*Envy Hair Studio- Organic Color Systems

 It's fair to say that most of us, have jumped in the deep end by giving ourselves a complete re-vamp, by switching up our hair colour and it's no wonder, when the media floods our intrigued eyes with luscious locks that dare us to be different! From Rihanna red to the ombre explosion, more and more of us are looking for a re-style but of course, it's not just our bank accounts that pay for it, it's our delicate tresses... Organic Color Systems is an innovative, nourishing hair colouring brand that delivers long lasting, high quality colour whilst looking after your hair in the process! 

So, how does it work? Each product, from the range, is specially formulated with minimum chemicals (no nasty ammonia or parabens!) and packed with organic certified ingredients; proven to improve the condition of your hair. Their natural reconstructing shampoos gently open the hair cuticles, so colour is more easily absorbed. The nourishing conditioners then, completely close the hair cuticles, locking in colour and restoring the hair to it's natural PH level. So, it appears, there really is a way to achieve long lasting, beautiful colour, without damaging your beloved locks!

I visited Envy Hair Studio, for an 'Organic Color Systems' deep conditioning treatment and was greeted with a warm welcome, from a team of happy and knowledgeable stylists, who were very informative and open to answer any questions I may have. The salon itself, oozed positive vibes and self expression; you can tell they genuinely care and look after their clients, as well as truly believing in their brand and the products. My lovely stylist, Rebecca (salon owner) began by completing the reliable 'stretch test' on my hair, to determine which products were needed, to restore my hair to it's best! The verdict? 'Power Build'.

Power Build includes the best natural ingredients, such as sunflower seed, lemon, apple and green tea extracts: proven to repair hair and replenish strength, as well as restoring shine and suppleness. The conditioner and deep treatment, not only enhances colour retention, but also contains essential protein and vitamin B5, to significantly restore damaged hair and split ends. Rebecca used the Power Build shampoo and conditioner, followed by 15 minutes of relaxation, whilst the organic Power Build treatment restored the quality of my hair from root to tips. It smells delicious and didn't feel sticky or heavy at all...I love the concept of using natural ingredients and strongly believe, the results are incomparable with products formulated from synthetic ingredients.

Surprisingly, unlike other brands I've tried, the treatment didn't weigh my hair down at all and I left the salon feeling confident with (what felt like) brand new locks, with a voluminous bounce and healthy shine! It's been a few days, since the experience, but my hair is still feeling softer and healthier than it's ever felt! It's safe to say, I fully trust Organic Color Systems products and would recommend them to anyone, who's looking to colour their hair, or simply after a nourishing treatment. Thank you Envy Hair Studio! 

Top 3 Micellar Waters

You may have read my Soap & Glory Micellar Water Review and after positive feedback, I thought I'd share my favourite bunch of Micellar cleansers with all you wonderful beauty addicts! I've previously mentioned that I find, along with many, that make-up removal can be a tiresome task. But since the 2015 micellar explosion, I've been converted and unless something miraculous emerges, I don't think I'll be reaching for your average Joe make-up remover any time soon... It's simple, easy and most importantly, fast! Prices vary from a couple of quid to £20 plus (?!) but is there really a significant difference between the brands? I feel like I've tried every version of Micellar water from Bioderma to Simple but it's safe to say that these are my top three! 

Soap & Glory Drama Clean

I'm currently on my third bottle of this magical 'de-clog water' and since using it my skin is more supple, less irritated and clearer (probably because it actually removes each spec of make-up). It also contains vitamin A and C; well renowned goodness for healthier, younger looking skin and it's infused with a variety of beneficial juices such as, cucumber which leaves your skin feeling fresh and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. I must admit I do like scented products and this has a fresh cucumber and peach fragrance; which I love! In fact, I like it so much I actually look forward to removing my make-up now and the best aspect is it leaves no residue or make-up traces just fresh, clean skin. 

Garnier Skin Naturals

This hypoallergenic non-oily cleansing water easily removes make-up and impurities, without vigorous rubbing. It's not a complex solution, with added vitamins but it does exactly what it says on the tin; removes make-up. This product comes in a generous 400ml bottle (or travel sized) so I found it lasted absolutely ages! Plus, it's fragrance free so perfect for those with sensitive skin. I find it easily removes even waterproof mascara, without causing irritation to the eye area and there's no need to rinse. I also found my skin was mattified after each use so for all my fellow oil-skin sufferers, this product is definitely worth a try!

