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 ☯

April 2015 Glossybox- Iconic Hollywood Edit

Aloha!

I've been reading endless posts, about these beauty box subscriptions for quite some time now and for £10 a month, you can see why the lavish idea is appealing.. However with three or more brands out there, sending out these treats, how on earth are we meant to decide which box to buy?? Originally I was gonna subscribe to Birchbox because they tend to include more high-end products but the theme of Glossy's April 15' Edition won me over in a heart beat. I mean, 'The Iconic Hollywood Box Edit' was a really fun idea and brought me back to student life. When I was studying make-up, one of our moduals was make-up through the decades and of course, the iconic winged eyeliner and red lip was always a fav. I think it's safe to say many people will view red as a very, if not the most, empowering lip colour and will never go out of style. Okay I went on a little tangent there but what can I say? I'm passionate! Back to Glossybox, they sent out one of four pastel coloured boxes (yellow, green, orange or blue) that each have a different quote, from our beloved Audrey or glorious Marilyn, written inside the lid. I must say it was beautifully wrapped and well presented plus the box is good quality and sturdy so I'll deffo be keeping it for some kind of storage. The box also came with cute little cards that had a detailed price list with product definition, a 25% off Finery voucher and the editors letter. 

Okay so enough about the packaging, WHAT'S IN THE BOX? The best product they sent me was a full sized Lord & Berry Lipstick Pencil (Kiss). It's an extremely creamy, orange-based red lip crayon that's highly pigmented and strikingly bright. I'm in love with the shade and it glides glides easily onto my lips, without drying them out. The only downside is you need to re-apply it throughout the day but I reckon you could solve that with a little Lipcote. My second fav is the Astral Original Face and Body Moisturiser (I've never come across the brand before so I'm glad they sent me this). Okay so it looks and feels exactly like Sudocrem, which initially put me off but after using it as part of my night time routine I've discovered it's improving my skin. Even though I've only been using it for four days my skin feels more supple and hydrated and I've actually started putting it on my tattoos as they tend to get a tad dry sometimes. Color Club Barley There Nail Polish was also amongst the wrapping, I'm sooo happy they sent me this because I find it impossible to find the perfect nude for my complexion. They tend to either be too pink or too brown but this one is perfect for me. What's more, I applied it Sunday morning; it's now Wednesday and I'm still chip free! 

Okay so the last two products I'm not overally keen on... I received a Rose IDC Body Lotion, which would be nice if you liked rose and body lotion but it's sad to say I don't. (I'm more of a body butter kind of girl!) They also sent a POP Beauty Kajal Eyeliner Pen (Black) but it wasn't really black, it was more grey and a bit 'wishy washy'. I mean if I'm doing a smokey eye I might pick it up because it smudges easily but I wouldn't buy it. Although I wasn't keen on these two products I'm so pleased with the other three that it makes up for it. Plus, I'm sure there are people out there who would enjoy them. Excluding the pretty packaging and cards inside, the total value of the box is £28.08, which is pretty good going considering I paid £10. Not only that but it's a fun pick me up for those dull days.. Like when I'm tired from working all day and I'm greeted by this little beauty, it's exciting to pull open the ribbon and discover what goodies I've been sent to me, so I think overall it's a great experience. 

Neeks x