When life throws you lemons- buy a new handbag...

That age old dilema for women- are you a bag or shoes kinda girl? For me its about the handbags, well the designer handbags anyway. I have too many Louis Vuitton bags, and then we have my two small children... aka my Chanel bags, and as I'm not going on holiday this year I thought the money I'd been saving should go towards a new handbag. This will be my last handbag for a very long time as on Monday I've been to view a potential house, which soon will require me to use all my savings on the deposit after I've seen the style of house empty so I can truely see what the sizing is like and once the plot becomes avaliable.

Then I have the dilema of do I get a bag whats in fashion now (Paul & Joe and Missoni), or do I get a modern take on a classic (Moschino or nude Vivienne Westwood), or do I go traditional classic (McQ or black Vivienne Westwood). For a handbag to last many years to come, I think I need to go black/navy or a brown, then I know I'm not going to ruin it. Now then do I buy a bag to use for during the day, or just for evenings, or one I can use for both (like my Chanel bags).

I think the easy way to solve this dilema is to win the lottery and then buy them all? Right I'm off to purchase a Euromillions ticket.

Shop Much?

Yeah so this is a MASSIVE collective haul post of everything I have bought over the last 6-8 weeks- excluding beauty products which may be another kettle of fish. Some of these items may have been already shown on the blog, but I thought I would share what I've been buying as I know everyone loves a haul post- I've tried to link back where I can. A couple of items have been epic sales buys though...

Floral Dress, Oversized Cardigan, Tropical Print Shirt, Spotted Purse/Make Up Bag- all current stock from Primark.

PJ print kimono £5 and gold necklace £1- both in the sale from Primark.

Lilac oversized jumper (£20 in sale), Pocket Shift Dress (link and yes I have this in blue too),Tall oversized Blosson Tee (link), Panel Peplum shell top in black and white (click for links)- all current stock from Topshop.

Printed Top (link sale buy) and Cats Top (link) both Zara, Topshop Oragami Dress (£20 best bargain ever), Topshop Studded pumps (link), American Apparel Oversized Chiffon Shirt (link)

Leopard Print Slippers, Purple Hoody, Gold necklace, Cream Jumper (same as Topshop) all current Primark. Floral waterfall top- new season Zara (unavalible online), Orange Suede Court shoes- current season New Look (unavlaible online).

Really need to lay off buying clothes this month, its actually quite shocking how much I have bought. I will be good this month... she says even though she's got her eyes on some ankle boots from Topshop... and wants a new handbag.. more details on that tomorrow.

Lee Stafford- Treatment for Hair that Never Grows Past a Certain Length

General Life Update-

Apologies for the absence in posting properly over the last week everything had finally caught up with me and I've been in bed ill with a severe throat infection which has now resulted in a sexy cough/bark and I've just about lost my voice, then having an unexpected conversation and feeling like you're 22 again has completely thrown me :( So basically in a nut shell just been one of those weeks (woe is me and all that jazz), however on a positive note its three weeks today until the #LeedsBloggerMeetUp2012.

Back to the point of the post-

If you recall the hairdresser incident which resulted in my lovely long hair being abused by a pair of scissors and layers ahoy being cut in, I'm on a mission to get my hair to grow at least an inch so the layers are more manageable and I can style my hair better (massive hair and leopard print friday  at work, isn't good if your missing the massive hair part). Personally I've never been a massive fan of Lee Stafford Shampoos and Conditioners- they just don't work for me, however after reading so many brilliant reviews of the hair treatment I knew I had to get my hands on this asap.

Obviously you will be aware that my lovely red hair isn't natural and that with freshly dyed red hair sleeping with wet hair isn't an option or it looks like you've murdered someone during the night so for the first 3 weeks I have to dry my hair everytime I wash it. Anyway I've been using this treatment everytime I've washed my hair bar nights out and after using this for a good 5 weeks I have to say my hair is much healther (even though I've been using slightly more heat than usual) and has grown slightly faster than usual.

I use about two 50p sizes and work it right though my hair and leave it on for about 3-5 mins (or how long it takes me to do my other bits and bobs- mind out of the gutter please), rinse and then condition the ends of my hair only. Oh and another thing- the conditioner smells like Alien perfume... lush lush lush.

Would I recommend this? If your wanting your hair to grow, but not expecting inches overnight then yes, however I think laying off heat will also help your hair grow. The Treatment is avaliable from Boots for £7.99 but is normally on 3 for 2 offers so stock up while you can.