Nivea Daily Essentials

At just a few quid a bottle, this is the most affordable product so if your watching the pennies, this won't break the bank! I would recommend this to young/ teenage skin and those with normal/ sensitive skin as it's gentle formula soothes and hydrates as it cleanses. Similarly, to my other to favs, it gently removes make-up quickly and efficiently. It makes my skin feel squeaky clean after use but I do find I have to use more of this product than other Micellar waters I've tried.

L'Oreal Pure Clay Purity Mask

After L'Oreal's convincing multi-mask range beamed through my television screen, it was one of those eye widening moments and I instantly HAD to try one! The range consists of three unique clay masks designed to purify, detox or illuminate. You can even use them together, in a 'multi-masking' technique, to target specific areas of your skin such as, the purifying mask on your oily T-Zone along side the glow mask on your cheeks (why we haven't thought of this before?!) After rushing to my local Boots to purchase one (while they're still on promo offer) of course they were sold out... Since then, I've managed to get my hands on the Pure Clay Purity Mask, specially formulated with Eucalyptus, to purify and mattify oily skin.

It has a thick consistency but smells very fresh and clean and is easy to apply. I massaged it into my face before applying a thicker layer and allowed it to dry for 10 minutes. As the product was drying, my skin did feel quite tight but it didn't feel uncomfortable and I didn't experience any heat, tingling or itchiness. Once it was dry, I used a a warm flannel to remove the mask. Admittedly, it's not the easiest of masks to remove but I didn't have to vigorously scrub. Normally, after using a face mask I find my skin tone is slightly red so I was surprised to see that I wasn't left with redness just clean, fresh skin. Plus, my pores felt tighter.

I've used this mask twice in the last 5 days and have noticed my skin does seem less oily and more mattified. I think the affects would last with continual use but I wouldn't be surprised if the oily-ness returned if I stopped using it. I've also found any spots I had have gone and there doesn't seem to be any new ones waiting to surface. I'll definitely be purchasing the detox mask next and really give multi-masking a go!

Five Reasons to Get Colouring

1) Brain Training

Le's get the science-y stuff out the way... Activities such as colouring forces your left and right hemispheres, of your brain, to work together; thus combining both logic and creativity. When colouring we are forced to concentrate and focus, our frontal lobe is stimulated which in turn improves motor function, organisation skills and problem solving. It works similarly to other brain training games such as cross word puzzles and sudoku.

2) Stress Therapy

Colouring can be seen as an alternative to traditional meditation. I'm a massive over-thinker and I sometimes find it impossible to switch off which of course, sends my stress levels through the roof. I find that within 15 minutes of colouring (no matter how stressed I am) all of a sudden, I am completely in the moment and my focus is entirely on the project at hand. This is a transferable skill that can aid you to help gain control of your stress. 

3) You're in Control

You wanna colour your elephant in green? Go for it... If you wanna colour a blue banana or an orange penguin. I fully support that! The best part about colouring is that it gives you free reign and the freedom to be yourself. It's not a competition, you don't have to stay within the lines and it doesn't have to be perfect. You never know, you may even surprise yourself!

4) Anxiety & Stress

Studies have shown there is a direct correlation between people who suffer with stress/ anxiety and how their symptoms improved when colouring. People suffering with anxiety and stress are kept in heightened states of worry, panic and other various symptoms. When colouring, you can be unknowingly transported back to a happier time when you used to do things simply for pleasure. For example, when you were a child with no responsibilities, you choose to do some colouring simply for the purpose of enjoyment. Focusing on a calming activity reduces focus from worry and panic, giving your brain a well deserved break.   

5) Technology Break

We're all guilty of picking up our phone too often, there's no denying that, it's easily done. Colouring gives you a break from social media, without even trying and I personally think that would do us all some good. Think about it, a break from comparing yourself to that blogger or those flawless beautiful women, or the guy with the successful job, or the person who's travelling all over the world, or that perfect relationship... the list goes on! Social media is a platform for competition and it's no wonder why so many people feel bad about themselves when they're constantly being fed photos and words about 'perfect' people with their 'perfect' lives. This could be a whole post on it's own but it's important to remember that people only show what they want you to see and they're just as insecure as you are, trust me. 

Disclaimer- Stress, anxiety and mental health issues are very serious and can have a threatening impact on the individuals life. These issues are not to be belittled or brushed aside and I am in no way, shape or form saying that these problems can be addressed and solved just by colouring. I'm simply saying colouring is an activity that can potentially help all of us in different ways. 

Soap & Glory Favourites!

