, yes 5, different watch straps! They had an assortment of styles and colours. I ended up choosing the watch with a more nude palette as I fell in love with the gold and rose gold strap! Only £30!

Primark, as usual, had a range of different coloured bags. On the floor (where else?) I found a bronze, cream, gold and turquoise dream of a handbag with a long strap. I can’t wait to pair it with nude dresses to add a pop of colour. Only £8!

In addition, I found a rose, gold clutch bag which I am going to pair with a beautiful sea green maxi dress I have my eye on in Zara – I am waiting for my order. And again, it was only £8!

My final purchase was a bargain, even for Primark. For £2 I bought a hot pink and light tan purse. I have been keeping my eye out for a new inexpensive purse as I have a terrible habit of overfilling them and busting the zip far too often. I saw this and couldn’t resist – what a fun way to play with neon colours! I certainly won’t lose it in my bag either.

Hope you enjoyed viewing my purchases! xox

Acne Miracle?

I have had acne since I was about 11 years old. It started with what I call ‘under the skins’ which are little hard pimple/lumps in my pores. They aren’t huge red spot/boils, or whiteheads, but they certainly are noticeable when the light hits your face at certain angles. After a while I started to develop more ‘normal’ acne – white heads, red blind spots – which started to scar. I used topical lotions prescribed by the doctor, antibiotics etc however, none seemed to work successfully.

I ended up going on a really strong acne drug with high levels of vitamin A (with lots of possible side effects) which cleared my acne up wonderfully. As far as I am aware, the majority if people who use such strong drugs usually maintain their acne free state. I, on the other hand, did not and preceded to develop acne again – thankfully the majority were ‘under the skins’ and so less obvious. I went on the acne drug a few more times but have been exploring other options as my acne is getting steadily worse again.

Hope these photos give you a rough idea of my acne. 

After much research I invested in Lumie Clear which is blue/red light therapy:See here

My aim is to use Lumie Clear every night for the recommended treatment time and keep you all updated as to how it goes! Hopefully, this review will be helpful and fellow acne suffers will learn from this particular blog, and maybe even get rid of their acne for good!

Acne miracle? We shall see. xox

Note: I will be keeping my washing/foundation/powder etc routine the same to ensure as fair a test as possible!