TSP: Five Favourites

my asos sunglasses

( although I wish the sun would reappear so I can wear them more )

flicking through french Elle magazines from the late 1940s and early 1950s

( I have to pick out a few, then the rest will be on my stall at the next vintage fair *sadface* )

the most delicious strawberries from Sainsburys

( I bought a 1kg punnet on Thursday, by Saturday this is all that's left )

another Sainsburys buy, a beautiful orchid & sweet coconut candle

a newly bought tray with a new use

( it cost £6 from a vintage fair - i think it looks cute! )

Five Favourite Posts:
- Carrie's "Stripes N Flares" outfit
- James' "Bits + Pieces" ( those kiddos and that photography )
- Jenny's "June Favourites" ( I think I need that lipstick )
- Rosie's "Beautiful Quotes, to aid in the pursuit of joy and contentment"
- Natalie's "Snip Snip" ( I could always use some tips on cutting my own fringe )

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5 Under £5

I've always been a big drugstore girl, but the past couple months or so I've been favouring some of the more expensive products I own. I think it's incredibly easy sometimes to assume immediately that if something costs more, it does a better job, but as most of us have learnt over the years that really isn't always the case. I've been digging out some new products for summer and I've discovered a few old favourites that work wonders for me, even with a low price tag.

I've been wearing less make-up as the sun is coming out more, usually forgoing foundation and just popping on a bit of concealer and powder. Seventeen Phwoarr Paint concealer is perfect for that as it gives enough coverage that I don't need to pile a lot on without being cakey or even particularly noticeable. I can use this on any blemishes, redness or under the eyes too, and it's a great all-round concealer. A blush I always pull out around summer is Sleek's Rose Gold, hailed as a fantastic dupe for NARS Orgasm, although leaning on coral toned, rather than pink. It has a pretty glitter sheen running through that isn't too much, but just enough to add a bit of a glow to the cheeks, which is perfect if you have a little bit of a tan. Sleek do some of the best blushers on the drugstore market, and for £4.49 each I have quite a few in my collection.

Around summer I'm all about the bright nail polishes, and for £5 each Models Own are fantastic quality with an amazing shade range too. A couple I've been really liking recently are Fuzzy Peach and Southern Lights. A summer essential I discovered last year is Silky Underwear Dusting Powder from Lush; if you struggle with overheating sometimes like I do, this is such a good product to have. It's essentially a glorified talcum powder, but it has a really lovely scent and soaks up any bit of moisture on the skin that you don't want. I find myself using it a lot on the really hot days after I've just blow-dried, that feeling is the worst! And as always, a good lip balm is essential, summer or winter, and The Body Shop do some of the best for me. I'm currently using the Honeymania Lip Butter which is really lovely, light enough to use during the day but moisturising enough to pile on at night for seriously soft lips come the morning.

What are some of your favourite summer products for under £5?

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*I've just discovered whilst writing this up that the Seventeen Phwoarr Paint is actually £5.50.. I could have sworn it was £5! Anyway, it's a bloomin' good concealer, even at being over 50p more than it's supposed to be, so hopefully you can forgive me ;)

The Weekend

So, I'm back.. and not particularly happy about it! I had a wonderful time with my family exploring the areas of Northumberland, and now I'm struggling to get back into the daily life of working, blogging and doing things around the house. But it has only been one day, hopefully I'll be okay by tomorrow.

As you can see from the pictures, I pretty much like any scene with flowers in. We visited a few castles, little villages and even managed to get in some vintage and antique stores along the way. It was ever-so-slightly ruined by the awful hayfever I had all weekend and the fact no-one had ever heard of the word 'vegan' or 'soya milk', and I only really got a decent meal on the last day when I found lentil soup in a cafe and my brother cooked tea for me. But it was worth it, because it really was a beautiful area and a very relaxing holiday, and I'm sad to be home.

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Yves Rocher Elixir 7.9 Youth Intensifying Serum

I've stayed away from morning serums for quite some time, believing they'd be a bit too heavy on my oily-combination skin, or I'd be waiting around for ten minutes waiting for it all to sink in before applying my make-up. That said, I've added a few to my morning skincare routine recently, one of them being Yves Rocher Elixir 7.9 Youth Intensifying Serum*. At the age of 23 I don't think I need too much help in the anti-ageing department, but this boasts other effects, including smoother skin and increased radiance, so I thought I'd give it a go.