One thing I always make sure I set aside time for is a cheeky pamper sesh'. Whether it's 10 minutes or a full hour, a pamper session with my favorite products is not only a great way to de-stress but it makes me feel like a whole new person; not to mention the physical health benefits. Soap & Glory are renowned for their unique, modern take on a 'read all about it!' style and with their eye catching designs and cleverly worded packaging, it's no wonder why so many people are drawn to the brand. The best part? Their products really are as good as they look and what's more, the smell even better!

Smoothie Star Deep Moisture Body Milk

Although it's a body milk, it's actually very thick, almost like a body butter. Blended with cocoa butter, shea butter and coconut oil (need I say more) it divinely moisturises your skin, leaving it feeling irresistibly soft. After just a few uses I noticed a significant difference in the softness of my skin and thanks to the oats, yogurt and honey it conditions your skin for added silky-ness! The lotion absorbs quickly, doesn't feel sticky and doesn't leave a long lasting residue (big factor for me) but it's the scent that won me over. The actual scent is 'almond, outs and brown sugar' which smells like milk and cookies with a hint of almonds.  

Clean on Me Clarifying Shower Gel

A classic from the range and a favourite among many, 'Clean on Me' has been on the shelves for a while now but it's safe to say it hasn't lost it's credible reputation. It has the signature Soap & Glory scent which is fresh, sweet and feminine. What's more, it's blended with body lotion for smooth, sexy skin every time. I love it because it gives you a thick lather, with plenty of bubbles and feels luxurious. 

Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em Body Buff

  Now, I love a scrub of any kind and whether it's for your face, body or feet I always feel like they're really 'doing something'. Removing dead skin cells is essential for our body's skin cell renewal system and it also helps to hydrate the deeper layers of our skin when moisturising. With it's delectable scent, 'Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em' is best described as a sugar scrub. It's not vigorous or harsh so suitable to use regularly. Infused with jojoba and mandarin oils, it hydrates your skin whilst it buffs and although it leaves a slight residue, it's not annoying or sticky; I actually quite like it as it makes my skin feel soft and adds a certain healthy sheen.

Neeks ☯

The Sunday Snippet #3

This week I was lucky enough to have a week off work and spent the majority of my time with my loved ones; enjoying the sun. So far this year we haven't had a 'real' summer here in the UK, it's been mainly humid grey skies and ALOT of downpours but this week our prayers were heard and we were blessed with golden sunshine and scorching heat. So, we went to the beach for a few hours and absorbed feel-good atmosphere... Whilst watching the fellow beach goers I couldn't help but notice the vast range of female body types and it was a true reality to check. In my head, everyone is walking around with big boobs, a tiny waist, curvy hips and flawless skin but that really isn't the case at all (who knew?!). This probably sounds ridiculous that I'd have this perception of the world but when picture perfect models are are inescapably flooding the media in shopping malls, the TV and social media it's no wonder why so many women feel the pressure of the seemingly 'perfect' body type. It reminded me to feel blessed in the body I was given and not compare myself to Instagram models or put myself down. This is something we should all be doing and also, regularly remind ourselves (and others) that we are are beautiful and sexy, no matter what shape or size we are, or what the media has to say about their unrealistic version of 'perfect'

On another note, I'm loving dungarees at the moment! Dresses, shorts and the traditional dungaree all seem to be taking pride of place in my wardrobe and you may have seen, in The Sunday Snippet #2, I featured a 90's denim dress from TOPSHOP. I just love how easy they are to wear, an edgy spin on the classic jeans and T-shirt. I actually got these black dungarees from Newlook and as they're fitted, they're particularly flattering. I've worn these with anything from a crop top and sandals, for summery feel, to a baggy white T for a casual look. A lot of people have said they like dungarees but are unsure what to where them with. My advise? Pinterest. Pinterest has endless outfit ideas, for your chosen item, so it's easy to find inspiration and create an outfit that works for you.

As I had a moment spare today, I decided it was time to stop procrastinating and give my make-up drawers a good ol' spring clean; it's one of those jobs I always put off but once I get going it's actually quite enjoyable. When you're only using a handful of products regularly, it's easy to forget what you actually have... Re-organising is the perfect opportunity to route through all your products and remind yourself of everything you own. You'd be surprised how often you fall in love again with a forgotten lipstick or blusher. Anyhow, I got these drawers from Muji, Oxford Street. The 5 Drawer is perfect for starting out, the drawers slide smoothly and one drawer can comfortably hold 22 lipsticks, so you won't be short on space. Beneath the 5 drawer I have two 2 Drawers which have a larger depth so perfect for storing large or bulky items. What I love most about the Muji acrylic storage is they have a wide variety of stack-able styles to accommodate all your storing needs. I think they're fairly priced, easy to clean and your products are always easily found. 