Zara Scarf Print Shorts

Shorts- Zara

Shoes- Topshop (last season)

Chiffon Shirt- American Apparel

Bag- Chanel XL Jumbo

Bracelet- Topshop (not seen)

I finally managed to get my hands on the Zara silk scarf print shorts thanks to my lovely Scottish Sister from another Mister Jenna. After a shitty morning at work last Monday, I come back from my lunch to a tweet and a picture from her of the shorts. By the Wednesday these beauts were mine. I'm feeling like I need to start stepping out of my comfort zone for nights out and instead of worrying I look a clip, I should just wear what I want.

This is the second time I've ordered the American Apparel Chiffon Shirt, the first time I'd ordered from Asos and then returned it as I wasn't too keen, yet then I knew I had to get it to go with the shorts. I wanted the shorts to be the main focus so everything else had to be toned down. I bought this direct from the AA website and paid £39 with a discount code- like all items of AA clothing the quality is spot on.  A word of warning with the shorts- they do rise up so I won't lie whilst taking a cheeky short cut through a car park my bum cheeks were on show- luckily I didn't manage to scare any of the locals.

The shorts feel/look expensive and I don't think I could wear these during the day as they're too dressy if that makes sense? Really loving the scarf/rope print trend which is going on at the moment- keep checking back as next week I've got an outfit post featuring my favourite boat Laura who's wearing a similiar print dress. Still suffering from the dreaded throat infection and keep going hot and cold, my bed is calling...

#LeedsBloggerMeetUp2012

*due to the size of the venue, guestlist is now closed*


Remember 15th November last year??

Me and Tor aren't revealing too much at the moment but I'd keep Saturday 18th August free in your diary.

It's back... bigger and better
#leedsbloggermeetup2012
Interested??

Thought you would be...

Anyone welcome!

Comment below if you're interestred and leave your email address/Twitter username
Chat about it on Twitter using the hash tag!

How to Feel Fabulous this Summer

Developing your own sense of style and fashion can be accomplished by mixing and matching different style dresses, shoes, skirts, and tops to create a look that is totally and uniquely you. When you are able to piece together an outfit that cleverly displays your best features and also makes a vivacious and bold statement about your personal style, you’ll find yourself gaining confidence and becoming more self-assured! Confidence is a must have accessory this summer season, so don’t forget it at home!

Sweet Styles You Don’t Want to Miss Out On

Summer dresses are more beautiful and feminine than ever.  Floral, knee-length cocktail dresses allow your inner princess to show off her best moves while looking fresh and beautiful.  Heavy, dark colors no longer dominate formal wear and cocktail dresses during the summer time when it comes to the newest fashions in women’s wear.  Multi-patterned prints with tiny floral and pastels are making a statement this season as women step out confidently in their new summer dresses in soft, romantic colors.  Dare to be bold this summer—stand out amongst the rest with confidence!

Kaftan dresses are also hot on the market this summer. If you don’t own one, you are missing out! These exotic dresses are available in super bright vibrant colors and tons of great embellished jewels, glitz and glam that can be perfectly complemented by a great set of peep-toed pumps or a beautiful pair of espadrilles.  Mini party dresses and asymmetrical dresses can also be paired with exotic and chunky jewelry to make a bold statement whenever you want to make a statement.

Extra Touches to Make it All Come Together

Each girl has her own style and whether you find your own personal style in a feisty salsa-dancing dress or in a long and beautiful maxi dress, making it all come together by adding a few extra touches will complete your entire look in a sophisticated and memorable manner.  Never skip out on finishing touches to your hair, nails, and skin. Clean skin lightly covered with accent tones and blushes will make people take notice of your natural beauty. Freshly washed hair styled in soft and romantic waves or short and trendy bangs can help to frame your face in a delightful way.  

If you don’t have time to have your nails fully done, simply clean them well, buff them until they shine and add a clear coat of polish for a super smooth look that appears natural and fresh.  In many ways, less is more when it comes to hair, makeup, nails, and jewelry.  Accessorizing lightly will help to add color without taking away from your personal style and beauty! Give it a try this summer, you’ll feel great and look amazing!



