11.04.2020

Top beauty brands for self-care

Top beauty brands for self-care

Now more than ever we need to dedicate regular, quality time for self-care.

There are so many important elements to self-care, and one of my personal favourite ways to switch off is by using beautiful products.

Whether that's simply cleansing your skin with an incredible smelling balm, taking two minutes out to apply an aromatherapy hand cream, or running a relaxing bath filled to the brim with nourishing oils and salts, there are endless ways to give yourself a boost.


L'Occitane  

If you've been reading my blog for a while then you'll know that L'Occitane is one of my absolute go-to brands.

From their classic hand creams to their rejuvenating face masks, you really could try absolutely anything from the French-based company and you'd be guaranteed to find yourself a new favourite.

If you're looking for the best bath of your life (who isn't?), look no further than the Lavender Foaming Bath*.

Oh and their fragrances? So wonderful.

What to try: Lavender Foaming Bath*  |  Purifying Face Mask*  |  Shea Butter Light Comforting Face Cream*  |  Purifying Home Mist  |  SOS Shine Hair Mask


Liz Earle

Another stunning natural brand is Liz Earle, who are best known for their cult Cleanse and Polish cleanser - however they have so many other beauty staples up for grabs here.

If you find yourself with tired eyes on the regular, then the Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion will come as an absolute godsend. It really is magical stuff.

What to try: Cleanse and Polish  |  Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion  |  Botanical Shine Shampoo  |  Deep Cleansing Mask  |  Skin Replenishing Body Balm Lavender & Vetiver


Neom

I've raved about Neom on my blog endless times, so it's no surprise that they're a feature on this post.

If you fancy a full rundown, you might want to visit my Neom brand focus post where I delve into the story behind the Yorkshire-based company. 

Essentially, Neom have four core collections designed to cater to different moods; whether you are feeling tired, stressed, lacking energy or just wanting an overall boost. All of which are excellent.

Did you know they also have a wellbeing podcast?

What to try: Real Luxury Magnesium Body Butter  |  Uplifting Hand Balm  |  Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser  |  Real Luxury Home Mist  |  Bedtime Hero Bath Foam


Espa

Espa's slogan is 'natural beauty, inner calm', which I think tells you everything you can expect from this spa brand.

Each and every one of their products is beautifully packaged and beautifully smelling, whilst working an absolute treat.

Their products are frequently used in luxury spas, and for good reason. Espa also have treatment rooms in most major John Lewis stores - keep your eyes peeled for a review of my experience having a full body treatment earlier in the year!

What to try: Optimal Skin Pro-Serum  |  Energising Pulse Point Oil  |  Restorative Bath Oil  |  Positivity Diffuser  |  Pink Hair and Scalp Mud


Neals Yard

I first discovered the wonders of Neal's Yard several years back after being introduced to their Wild Rose Beauty Balm by my Mum.

Since then I have tried out much of their collection, and have been blown away each and every time - have a read of my Neal's Yard Brand Focus post to read up on my favourites!

NY also offer a range of training courses if you're wanting to familiarise yourself with the likes of gut health, aromatherapy and creating your own skincare.

What to try: Wild Rose Beauty Balm  |  Lavender Bath Salts  | Remedies to Roll - Relaxation  |  Reviving White Tea Face Mask  | Award Winning Skincare Kit


What are your go-to skincare brands for self-care? Are you a fan of any of the above? 


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10.26.2020

What to watch this season

What to watch this Autumn

Now that the clocks have changed, it's officially time to get cosy.

And what better way to do just that than with a seasonal movie marathon ft. ALL the snacks?

Here's a quick round up of some A/W viewing...


Hocus Pocus

Starting off with an oldie but a goodie! If you're in the market for a lighthearted Autumnal watch with a Halloween theme, this is one for you. 

One of the many great things about a Disney + subscription is access to an endless amount of classics. Even better, a Hocus Pocus sequel has just been announced featuring the original cast!


Haunting of Bly Manor

If you've seen The Haunting of Hill House, then I imagine you will already have made a dent in this spooky series. Utterly brilliant thanks to its gripping plot, I'm not ashamed to admit I watched the lot in a matter of days. Loosely based on Henry James' novella, The Turn of the Screw, the story follows Dani Clayton after she is hired as an au pair at a family country house by the name of Bly Manor. Very subtle with its scares, but oh-so good. 


Ratched

Another series based upon a book is Ratched. Featuring Sarah Paulson from American Horror Story, the thriller is focused around a nurse in the 1940s at a hospital where all isn't as it seems. Tune in on Netflix.