Neeks ☯

Fresh Faced Summer Make-Up

Whilst we've all been loving the summer weather, there are days when it is SO hot that many of us feel it's completely pointless putting any make-up on, in fear the scorching sunshine will melt it all away and make you look like wax work from Madame Tussauds. I too, used to have the same fear until I realised it's all about what products you use and how you apply them. Of course, it's nice to wear minimal make-up in the hot summer months but there are occasions when you do want to make an effort and for me, today was one of them. I love this look because it's well balanced, fresh faced and it doesn't appear cakey or too much. The soft pink lip adds a summery touch whilst the eye make-up compliments the rest of the look. So, here's how I did it...

FACE

After completing my usual skin care routine and priming my skin, I began by applying a light layer of Estee Lauder Double Wear. I won't go into too much detail about this foundation as we all know how fabulous it is... The coverage, the feel, the dreamy texture but most importantly, even in the hot humid weather we've been having recently, it's not going to budge! I then concealed any imperfections and highlighted under my eyes with Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer (full review click here). Next, I used Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer (ok, so I know that's not it's official name but it looks and smells like a chocolate bar so hey ho). I contoured under my cheek bones, jaw line, forehead/ temples and dusted the apples of my cheeks with H&M Powder Blush in 'Pink Coral' (full review click here). Lastly, I set my base with Maybelline Super Stay 24Hour Powder, this is a great powder to use if you're prone to oily skin or are wishing to extend the longevity of your base... I always apply my powder last as it blends all the components together nicely and ensures everything stays in place. Finally, I highlighted my cheek bones with BarryM Illuminating Strobe Cream in 'Frosty Pink' for a fresh glow (full review click here)

EYES

Before anything else, I always apply my brow products first as once complete, it gives you a frame to work with, when applying your eye make-up. Today I used L'Oreal Paris Brow Artist Genius (full review click here) and Benefit High Brow to highlight my brow bones. I then primed my eye lids with Urban Decay Primer Potion to ensure my eye shadow doesn't fade or crease. From the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette I began by patting 'Suspect' onto my eye lids, with flat brush. I then used a large fluffy brush to blend 'Snakebite' into my crease and lastly, finished by adding a small amount of Pistol to the outer corner. To complete, I used Bourjois Liner Feutre to naturally line my upper lash line and Benefit They're Real Mascara to add length and definition. 

LIPS
To finish my look I used MAC 'Please Me', a matte, long lasting lipstick that doesn't dry out my lips or melt under the sun. This is one of my favorite lipsticks as it's so versatile and although it's quite girly it isn't toooo pink.

Neeks ☯

Underrated Make-up Brand- H&M

When we're shopping for make-up and new products to try, it's easy to gravitate towards the glitzy make-up counters in department stores. The perfectly pristine counter girls, with their on point make-up, photo ready lighting and not a hair out of place are calling your name and before you know it you've spent £40 on one lipstick and an eye liner. Although it's a nice feeling to walk away with posh make-up, in a little shiny bag, with CHANEL plastered across it, the feeling is only temporary and believe it or not you don't have to break the bank to have high quality products. 

Although, I love my Benefit Highbrow, MAC lipsticks or Dior mascara and desperately long to get my hands on some Charlotte Tilbury... on the whole I genuinely prefer the high street brands and most of them are associated (and develop) with the high-end brands anyway so it's basically all the same shit. Now, admittedly, it's rare I find a clothing store brand that I love. I'll find the odd gem in the Topshop range but on the whole, it's a no go. That being said, one brand that I absolutely love is H&M. I remember when I was about thirteen and was given an H&M eye shadow palette for my birthday. I think back then it was aimed more at the younger generation... you know, the days when we used to experiment with pastel blue eye shadow? However, today it is a completely different ball game and most certainly not child's play.