The serum comes in a glass bottle with a handy pipette applicator - a tiny squeeze out of the product, then I apply all over my face. It has a fresh scent which is a little like cucumber, but it's nice first thing in the morning. I use a couple drops of this which covers my entire face, and sinks in really well. After this I've been popping on my Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Gel Lotion and my skin has been feeling really hydrated, fresh and bright.

I think if my skin was a bit older, rather than stuck in the teenage oily years, I'd notice a bit more of a difference with this. It is aimed at older skin, but that said I do notice an improvement in my skin in terms of brightness and radiance, and it does seem overall a bit smoother too. If you're interested in using anti-ageing products before too many signs appear, or if they sadly already have, this is one for you!

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BRB!

As this post goes live I'll be driving, or being driven rather, up to Northumberland for a little trip away which I'm really looking forward to. It's with my family but Kane is coming along too for a little break by the coast. I haven't planned many blog posts, as I'm back Sunday night anyway, but if you do miss my absence for the three days I'll be gone from my blog, this is why!

I am actually planning on posting about my trip and perhaps attempting to do a little vlog, but I'm unsure just how well I'll be able to pull this off, so we'll see.. I'll also be instagramming away as usual, so you can always follow me on there to keep up with everything. But anyway, BRB! I'll be back before you know it..

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Lips 'N Tips

It's a bit of an old-fashioned concept, but I've been finding myself matching my nail and lip colours. Back around the 1940s and 1950s this would have been standard for a woman to do, but it's only something I've recently caught myself doing, and although it's usually completely accidental, I think some products look so lovely together. So I thought I'd put together a post of my favourite matching lip'n'tips combinations!

These are a couple of my peachy go-tos for the summer months, especially when I've got a bit of a tan. Topshop Ohh La La and Barry M Gelly Papaya are a really lovely match, such a pretty peach with the slightest hint of orange/coral!

Very occasionally I fall very deeply in love with pink, and MAC's Speak Louder is my favourite lipstick for that time, as it's such a nice fuschia shade without being too bright for everyday. I've only got it recently but the Soigne Cerise nail polish I got in last months Birchbox is a really nice match. 

I've been absolutely loving NARS Luxembourg satin lip pencil recently, it's a pretty pink/red hybrid that's really flattering, and I found Nails Inc St James is the perfect match, leaning more on the red side but it definitely has a pink undertone on me. 

I love a good orange during summer, and although I don't have a true orange polish, Models Own Fuzzy Peach comes really close! And of course, the perfect orange lipstick has to come in the form of MAC Morange, I'll be getting a lot of wear from it this summer.

I've been loving the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms for quite a few months now, and I decided it was finally time to add the shade Unapologetic to my collection, which is a gorgeous bright medium toned pink. The Avon Nailwear Pro in 'Coral' is a really lovely match, although it's definitely more of a watermelon pink than coral!

Do you like to match your lip and nail colours? 

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Home Snippets, #2

I recently added a few new bits to my home, so I thought a new home snippets update was due! I went to IKEA and bought quite a lot of things I've had my eye on for ages, as well as finding this beautiful mid century style chair from a charity shop last week. I've had a little switch around of my living room thanks to it, and I absolutely love how it all looks - Theo clearly does too! He's barely moved from the chair, I've named it 'Theo's Throne'.

Birchbox Global Strikers Edition, June 2014

Birchbox are back again with yet another incredible box this month. In celebration of the World Cup they're sending out some of their favourite products from across the globe, as well as the cutest keyring I've ever seen in the Brazil colours. I've seen quite a few variations of the box, but I absolutely love the look of everything inside mine.

Naobay Body Radiance Lotion:
I've never heard of Naobay before, but I like the sound of this little body lotion. It has olive oil, avocado oil and shea butter inside, so perfect for giving a good moisturise. I'm going on a little holiday soon and this looks like the perfect size to take, so I'm looking forward to giving this a go.

OPI Nail Lacquer from the Brazil Collection:
I really like little nail polishes, because who actually manages to get through a full bottle before it goes gunky? I certainly don't! I'm a little unsure of this colour so I might pass it on to someone else after I give it a try if I don't like it, but there are some really lovely other colours from the range.

Original Beauty Blender Sponge:
This is the item I was the most excited about! There's been a few dupes around for the Beauty Blender but I've heard nothing but incredible things about the original. I've never used sponge make-up applicators but I'm really looking forward to trying this, and this alone retails for around £16 so it's amazing to find in a £10 box!

theBalm Cheek & Lip Cream Palette:
I think one of these were in a box a few months ago, and it was actually one of the things that made me subscribe in the first place. theBalm is a brand I've wanted to try for so long but never actually have, so I love the look of this dinky little two in one cheek and lip cream. The colour is so pretty, and again it'll be perfect for taking on holiday!