Stranger Things

Obviously this had to feature. Filming for the fourth season was understandably delayed this year, so why not get your ST fix by starting from the top with season one? I did just that recently, and I have zero regrets.

Not only is the storyline 10/10, but the playlist is a real winner.


American Horror Story

AHS is an anthology of tales featuring a range of characters and locations. 

From a haunted house, to a creepy hotel, there are nine American Horror Story plots to choose from to get your Halloween fix.


What are your favourite things to watch at this time of year? Are any of the above your favourites?


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10.24.2020

Five wholesome things to do this Autumn

Five things to do this Autumn


As much as I love the long Summer months, I know I'm not alone in viewing Autumn as my favourite of the four seasons. Hot chocolates, Halloween and crisp, cosy mornings - what's not to love?

I've rounded up five of my favourite to-dos for the cosy season ahead...



Pumpkin picking

An absolute classic, but one that never gets old - a trip to a pumpkin patch is a great way to get into the Autumn spirit.

As well as carving a spooky face, there's an endless amount of alternatives when it comes to making use of your pumpkin. Whip up a storm in the kitchen by cooking a hearty soup, create a face mask or even feed the wildlife in your garden with the seeds!


Get creative

With things looking a little different this A/W, many of us have found ourselves spending more time at home - so what better excuse to get creative with your time.

Whether you craft a DIY hoop embroidery to put on display in your humble abode, show off your skills with an exquisite oil painting, or start scrapbooking your memories, it's a great way to switch off.


Switch up your homeware

I don't know about you, but I am truly obsessed with buying homeware. I'm talking candles, cushions, and all things cosy. Switching up your decorative pieces can totally change the look of a room, so now we're well into Autumn, boy-oh-boy have I been stocking up. Homesense, M&S and Sainsbury's are my current go-to stores for all things interior.


Learn some new recipes

This year I have really found myself getting into cooking. Trying out new recipes and making something that is both healthy and delicious is so rewarding. 

For times when I'm looking for inspiration, both Gousto and Hello Fresh have been brilliant. 


Movie and TV show marathon

Ending on another go-to wholesome activity... movie and TV show marathons are tip-top all year round, but when the nights draw in they're cracked up an extra notch. With snacks, warm drinks and all the candles (see above), it's the ultimate cosy evening in.


What are your favourite things to do during Autumn? Will you be going pumpkin picking this year?


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7.12.2020

The At-Home Spa Day

At Home Spa Blogger

Through this truly unfamiliar chapter, it's never been more important to take some time to look after number one.

If you're needing a little lockdown pick me up (who isn't), what better excuse to book yourself in for a spa day - at your very own humble abode.

No need to make any unnecessary purchases, take a look in your bathroom cupboard and make use of your existing beauty gems.

Here's an insight into my routine.


Skincare

Starting with the skin, I am truly obsessed with the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. 400ml of this magical stuff sits under the £6 mark (and is often on offer for less than £3!), making it a complete steal. Suitable for all skin types, it gently cleanses the skin and removes all traces of makeup.

Another skincare bargain is the Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil. With Grapeseed Oil and Vitamins A and E, the oil works to dissolve any impurities whilst hydrating.

The Pixi Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel* is the sister to the brand's famed toner. A gel-based cleanse, this leaves your complexion looking bright, energised and feeling smooth.

Following this, I like to reach for the Omorovicza Refining Facial Scrub, something that quite literally transforms the skin. With Hungarian Moor Mud, Calcium and Magnesium, the scrub has quite the line-up of ingredients, making it no surprise that it quickly buffs away unwanted texture, revealing a radiant glow. The spa-like aroma only makes it even more special to use. Pricey, but it'll last you.

A skincare menu isn't complete without a mask, right?

The L'Occitane Purifying Facial Mask* is my go-to for times I'm feeling a little congested. Made with freshly cut, organic Thyme all the way from the stunning Provence, the mask-scrub hybrid minimises pores and leaves the skin feeling oh-so soft.

I'm sure you will be familiar with the Garnier Sheet Masks. Whether your skin is dry, fatigued or clogged, Garnier have your back - now available in around 15 varieties, you're certainly not short on choice. My number one is the Moisture Bomb - cooling, hydrating and fabulously inexpensive.

The next course in my skincare menu comes in the shape of the Inky List Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Holding up to 1000 times its weight in water, this stuff is a must for those with skin on the drier side thanks to the key ingredient of 2% pure Hyaluronic Acid.

