Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Review

When it comes to skincare, Liz Earle are by far at the top of my list. Natural and leaping bunny certified, I’ve noticed a big difference when using their products. One of said products happens to be the popular Cleanse & Polish. I first tried a sample of this in my second year of university and adored it, though for some reason never got around to purchasing the full size. Fast forward over a year later and its become a staple in my skincare routine. I’m a water and flannel girl through and through, so this fits in perfectly. Cleanse & Polish removes every little scrap of makeup through to the toughest mascara, leaving my skin feeling beautifully soft. The packaging nicely reflects their natural element and the useful pump dispenses the perfect amount of product so there is no wastage.

As I mentioned in my Instant Boost Skin Tonic Review, my skin hasn’t been the best since coming home from Florida. C&P in combination with Skin Tonic has definitely helped clear it up, leaving my face feeling fresh, moisturised and smooth. Would I repurchase? I already have!

Pros: Nice packaging, Handy pump, Removes makeup effectively, Leaves skin feeling soft, Helps clear skin, Cruelty free.
Cons: A bit of a strong smell.

You can pick the starter kit up from John Lewis, the Liz Earle website or select boots stores for £14.75.

What do you think of Cleanse and Polish? What's your favourite cleanser?

xox

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University Graduation with OOTD

Jacket: New Look
Top: H&M
Skirt: Primark
Tights: Primark
Shoes: New Look
Necklace: Arwen Evenstar Pendent from Forbidden Planet

This week saw me graduate from Southampton Solent University with a BA(Hons) degree in Photography. It’s strange to think that three years has passed already! For my outfit I didn't want anything too extravagant. Even though I had the choice to splurge, I went for budget options. This was half due to not wanting to spend loads of money but also that nowhere had anything I liked that was appropriate! I already had an idea of what i wanted to get before hand so ended up piecing together things bit by bit. The best thing about this outfit is that I can easily wear it at work (I start teaching at a college in Manchester on Wednesday). I went for a short sleeved blouse with lace detailing which I tucked into a patterned skater skirt, topped with a casual blazer style jacket. Brogues seemed like the safest option so I didn't fall flat on my face while going on stage and mickey mouse tights, need I say more? My boyfriend bought me the Evenstar necklace for my birthday and I simply couldn't receive my degree without a bit of geekery, could I?

Luckily I didn't fall on my face and am now officially a photography graduate. Afterwards me and my parents went for a lovely Italian before heading to meet some of my friends to say a final goodbye to Southampton. Unexpectedly I ended up staying out way later than planned, visiting my old haunt “The Hobbit Pub” (oh how I'm going to miss that place). Dad also treated me to a soft toy of Olaf (from new Disney movie Frozen) the next day while I got myself a Kindle Fire HD, graduation was just an excuse for that one really haha.

Overall it was a nice day and officially marks the start of my adult life. I’m currently pursuing a post-graduate teaching degree with plans to teach photography and art history as a source of income while I work on my own practice.

xox

Winter Lip Saviours

Lip care has always been something I have used but never really paid much attention too. Does it stop them from becoming chapped? Yes. Is it a reasonable price? Yes. Sorted. Since coming back from America late August, my top lip became annoyingly chapped. I tried using my much loved EOS, Blistex, Burt's Bees, LUSH and a number of miscellaneous brands all to no avail. I suffered with this for around 2 months as I really didn't want to splurge on the likes of Jack Black at the risk that it wouldn't work (plus I’ve only recently gotten pennies!). That is until someone recommended I use Vaseline. I’m sure every girl has used this obsessively at some point in their life, I’m no exception. Since becoming interested in beauty though, i have always just thought it acts as a barrier and doesn't actually do anything for sore skin. Oh boy was I shocked when mere minuets after applying this, my lips felt so much more moisturised and well, basically felt great. Queue using it for a few more days and bye bye chapped lips. I’m now using this in combination with a Burt's Bees lip balm which, as you can see in the image, has had rather a lot of handbag love to the point where the packaging has just rubbed off. I know my Crème Brulee Vaseline is a little old now, but it works and smells delicious. Come at me cold weather!

What lip products have been keeping your pout moisturised in the colder months?

xox

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Organize My Makeup With Me

With makeup flowing over onto my desk and lipsticks making their home in the most random of places, new storage has been at the forefront of my mind. So when a trip to Ikea presented itself, I pretty much knew what I was going to get. Or did I? The Alex 9 draw units are the most popular choice for makeup storage these days and I had every intention on jumping on that bandwagon. At £90 they aren’t cheap, but they’re just so perfect don’t you agree? After some moments spent oohing and ahhing over the decision to get the 9 draw over the 5 draw I finally decided that i might as well splurge. That is until I reached bargain corner. There, in perfect condition, fully assembled for £40 was the Alex 5 draw. As someone who has been saving money for the whole of 2013, i couldn't say no really as it was £50 cheaper than what I was originally going to spend and with Christmas looming I couldn’t break the habit. Looking back now I probably should have gotten the 9 draw and kind of wish I had, but these are definitely a good investment and I can see them housing my teaching documents (I’m currently a trainee teacher) in the future if I upgrade. Plus they were already assembled! Anyone else hate putting together furniture as much as I do?