Caudalie Vinoperfect Broad Spectrum SPF15 Day Perfecting Fluid:
Throughout the warmer months I try to wear a little less make-up, but having blemishes and scarring means I usually can't. This is an oil free moisturiser which claims to boost the radiance of the skin whilst smoothing over lines and reducing dark spots, so I'm really excited to see whether it lives up to that! I've tried a few things from Caudalie skincare and it's all really impressed me, so I'm expecting good things from this!

As you can see, this is such a fantastic box and Birchbox have absolutely won me over again to the beauty box business. There's a good mix of brands I know and new ones I've been introduced to, and a good few products I really can't wait to give a try!

Are you a Birchbox subscriber? What do you think of this box?

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Haircare Heroes.. Again

I blogged about my haircare heroes a few months ago now, but I've lately had a snip and a couple inches off the length, so introduced a few new products to the routine. I've been styling it a little more than usual so I've been conscious of letting it dry naturally and then using a curling wand to add a bit of a style, so I'm still trying to use products that protect and nourish my hair, as well as a couple styling ones thrown in too.

I'm sure people are probably sick of hearing about the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray by now, but it really is as good as they say. I've been curling my hair, which I don't usually as it creates too much of a uniform look, but after a quick spritz of this into the curls and roots of my hair, I'm left with a textured, voluminous look that doesn't look ridiculous! I absolutely love this stuff, and it actually means I don't have to style my hair so much, it just does the job for me. As it's been getting warmer, my hair has been reacting to the humidity as well, and I rediscovered the Trevor Sorbie Beautifully Moisturised Humidity Control Spray lurking in my drawer, which sadly has been discontinued! I pop a few sprays in my hair just after washing, and it really reduces frizz and how my hair is affected by the heat, it's lovely. Such a shame it's no longer available though!

I had been using the Caudalie Divine Oil as my hair serum of choice, but after lopping a bit of a length it's a little too heavy for me, so I switched it out for the Dr. Organic Morrocan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum. I only need a couple drops of this, and after working through the ends of my hair is feels really nourished and looks so shiny. It doesn't weigh my hair down at all either, which can be quite easy on my fine hair. It smells so lovely too! Even though I've just had it cut I still like using a masque one or two times a week, and my one of choice you've probably heard of on here before is the Bumble & Bumble Quenching Masque. My hair is so much more manageable after using this, and it's a really fantastic product for anyone who overstyles or abuses their hair a little bit.

Have you tried any of these? What are your haircare heroes?

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You Beauty Discovery Box - June 2014

Upon seeing the options for this month's You Beauty Discovery Box, I felt a little disappointed, and after receiving it, I'm still in two minds! As always each box costs £6.95 each including P&P, and with that you pick two items you'd like to try, as well as a couple extras they throw into each box. With this one I got a Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Spa mask which I'm looking forward to trying, and a cute heart expandable face cloth which I'll be keeping for next week's little holiday away!

Rituals... Zensation Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Gel:
So, this is my highlight of the box. This was the only thing from the options ( see them all here ) that I knew I really wanted to get, and it hasn't disappointed. I've never tried anything from Rituals, but I've heard really wonderful things. The scent of this is just absolutely beautiful, I love anything Cherry Blossom so this is a big hit with me. It foams up really nicely too, so a little goes a long way. These are availble through the Rituals website for £4.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Infallible Lipstick in Timeless Rose:
Unfortunately, this is where the box falls flat for me. In hindsight I should probably have picked the Cowshed Body Butter or even the hand cream or hair treatment, but I hadn't heard of either of those brands so didn't really know if they'd be good or not. This is a 2-in-1 lip colour, with the idea you apply the gloss first, leave it to dry, then add on the balm afterwards, meaning it creates a long-lasting but hydrating colour. The colour is quite pretty, although there is a little too much glitter in it for me, meaning it just isn't a colour I'd wear usually. Also, the gloss feels very greasy on first application, and then very sticky after it dries, so the balm is a must. This product is £9.99 so obviously makes the box incredibly good value for money, but sadly it just isn't for me.

So overall a bit of a mixed bag this month, but that's just the way it goes sometimes. I've discovered a really beautiful shower gel that I'm really happy about too, plus I'm looking forward to trying out the mask.