To lock in some additional hydration, we have the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s elixir of youth, this spritz tightens pores, gives a dewy glow and works wonders at setting makeup.

Espa's Optimal Skin ProMoisturiser is the perfect finishing touch. The scent alone is especially luxe, however the nutrient-rich cream stands out for its power at hydrating the skin in an instant.

Body

I like to mix it up when it comes to my body products, however the soothing Humble Rose & Frankincense Body Wash has been a long-time love for me. Humble products are free from SLS and Parabens, are not tested on animals and are fully Biodegradable.

If you enjoy something a little more zingy, the Rituals Happy Buddah Foaming Shower Gel is a must. The divine combination of Sweet Orange and Cedarwood will last on the skin all day following your stay-at-home pamper.

If you're feeling particularly boujee, the Espa Restorative Bath Oil will no doubt fit the bill. A capful of the Sweet Orange, Rose Geranium and Lavender oil will fill your bathroom with a dreamy aroma and leave you counting down the minutes until you can climb into bed.

On the topic of sleep, post-bath I like to apply a generous handful of the Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter. The perfect finishing touch pre-slumber.


Be right back, just off to run myself a bath...


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4.19.2020

Brand focus: Glossier

Glossier Blogger Review

One of the biggest beauty brands to hit the UK over the past few years is undoubtedly Glossier.

With the tagline 'products inspired by real life', the cosmetic giant create stunning, simplistic treats for the face and body, with a spritz of fragrance thrown in for good measure.

Glossier started out as oh-so popular blog, Into The Gloss (which is 10/10 if you are a newbie to the site). Fast forward a few years and the beauty company was born.

Playful, innovative and easy on the eye, Glossier products are now a staple for many - and for good reason.

If you're looking to sample their delights but are unsure where to start, here's a round-up of some of my favourites...

Glossier Balm Dotcom - £10

Sold in an array of flavours, Balm Dotcom is a universal skin salve that works wonders on dry skin.

Not only does it do good, but it tastes lush too. The balm is also ideal for minimal makeup days, with the majority of flavours (bar mint and coconut) having a sheer tint. Highly recommend!

Glossier Futuredew - £23

This dreamy oil serum hybrid is marketed as a skincare product - to be used as a final step in your routine following serum/moisturiser/spf. Whilst that may work for some, I personally find it works best implemented as part of my makeup.

The glossy liquid can be applied to the full face or dotted along the cheekbone (my preference) and is a must for those looking to achieve a hydrated, glossy look to the skin.

B-e-a-utiful.

Glossier Stretch Concealer - £15

Those with skin on the drier side will love this little pot of goodness.

Buildable, hydrating and non-cakey (yes!), the Stretch Concealer is quite literally a dehydrated gals dream.

Whether you're wanting to cover dark circles, blemishes or redness, this does the trick.

Even better, choose from an impressive 12 shades.

Glossier You - £45

With notes of ambrette, iris root and sparkling pink pepper, Glossier You is a unique fragrance housed in a gorgeous pink (50ml) bottle.

Thanks to the base notes, the eu de parfum adapts to your unique skin chemistry, meaning it will smell different on each person - because who wants to smell the same as everyone else, right?



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4.17.2020

Top 5 Wellness Podcasts


The past six months I have truly rekindled my love for a good podcast.

Free, informative and oh-so enjoyable, podcasts are now becoming part of a daily routine for many.

Whether you're getting ready for the day ahead (a.k.a. getting ready for a day in the house) or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, podcasts are the perfect accompaniment for the task at hand.

Although there are many a classic out there, with the likes of Emma Gannon Ctrl Alt Delete, and Ted Talks Daily, my go-to genre centres around wellness.

From mental health and exercise, to diet and supplementation, there's something for everyone.


The Doctor's Kitchen
Dr Rupy Aujla's podcast has been going since 2017, with over 60 episodes covering a wide array of focus points, including habits, depression and yoga. Each episode, Rupy, who is a medical doctor specialising in general practice, welcomes a guest onto his channel to discuss the subject of the week.

Most of The Doctor's Kitchen episodes span anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes and they really are such a fantastic investment of your time.

Recommended episodes: The Brain Gut Connection with Dr Rabia Lalani  Motivation with Joe Wicks  |  Eat for Inflammation with Dr Anita Mitra


Get Your Glow Back with Madeleine Shaw
It's almost guaranteed that you will already be familiar with Madeleine and her (fabulous) work in the world of wellness, but did you know she boasts her own podcast?