My most favored products from the range are definitely blushers and eye shadows; each are about £5. Their packaging is very clean and chic which I love as, it's not only pretty to look at but also easy to store and find. Their wide range of eye shadows range from light mattes to striking metallics, each high pigmented and long lasting. The shades you see here (Chin Chin & A Pretty Penny) have seen me through everyday wear to nights out on the town and are versatile enough to mix with other palettes. The best thing about them is they're build-able so you can choose between a subtle dust of sparkle or high impact colour. Another desirable product of theirs is their matte range of blushers. I find matte products, from other brands, don't blend so easily or can look 'too much' so I'm pleased to have found a product that's easy to use. My favorite is 'Pink Coral', absolutely perfect for summer, as it's not too bright yet injects a splash of colour and makes your lippy pop! I wouldn't recommend this particular shade if you're going for the natural look but it's suitable for all skin tones and particularly compliments a tan. 

Neeks ☯

10 Beauty Tips

1. The Perfect Smokey Eye

It seems we're all taught to apply our eye liner after our eye shadow. In some cases, this is correct but if your goal is to create a smokey eye then it's a whole different ball game. Begin by applying your base shadows. Next, apply your eye liner and then apply your crease and outer corner shades. This will create a perfectly blended smokey eye with no harsh lines.

2. Exfoliate Your Lips

Okay so this isn't news but it's no good splashing out on a pricey lipstick if you're not going to get the most out of it. Always exfoliate your lips regularly to soften them and remove dead skins cells. I use coconut oil and a baby's tooth brush or flannel; you don't want to use anything too harsh (or rub too hard) and using something hydrating like coconut oil will nourish your lips whilst exfoliating. Having soft hydrated lips will ensure a smoother lipstick application and make it last longer.

3. Always Apply Your Concealer After Your Foundation

Seriously. Although you can buy high coverage foundation that doesn't mean you should apply a thick layer. Foundation isn't supposed to cover everything hence the name 'foundation'; it's simply a base to work with. Once you've applied your foundation you will clearly be able to see where concealer is needed.

4. Save Your Shattered Palette

We've all had to go through the devastating loss of broken blusher or eye shadow but there is a way you can salvage your product. Put some rubbing alcohol in a small spray bottle (you can buy both at drugstores/ chemists) and spray generously on your broken product. Then, take a coin wrapped in a tissue and use it to press the powder back together. Leave to dry over night et voila! Good as new.

5. Apply Your Powder After Your Bronzer/ Blush

After you've finished applying your base it's common to reach for the powder next. Don't. Apply your bronzer and blusher as normal and then, using a big fluffy brush, lightly dust your setting powder over the top. This will blend everything together harmoniously and ensure your make-up stays in place. 

6. Find Out Your Face Shape

We're now living in an age where highlighting and contouring, as part of your daily routine, has become the norm (even if it's only slight) We're lucky to have access to the hottest tutorials and techniques with just a click of a button but it's important to remember that the person doing the tutorial knows their face shape and what they are showing you works for that face shape. So, finding out yours will enable you to seek the best advice and techniques and the likes of Pinterest make it easy to establish your face shape and where to apply your make-up.

7. Don't Always Reach For Black Eye Liner

Like most women, I love black eye liner. In fact, I mostly wear black eye liner. However, even if you're heading to the club, you don't need to apply black eye liner to your upper and lower lash line. If you're wearing heavy eye liner on your upper lash line and also apply it to your water/ lower lash line, this can actually make your eyes appear smaller than they actually are. Instead, opt for a dark eye shadow, it makes a huge difference.

8. Cover a Blemish Correctly

As a teenager, I made the mistake of thinking light reflecting concealers would some how distract attention from my blemish. I then began to realise it most certainly has the opposite effect and if ever a flash photo was taken it stood out like a sore thumb! Instead, use a matte colour-correcting concealer (green based to counteract redness) and using a cotton bud, gently pat the product directly onto the blemish. Using a cotton bud will also assist with the healing process as it will prevent any bacteria spreading.

9. Highlight The Center Of Your Eyelids

No matter what kind of eye make up I'm planning to do I always complete the look by highlighting. I think we're all familiar with highlighting the inner corner and brow bone but using a highlighting powder, gently apply in the center of each eye lid. This will not only make your eyes appear more awake but also instantly bigger and brighter.

10. Wash Your Brushes With Baby Shampoo

I think we're all guilty of putting off washing our make-up brushes but it's vital to prevent bacteria building up and invading all your cosmetics. Make-Up brush cleanser can be pricey and some can be too harsh for certain bristles, causing them to lose softness, fray and even start falling out. I'll use a proper brush cleaner ever now and again but the majority of the time I use Johnsons Baby Shampoo, it's super gentle and mild so won't cause your brushes any harm. What's more, as it contains oil, it easily lifts away any product build up.