Have you tried any of these products?

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The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Shower Gel & Body Lotion

I feel like I'm sponsored by The Body Shop at the moment, but I am just loving their products so much recently, I'm using at least 1 or 2 a day from haircare, skincare, make-up and body things. Some of my latest buys are from the Vineyard Peach range, which as a huge lover of any thing peach, I really couldn't resist, and as you can probably see from the bottles, I've been using them a lot the last couple of weeks.

The Vineyard Peach Shower Gel is my new go-to wash for in the shower, even my boyfriend has been pinching it! It's a standard gel texture, and foams up really nicely. The scent is absolutely divine, like very sweet, sugary peaches, and after it's all been washed away it lingers for a while too, which I like. Of course I'll make it last a little longer by piling on the Vineyard Peach Body Lotion. Again, it's a pretty standard lotion texture, but a little goes a long way and it leaves my body feeling so smooth and really moisturised. This smells exactly like I've just bitten into a peach, so an absolutely lovely scent that is quite authentic too. I absolutely love this pairing, and I know they're my body must-haves for this summer!

Have you tried anything from the Vineyard Peach range?

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Lets Talk About Feet!

God, I hate feet. I hate my feet especially; they're a weird shape, far too wide, and practically every single pair of footwear I've ever worn (including flip flops) rub me, causing blisters and cuts. Summer means I have to take some extra care with my feet, and they're usually not too much of a pretty sight after being stuck in tights and thick socks all winter. I've got a few products that have helped get them in tip-top condition and sandal ready.

Pulp Friction by Soap & Glory is one of my favourite scrubs; it's quite gentle, and foams up nicely meaning it gives a really good clean too, but it does the job well of clearing away any flakey, dry areas. It has a really lovely fruity, fresh scent too, which is lovely on the warmer days. I make sure I moisturize my feet well too, and like to smother them in The Body Shop Shea Butter once every week or so, pop them in some socks and leave it all to sink in overnight. I get dry skin really easily on my feet, so this is really important to me, as well as using a foot file regularly to get rid of the most I can.

Another thing from feet are just fantastic at are overheating, and I get heatrash really easily during summer, so I need to be able to cool them down on warmer days. I have a little spray from Avon, the Foot Works Sugar and Lime Mojito Refreshing Spray which feels so cooling and lovely, and has a gorgeous fresh scent too so makes your tootsies smell gorgeous! I also sometimes carry around Lush' Silky Underwear if I know I'll be having a long day with lots of walking, which is like a cuter alternative to talcum powder - it soaks up any perspiration and has a lovely scent, with cocoa butter in too so helps to add a bit of moisture too.

I know they're not the nicest of subjects, but we all have them and especially for myself, looking after my feet is really important in summer. Do you have any foot-friendly products you swear by?

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Avoiding Dehydration

Making sure my skin is well hydrated as to not produce excess oil as a result is a big part of my skincare routine. Over the past few months I've amassed a few masks, serums and creams, a couple which I use on a daily basis, to inject some moisture into my skin. Dehydration is something that's quite hard to diagnose, compared to dryness, so I like to use at least one product to help everyday, and it's made a big difference to not only the condition of my skin, but how many blemishes I'm getting too.

Starting off with masks, the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey mask is my go-to. I like to pop this on after I've using a nice clay mask as I notice the biggest difference, and leave it on for around 20 minutes. It's a thin, quite sticky consistency, and tingles as you pop it on which sometimes isn't the most enjoyable, but at least you can tell it's working. After washing off I'm left with bright, baby soft skin.

I've been using a couple serums before a moisturiser, my most reached for being the Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Balancing Serum*. I've only just done a full review of this ( read it here ) so I won't say too much, but it's a lovely light gel consistency, has a beautiful rose scent, and feels lovely on the skin, sinking in really quickly too. Avene's Soothing Hydrating Serum* is actually quite similar in texture and feel, although I probably pop on a little bit more of this one. There isn't really a huge amount of difference between the two though, so I'd recommend the Avene one if Jurlique is slightly out of your budget.

My night cream of choice is the Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream, which is packed full of anti-oxidants oils; rosehip, almond, avocado, acai, with Goji berry and Manuka honey. This just leaves my skin looking so plump, clear, and again helps with blemishes too. It's not the cheapest of moisturisers, but a little goes a long way and it has such incredible effects, I'd recommend it to anyone. I've been testing out the Melvita Moisturising and Replenishing Night Nectar, which I really like so far but I haven't really used enough of to make much of an opinion. 