After fiddling around I’ve condensed my makeup into 4 draws (not including nail polish) with the bottom being used for general beauty products. I did not realise how much makeup I had and how much I rarely use so organizing it all has made rediscover some unloved products, always a good thing. I decided to bring you all with me when I started filling up the Alex by filming the process in an “Organize My Makeup With Me” style video. I personally love seeing how people store their products so I hope this post/video gives you some ideas and a little insight into my growing collection.

How do you organize your makeup?

xox

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Catching Fire Inspired Makeup: The Tribute Parade

In anticipation for the second instalment of The Hunger Games I’ve done a look inspired by a clip from the trailer. I’m a fan of the franchise, although definitely not as obsessed as my sister who collection anything and everything Hunger Games. I’m more of a Tolkien girl. Nonetheless, the makeup worn by heroine Katniss Everdeen in the trailers looks astounding, so I had to re-create it. The look is a harsh dark eye with golden swirls flicking outwards paired with a nude lip (not shown well in the image above) although I used a more smokey effect with gold and silver detailing. Not as dramatic but alot more wearable.

Face
Inglot Face Primer, Illamasqua Skin Base 02, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Fyrinae Loose Powder, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed, NARS Laguna Bronzer.

Eyes
Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Mac Blackground paint pot, Makeup Geek Corrupt, Kat Von D Unrequited, Sugarpill Tako, Sugarpill Tiara, Sugarpill Goldilux, Makeup Forever Black Pencil Liner, Collection Extreme Felt Tip Liner, Benefit They’re Real, ES lashes, Anastasia Brow Whiz in Ash Blonde.

Lips
Mac Viva Glam Gaga 2.

There’s so many great looks that I’ve seen within the trilogy (I'm still calling it that even though there's going to be four films). I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Katniss’ Caesar Flickerman interview outfit and makeup. I might have to do a few more re-creations in the near future, what do you think?

Are you excited for Catching Fire? Which makeup look/outfit of The Hunger Games is your favourite?

xox

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Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Review

I’ve never been one to regularly use a toner. Heck, I don't think I’ve used one more than a handful of times ever before this. They are generally seen as a little old fashioned these days, chemical exfoliates such as Pixi Glow taking the front line. My sister bought me the Liz Earle Skincare Essentials set as an early birthday present a few months ago (more like gave me the money for it ha!), which contained a full size of the Instant Boost Skin Tonic. I’d been moaning about wanting some new skincare for a while and gosh am i glad I went for this.

One of the main reasons I love Liz Earle is they are part of the Leaping Bunny Family, meaning they’re cruelty free (although they are owned by Avon who do unfortunately sell in China). This is increasingly becoming essential when I buy from brands. Not only that, their products contain a host of natural ingredients and the Skin Tonic itself contains no animal extracts. Their packaging reflects this natural ethos while remaining simple yet practical. The scent is floral yet not too overpowering, reminding you again of that natural element. Claiming to refresh, sooth and brighten, Liz Earle Skin Tonic is suitable for all skin types. It’s lack of alcohol contributes to its non-drying properties, if anything it add moisture.

I can genuinely see a difference using this product and can prove it! I first started using it before I jetted off to Florida for the summer. A squirt on a cotton pad wiped across my face after using Cleanse & Polish. Over the summer my skin was the best its ever been since becoming a teenager. How do I know Skin Tonic was a major contributor? I had kept everything else in my skincare routine exactly the same apart from C&P. Even after than ran out, my skin remained amazing. As soon as the toner ran out though, my skin went downhill. I do know that the humidity levels in Florida helped and my skin is having a moisture relapse in returning to the UK but, here's the thing. I repurchased Skin Tonic about 2 weeks ago and can already see a difference. I honestly believe it’s working miracles and helping to clear up imperfections. It leaves my skin feeling fresh, makes sure all my makeup has gone and just generally gives it that little bit of a boost.

Pros: Natural, Cruelty free, Non drying, Adds moisture, Leaves skin feeling fresh, Contributes to clearer skin.
Cons: Some may not like the scent.

For £13.25 you will get 200ml of product that can easily last 3-4 months of twice a day use. Pick this up online, in store at John Lewis or in select boots stores.

Have you ever used Instant Skin Boost Tonic? What's your favourite Liz Earle product?

xox

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