Neeks ☯

The Sunday Snippet #2

Well what do ya know, it's Sunday again. Feels like only yesterday I was writing my first 'Sunday Snippet'- it's like I blinked and suddenly a whole week flew by! Other than work, I've had quite a relaxed week and put a lot of time into planning new and exciting posts. My blog has never been fashion focused, it's certainly beauty based, with the odd lifestyle post here and there but I'm not one to write about my OOTD or current wishlists. However, as my blog is beginning to evolve, I thought why the hell not? I've always loved 90's fashion and what was the main fashion point of the 90's? DENIM, lot's and lot's of cringe worthy denim (I think we've all seen the infamous Britney & JT pic) So, I saw this cute dress in TOPSHOP but they never seemed to have my size in stock. Then, out of the blue, I saw a girl trying my size on in the fitting room... I overheard her saying she wan't gonna buy it and thus it landed in my thankful hands. I love the way TOPSHOP have kept the 90's style, whilst making it current by simplifying the design and keeping it short. Pair up it with your snazziest trainers and baggy T or dress it up with a a heeled sandal and Summer 16, we're ready for you.

I've also been loving the Barry M 'Coconut Infusion' range recently. It's blended with coconut water/ oil to hydrate and care for your nails whilst delivering a gel-like finish. I've found, once applied, they're super shiny, long lasting and with nine tempting colours to choose from you're sure to find your perfect summer shade. What's more? They will all compliment your tan beautifully! My personal favorites are Flamingo, Sunkissed, Aloha and Starfish. I personally find the two nude shades perfect as they're not too pink, not too brown and not too pale. Flamingo is a fun peachy orange, foolproof for the beach! However, my number one has to be Aloha, a bright raspberry pink.

Today was spent how Sundays should be. I headed off to the beach with my loved ones and with the sun beaming down on us, we collected interesting shells and had a good old natter. There's something pretty amazing about the sea. Although it's a force to be reckoned with, I've always found it calming and feel kinda free just watching it. As we sat by the shore, with the wind in my hair, my mum offered a wondrous piece of advice. 'Feel the wind and imagine it's blowing through you. Through your hair and your face and your brain. Imagine it's blowing all your worries, problems and negative energy behind you'... Lovely.  

Neeks ☯

BarryM Illuminating Strobe Cream

If there's one thing that took the beauty industry by storm, in the last year, it's STROBING. As we waved ta-ra to our matte finish products and stocked up on any highlighter we could get our hands on, it's clear to see this is very much still trending. From cream, powder and liquid highlighters, the list goes on and it can seem pretty overwhelming... which one should I use? Which brand is the best? What do I do with it?! Thankfully our beauty gurus are here to save the day with endless tutorials and social media posts. 

As the high end brands launched such items they've now trickled down into our more affordable high-street brands and I'm in love with BarryM Illuminating Strobe Cream! It's most comparable to my usual go-to Benefit Watts Up Highlighter however,surprisingly, I find it has a softer application and is more easily blend-able. It's light, velvety texture glides with ease and it's almost impossible to apply too much. Where as, I find, the Benefit Watts Up is too thick to apply directly from the stick; I always have to apply it with my fingers or a sponge. What I love most about this product is it's light enough to wear on a daily yet it's easily build-able, so you can achieve those Angelina cheek bones when hitting the town. 

The strobing cream comes in two shades, 'Frosty Pink, which is a cool toned pearly pink, perfect for my fellow pale faces and 'Iced Bronze' which is a champagne shade, for a golden glow and tan enhancer. If you're new to the strobing scene and looking to venture in, I'd definitely recommend this and did i mention? It's under a fiver!

Neeks ☯

TRESemme Botanique's Nourish & Replenish

When it comes to hair care products Aussie and I have always been inseparable but there comes a time when a beloved shampoo must be interchanged to prevent build up. I must admit I'm not great at following this rule and quite often find a lot of other brands don't appeal to me or don't benefit my hair in the way Aussie does. However, after stumbling across TRESemme's Botaniques range I was intrigued. The bottles instantly caught my eye with it's pro-natural appearance and the clearly stated 'silicone free' (a common nasty ingredient in many cosmetics) I love any product with minimal ingredients, free from synthetic chemicals and when the bulk of the product has been made with a natural substance, it's instantly appealing to me. In this case, the main ingredient is coconut milk/ oil and aloe vera (yum!) Coconut oil is renowned for it's wondrous beauty benefits, especially in the hair department. This little gem is famous for powerfully hydrating thirsty ends and taming frizzy locks into silky smooth tresses that you just can't help but run your fingers though; personally I don't think anything compares to it! The aloe vera is well known for it's health benefits as well as improving skin condition and promoting healing which is why it effortlessly moisturises the scalp, prevents dandruff and restores natural shine, what more could we want?!