With weekly uploads, she delves into conversations on stress, meditation, food and more. Get Your Glow Back is primarily aimed at motherhood, though many of the episodes hand themselves to topics useful for all, whether you are a parent or not.

Madeleine's bubbly and knowledgable persona keeps her loyal listeners coming back for more every Tuesday.

Recommended episodes: Skin Nutrition with Erica Rodriguez  |  5 Minutes to Change Your Life with Dr Ragan Chatterjee  |  Combatting the Anxiety Epidemic with Chloe Brotheridge


Happy Place
Alongside launching a wellbeing collection in Boots, publishing three best-selling books and organising her own festival (yes, really), famed TV and radio presenter, Fearne Cotton also hosts an incredible podcast, Happy Place. There's no denying, she is a busy woman indeed.

Bringing in celebrities and experts, her podcasts are published on a weekly basis, with over 40 episodes spanning back to 2018 to enjoy. Topics covered include everything from mental health and positivity, to daydreaming and transformational breathing.

Recommended episodes: Russell Brand: In Isolation  |  Sam Fender  |  Bryony Gordon  |  Dolly Alderton  |  Rebecca Dennis


Deliciously Ella
Back in 2015 Ella Woodward quickly became a household name for those interested in the health and wellness industry.

What started as a personal project for Ella transformed (almost overnight) into a business that includes cookbooks, snacks, an app and a successful podcast - to name just a few.

The Deliciously Ella podcast is a go-to for those looking to both inspire and motivate themselves. Each episode brings a new topic, so whether you're keen to explore the ins and outs of gut health, the steps towards accepting failure, or the power of digital detox, there's something new to learn in under 60 minutes.

Recommended episodes: How to Build a Healthy, Happy Brain  |  Do We Need a Digital Detox  |  Creating a More Mindful Life  |  How to Break a Habit and Make Lasting Changes  |  How to Have a Healthy Gut


The Neom No B.S. Guide to Wellbeing
First things first, if you're yet to experience this beautiful, beautiful brand, you must visit the Neom website at once.

The Yorkshire-born wellness brand has a history not too dissimilar to Ella Woodward's, starting off small and blossoming into a well-respected, natural business that can be found in stores throughout the UK.

Alongside the products, The Neom No B.S. Guide to Wellbeing podcast launched in June 2019 and consists of six inspiring sessions with industry experts. You will find yourself learning about sleep, energy, mental health and the all-important wellbeing toolkit. A must.

Recommended episodes: All of them! Though the Chloe Brotheridge: The Anxiety Solution episode is quite appropriate for recent times.


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1.05.2020

Brand focus: Neom


What better way to kick-start my blog posts for 2020 than discussing one of my all-time favourite brands?

Whether your resolution for the new year is to stress less, sleep better, feel more energised or be overall happier, Neom have your back.

From the history and the (organic) ingredients, to the packaging and, of course, the products themselves, the brand are bloody incredible!

I originally sampled the delights of Neom back in 2013 (hello vintage post) and I knew they were a brand to keep on my radar. Fast forward seven years, and I absolutely did just that.

After listening to a podcast with Neom founder, Nicola Elliot where she was discussing the significance of a 'wellbeing toolkit', I have since adopted the idea into my everyday routine and I-am loving-it.

Whether it's ten minutes of meditation before bed, taking supplements and/or using aromatherapy, it can make the biggest difference.

'Small steps, big difference'.

One of the many reasons I love using Neom is thanks to the overall experience you have when enjoying the products. It's not just a case of quickly slapping on some body butter, or lighting a candle and then job's a good'n.

It's the branding, the gorgeous scents (formulated with 100% natural ingredients), and the benefits you reap from each use - don't forget the 7-11 breathing technique for added zen...

Choose from the four wellbeing ranges depending on your needs - Scent to Sleep, Scent to De-Stress, Scent to Make You Happy and Scent to Boost Your Energy.

Yes, they may not be the cheapest of purchases, but they are well worth it and I truly believe each is a fantastic investment in yourself. Even more so, a little really does go a long way so you won't be running out in a flash.

So, in case you couldn't tell, I'm a mega fan of the brand.

If you're looking for a go-to item to introduce yourself, I'd recommend the Pulse Point, the Real Luxury Body & Hand Wash or one of their incredible Hand Balms (seriously put this on and not only will you have super-soft hands, but people will be asking you what you've used from the other side of the room).

Are you a fellow Neom fan? If so what are your favourite products?


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