These products really do make such a big difference to my skin, as well as using my normal oils and trying to drink as much water as possible. What are your favourite hydrating products?

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Weekend Wishlist #6

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 

I feel like I should be posting about pretty summer dresses now we're into June, but looking outside it's pouring down with rain so the jeans go on to live another day! I've actually only got one pair of jeans (shocker!) but until a few months ago I lived in skirts. I have a blue pair but I really need a black pair too, they just go with everything. I absolutely LOVE this Topshop Boutique top too; sadly it's a pricey one so it'll never be mine, but I am in love with the design and print, plus it is silk! I think they'd both look lovely paired with these perfect simple sandals from Betty London, they're one of my favourite brand for shoes.

I think I have to include a pair of sunglasses in every wishlist, and this pair from Jeepers Peepers are just gorgeous, I think they're possibly my perfect style. I love tortoise-shell and the cat eye style, but nothing too exaggerated, just lovely. I'm always in love with ASOS jewellery, and this cute pair of stone rings really caught my eye. I really fancy a Rifle Paper Co phonecase, as well as pretty much everything else they make!

I treated myself at the start of the month to a NARS Satin Lip Pencil, and one of their matte lipsticks in Heat Wave looks absolutely beautiful, I love any sort of orange-toned red shades. I've been hearing a lot about the Louise Young Super Foundation brush too, and I'd love to give my Real Techniques ones a rest to give something else a little try.

What are you lusting after this month?

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The Classic Red Lip

Just over a week ago now I had a little haircut, and although most people aren't seeing such a difference, it's altered just about everything; I feel more like me, and I've started having a clear out of clothing, instead looking for more simple but chic designs, shapes and styles. Make-up wise I've reverted back to a simple flick of eyeliner with a classic red lip, of which I have a few favourites.

I've featured Topshop's Screen Siren a few times recently, so I won't say too much about it, but it's a gorgeous slightly pink toned red that I love. Topshop make-up always really impresses me, and their lipsticks are one of the best from them. I've been in love with the Revlon matte balms too, my favourite being Striking. It's got a slight orange undertone that I find really flattering on me, and I just love the formula, finish and longevity of these. One of the best releases so far this year!

Bourjois Rouge Edition in Jetset is a more recent purchase, and one I probably overlook too often really. To me this is the most classic red, so perfect if you're looking for an all rounder than you can wear day or night. I have a couple from the Kate Moss Lasting Finish lipsticks that I love too. 01 is an absolutely gorgeous deep, vampy red that I haven't worn for a couple months but come autumn I can't get enough of it. 022 has a very, very slight orange undertone but again leans on the classic red tone, and is another I get a lot of wear out of.

Next on my list to buy is MAC Russian Red, which I think will be the red to end all reds! If you have any classic red lipsticks you can't get enough of, let me know! I'm always looking for more to add to the collection.. ;)

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The Perfect Summer Palette?

Benefit's Go Tropi-coral was actually a Christmas present, but until recently it hasn't been the most used thing I own. It's pretty obvious why though, being so full of coral and peachy goodness makes it absolutely perfect for the warmers months, especially travelling, and it has a few products I really love. Benefit have quite a few of these little lip and cheek kits, but the colour range from this one stood out to me the most.

Cha Cha Tint has been one of my favourite products from Benefit for quite sometime; It's one of their lip and cheek tints, and is a really beautiful bright peach shade. I love this on my lips, but it can be used on the cheeks too. This comes in the travel size, but rest assured a little of these go a seriously long way, I've had a little Cha Cha Tint for around two years now. The same travel size of High Beam is also included, which is a beautiful highlighter coming in the similar nail-polish bottle and applicator style. I like to dab a tiny amount of this on my cheekbones, nose and brow bone and blend with my fingertips, and it leaves a really natural, pretty glow.

If you don't fancy Cha Cha Tint on the cheeks, you can pop Coralista on instead. This is a lovely coral-pink shade, with a small bit of a shimmer in. Strangely it isn't the most pigmented thing I've ever used, but just means it's nicely buildable instead of being too much. The brush doesn't get any use which is a bit of a shame, I just prefer to use my Real Techniques one. And lastly, to finish it all off, the Coralista gloss. Again, this isn't hugely pigmented, but has a pretty coral sheen to it, and can be worn alone or over the top of Cha Cha Tint for a bit more colour. I absolutely love this palette, I'm going away in a couple weeks and I know I'll be taking this for a pretty summer look.

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