The Nourish Replenish Shampoo is completely transparent and quite runny. At first I was a little disappointed as I thought it would affect the sud-factor. Well I couldn't have been more wrong! The shampoo lathered quickly producing zillions of bubbles which surrounded my senses with a coconut scent that wasn't sickly or overpowering. As I was massaging my roots I really felt like the product was cleansing my hair thoroughly, so much so I didn't feel the need to repeat. The Nourish Replenish Conditioner carried the same heavenly smell and a small amount coated my ends well and left plenty of 'slick'. I deliberately didn't apply any of my usual leave-in products, when I blow dried my hair because I wanted to see it's raw effects and the result certainly lived up to my high expectations. My hair wasn't weighed down at all, was shiny and smooth, felt hydrated and soft and even had a little bit of bounce.  As an added bonus, the lovely coconut scent lasted for days!

I would definitely recommend this combo to anyone looking to improve the condition of their hair, without using heavy/ thick products. I found after just a few uses the overall condition of my hair had improved and surprisingly my hair has been less greasy, it really does nourish and replenish!

Neeks ☯

The Sunday Snippet #1

Well hello there... I can't believe it's Sunday already! Not only that, but Sunday EVENING (where did the weekend go?!) I swear it was only a few hours ago I'd finished work for the week and the excitement of the weekend and all it's possibilities danced around in thought. Now, all of a sudden, the daunting feeling of Monday morning looms over us all... Wouldn't it be nice if each weekend was three days long? Three days seems like the perfect amount of time to 'get stuff done' as well as re charge your batteries so, by the time you return to work, you're completely refreshed and ready for anything! The likelihood of a three day weekend actually coming into play is pretty slim I know but nevertheless it's important we don't let the worry of Monday morning ruin our precious Sunday evening. Which is why I've created 'The Sunday Snippet' As you've probably realised, this post isn't like my usual beauty posts, it's more like a chit chat so forgive me if I start rambling but expect to see 'The Sunday Snippet' every week. 

So this weekend marks the beginning of July 2016! And I'm loving Marc Jacobs- Daisy as my ultimate summer fragrance. It's more fresh than floral and very feminine but not sexy; easy to wear on an everyday basis. It's strawberry top notes give a light sweetness whilst the vanilla musk and white wood adds a sophisticated touch. Whenever I catch a whiff it reminds me of days out in the sun and great memories with my favorite people. Also, I have to mention, this is probably my favorite perfume bottle I've ever owned. Daisy's are my favorite flower and I love the simplicity of them so it's nice that Marc incorporated them into the actual lid rather than just printing them on the front of the bottle.  I also swapped my normally nude nails for a soft pink. I absolutely love getting my nails done, well any kind of beauty treatment really, it sounds completely ridiculous but having nicely manicured finger tips genuinely does make me feel empowered. I chose O.P.I's Aphrodites Pink Nightie a dusky light pink that goes with everything and has just the right amount of 'girly'. I'd definitely recommend it to all you nude lovers looking to venture out and add a splash of colour for the summer months.

Recently I've been into baking. Although I cook healthy home made meals I rarely 'bake' and after venturing into the baking isle and and seeing all the nifty little gadgets and endless ranges of sprinkles and decorations I went a little overboard... Today I made chocolate chip vanilla cup cakes with chocolate icing, which taste pretty good if I do say so myself, and I sprinkled them with the cutest little white chocolate stars. I mean let's be honest the best part about baking cup cakes is decorating them and after a hefty battle with the piping bag I think I finally got the hang of it. I always see baking videos pop up, as I'm scrolling through social media and they all make it look so easy! (it's not) but there's something very calming and therapeutic about baking, I wonder what I'll make next?

Neeks ☯ 

L'Oreal Infallible Collection

I seem to be slightly obsessed with L'Oreal recently... Maybe it's because overall the brand displays a high-end vibe but for high street prices? Or maybe it's just because it's always on 3 for 2 at Boots. Either way, I've noticed I've some how managed to accumulate enough L'Oreal products to fill a whole shelf and among these treats I hold three popular products from the almighty Infallible range.

Annoyingly, Mother Nature blessed (or cursed) me with oily skin which left to it's own devises, can get a little crazy... So a foundation with strong staying power is essential. I mean there's nothing worse than catching your reflection half way through the day and practically blinding yourself as the light reflects off your shiny face (this seems to happen to me quite often). I'll always be a die hard fan of my beloved Estee Lauder Double Wear but at £30 a bottle it's not always affordable to splash out. Thankfully though, we can rely on our high-street brands to save the day with affordable prices and L'Oreal is renowned for delivering high quality cosmetics that won't break the bank! 

The Infallible 24H Foundation was top on my list to try. A high-coverage foundation that disguises the appearance of fatigue and blemishes as well as staying fresh for 24 hours? Yes please! I must admit, it was difficult to find the perfect shade and it's not the easiest of foundations to blend so would recommend applying this with a beauty blender (sponge) but once applied it does deliver high-coverage with a lovely glow. Disappointingly, it only stays put up until about lunch time and is in no way 'touch proof' as they claim. I have to wear glasses at work and found the foundation transfers onto them, leaving foundation-less patches on the bridge of my nose (even though I primed my skin before hand and set the foundation with powder) Okay so inevitably, when wearing glasses all day there's bound to be slight marks but out of all the foundations I've used this foundation has been the least resilient; it's safe to say I wouldn't even consider wearing this on a night out.

I decided I needed to go down the Infallible 24H Matte Foundation route and applied it in hope of a better result. Positively, it does deliver a long lasting matte finish and is somewhat water/ steam resistant but it didn't give me a natural appearance and it was so very obvious I was wearing a thick foundation. I persevered with it for about a week, experimenting with different application techniques and sandwiching it between a range of primers and powders but broke up with it after reading the ingredients. It contains so many parabens and chemicals that I simply couldn't bring myself to use it anymore.

On a positive note, I do love the Infallible Powder Compact and have re-purchased it twice already. Although it's a pressed powder, it's quite loose so one swish of a brush is plenty. It evenly sets my foundation and delivers a flawless finish without drying or caking which is perfect. I love that it comes with a handy mirror and sponge for on the go touch ups, definitely in my top three for high-street powders! Honestly, I'm disappointed that I didn't fall madly in love with this range, I really wanted to! And although these foundations weren't my cuppa tea, I have read other reviews which have sung their praises so it just goes to show that it completely depends on your personal preference and skin type. 

Neeks ☯

L'Oreal Paris Brow Artist Genius Kit

Aloha! 

I'm just gonna cut to the chase on this one because I'm too excited about this product to begin with an elaborate introduction. So, meet my new brow BFF! L'Oreal Paris Brow Artist Genius Kit This isn't a newly released product in fact, it's been around for a while now but I tend to steer clear of experimenting with my eye brows. I think we've all experienced a brow dilemma, when trying something new, so once we find a product that works for us we naturally stick with it but this has certainly encouraged me to branch out a bit more! As a fair red head, I have naturally blonde eye brows so I get them tinted to a medium brown but finding the perfect shade, in a product, has proven difficult. They're either too dark or too cool and sometimes appear grey (?!) but whilst browsing for new beauty buys, I casually picked up the light-medium shade, and to my surprise it was perfect so this is a definite recommendation for my fair haired beauties!

I love the compact packaging, I mean it's basically a tardis! It's so sleek and dainty yet it includes a good sized, high quality mirror, brow wax, powder, a double ended brush and the cutest pair of tweezers! The quality of this product is what impressed me the most and I honestly believe it's worth every penny. Normally, with an item like this I find when the actual product is good, the brush it comes with is completely useless and so it gets tossed aside along with the many other free brushes; only to be used for face paint or nail art. However, this super soft high-density angled brush works wonders to create defined lines and structured angles. The only fault I have is the handle is too short to use on a daily basis so I have being using my regular angled brush more often than not. Saying that, it won't go to waste as I'll certainly be using it for on the go touch ups and whilst travelling.

When I first used the wax I felt skeptical as it seemed barley noticeable, although it has a very smooth consistency, which made it easy to shape and define my brows in the way I wanted to. However, when I applied the easy-blend powder it was like BAM- instant transformation! I wouldn't say it was essential to brush my brows afterwards (as it is with other brow products) but doing so did add a certain sleek-ness.  Admittedly, it does take longer to apply than a pencil or brow mascara but for the finish I think it's worth it. What's more, it stays in place for 12+ hours and is somewhat smudge proof so you can rely on this to cater for all your brow care needs. I personally wouldn't recommend this to someone who's a beginner in brow defining or looking for a quick fix but for those of you who's brows are precious I'd highly recommend.

Neeks ☯