*sponsered post- coming from my sickbed*

They Call It Mellow Yellow

Tunic- Oasap

Belt- Primark

Jeans- Primark (skinny)

Glasses- RayBan

With having red hair, yellow isn't a colour which I would normally go for, however this pale yellow tunic* from Oasap has been my current go to piece of clothing. The tunic is made from a thick cotton,which personally I would use as a cover up. I have worn this as a dress but for it to be an appropriate length (remember I am 5'10) I wear it without the belt so its much longer. I really think I need to invest in more tunics in my wardrobe, however I think this is me trying to convince myself that I need to buy more clothes. This tunic costs a bargain $28 and the quality is on par with All Saints, however your only paying a teeny tiny fraction of the price.

A word of warning the tunic is one size yet it does have some stretch in it- I would say this would easily fit a size 8-14 and comes with a woven dark brown belt, which would look much better on an Pochahontus than with the tunic, hence swapping it for this brown belt from Primark. The belt itself only cost £1 from good old Primark and comes in loads of different colours, however I normally have to end up putting holes in mine to fasten it tighter, I can't recommend them enough.

Now even though Oasap is based in China, delivery of this took 6 days (and its free) which I think is brilliant, as certain shops (I'm talking about you H&M) take much longer than this. I also desperately need my colour doing- must book appointment at hairdressers.

Are you a fan of yellow clothing??

Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo and Conditioner

Paul Mitchell Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner via HairTrade*

Paul Mitchell is a brand I have always instantly thought of as being one of the best high end salon ranges- there is something about this brand which screams out "quality". Now and again I have dabbled into using products from his range- normally whatever my Mam has been using, however for the last few weeks I have been using their Daily Shampoo and Conditioner from their Color Care range.

Obviously my hair colour is out of a bottle (well two) and I'm always on the look out for hair care which prolongs the colour in my hair. Now as always I need to mention that my red is a build up of about 18 months of various shades of red, so I don't loose my colour/fades as fast. I'm going to do an updated haircare posts soon and these will definately be featured- however I alternate these with my Boots Botanics Red Shampoo/Conditioner and this combination works really well on my hair.

The shampoo/conditioner come in huge 300 ml bottles, which for me will last for ages and ages. Normally I use a generous amount of shampoo and a 10p size of conditioner, and then on my hair extensions I use less. After the first wash my hair was so silky and shiny and felt healthy- then the same happened on the second wash (could it be too good to be true), and then again on the third wash. The products aren't heavily scented and for me that is a big bonus as I don't like my hair being over powered by product scent. Its hard to describe what the shampoo/conditioner smell of, as I would describe it as a hairdresser scent- if that makes sense.

As always when testing shampoos/conditoners I always try them out on my hair extensions, and the products didn't fail to impress- I would go as far as saying they looked in better condition than after they were dyed. The products retail for £8.29 for the shampoo and £10.16 for the conditioner from HairTrade . Now considering this is high end product the price is brilliant value and I definately be repurchasing once I've ran out.

Converse Rehab?

Hello my name is Ray and I am addicted to Converse.

Over the last few months I've managed to collect quite a few pairs of Converse, it always used to baffle me when someone would go out and buy the same shoe in every single colour. However now I can completely understand why- there's something effortlessly cool about wearing a pair of Converse as well as being the most comfortable pairs of trainers ever. Throw on a blazer, vest and jeans, but then throw on some Converse- it takes it to a new level. Leggings, a vest and a pair- easy yet stylish look to dash to the supermarket for the post-hangover munchies. Then there's blokes- nice jeans, a tee, wayfarers, and some Converse- the blokes got swag, and my undivided attention. Honestly the possibilities are endless when it comes to styling an outfit around your Converse.

Plus you want to know the best thing about them... celebrities can't get enough of them neither..

If they're good enough for Mary-Kate, Nicole and Blake, they're good enough for me!!

How do you style your Converse?? Link me up to any posts you've done.

Zara- New Season Picks

If you follow me on Instagram (@RayWhoisShe) you will have noticed a trend with all my recent picture posts- I'm bloody obsessed with Zara. I feel like I'm cheating on Topshop, however lately my go to place has to be Zara I honestly can't get enough of it. As all the A/W items are now coming into stock I thought I would share all the items of clothing I need to buy. The studded Mac and Leather Jacket are needed in my life asap.

Also you know you have too many clothes when you go to order the floral waterfall top and you realise you already have it hanging up in your wardrobe.

Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation

It feels like this review is long overdue- blame the lack of decent sunlight to take proper pictures. Anyway I finally feel like I'm in a position to give a review of Mac's Studio Sculpt foundation- now I try not to throw the term "holy grail" about that often, however I think it’s safe to say I have finally found a potential HG foundation for nights out. I honestly can’t fault this foundation- well maybe there is a slight fault, I’ll get to that in a bit.

Studio Sculpt is a gel based medium coverage foundation, which can easily be build up into a more high coverage. It also contains SPF15 so be prepared for white face if your too close to the camera. I got this shade in NW25 as that is normally the shade I am after a coating of St Tropez (normal and dark versions). What I love about this foundation is that it adapts pretty much straight away to my skin colour so I don’t have to worry about buying more than one type of foundation depending on my tan. I think this is a major selling point of this foundation.

I always apply this with Benefit’s PoreFessional as my primer and then buff into the skin using my Real Techniques Stippling Brush (review here). Now I find that you only need a very small amount to cover your face, so I normally apply a pea sized amount to the back of my hand and work into the skin, and then add more if I need it. For nights out I always use a light dusting of my Mac MSFN normally Medium Deep depending on how (fake) tanned I am and my foundation stays put for a good 7 hours.

The picture above gives you an indication of how the coverage is on the skin- its worth noting that the foundation colour is slightly darker as I swatched on my natural pale skin. This is also what I would consider a more “heavier” swatch- I personally don’t wear it this thick. Now I have never ever had this problem before however the other weekend when I ventured into Sunderland with Laura for a night out after the Nelly Shoe Event in Newcastle I did have some shinyness on my nose and had to use powder- however this had happened a good 3-4 hours after applying my foundation. I'm blaming having to drive through the one way street systems in Newcastle.

The foundation costs £24 which I am more than happy to pay as I know this will last quite a while and is available from the Mac website, as well as Debenhams and Selfridges.

Benefit Event, Leeds

  

Last month Benefit held an uber exclusive event in Leeds for us Northern Bloggers, which gave us the chance to have a first look/swatch fest of their brand spanking new Box o’ Powder Cheek Colour Glosses. If you have noticed Benefit don’t do advertising campaigns- they rely on the coverage they get in the media and on bloggers. What I love about Benefit is the fact that Shell and Leanne have taken it upon themselves to provide more events in the North of England to enlighten Bloggers about the brand and to receive feedback from Bloggers.

As always a Blogger event is an excuse to catch up with some of my favourite bloggers- Carla, Tor, Sinead, Dan, Charlotte and Jade and also a chance to meet some fab new bloggers. The event itself was split into two- Leanne and Shell gave a chat about the history behind the Benefit brand and their Mascarathon campaign (you can still donate- see post here), whilst giving us a sneak peak at their new range of lip glosses- it was that exclusive they were guarded by MI5 men (that may be a slight exaggeration). I've already done a review of the Coralista gloss, which you can find here.

The lovely Adele also gave a chat on the Benefit experience and went through their skin care and foundations using Carla as a model. Seriously I need to get my hands on some of their Skin Tonic and Moisturizing cream. As I’d been at work before coming down to Leeds I’d managed to leave my camera in my desk drawer so I had to take photos using my iPhone (which is allergic to the dark) so apologises for the craptastic quality of my pictures.

Obviously it wouldn’t be a Blogger jaunt out without the standard procedure of shopping, Nandos and cocktails, as always it was a brilliant day. You can still donate to Benefit’s Mascarathon by texting Bene02 (then your amount) to 70070- instead of buying your money coffee or wasting some money in Boots, put that money to a good cause. 

Talking of Leeds- are you coming to the Leeds Blogger Meet up which myself and Tor is arranging??

PS- Speaking of Tor- I had to post that ever so excited picture of her purely for revenge for the scouse brow photo haha.

Jergens Skin Firming Moisturiser

Jergens is a brand which I am sure you are all more than aware of and they have recently relaunched their moisturiser range. The new range focuses on one product to target problem areas- a major selling point in my books as it saves you having to buy various lotions and potions to achieve a similiar outcome. The range includes Daily Moisture, Ultra Healing, Soothing Aloe, Coco Butter, Original Beauty Lotion and Skin Firiming* which I have been testing out over the last few weeks.

"Go beyond moisturisation with visably firmer skin. With its exclusive Firming Perfecting complex, containing collagen and elastin, this moisturiser tightens skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite"

Now like most women I suffer from the dreaded orange peel on my legs, however as I have cut my caffine in take right down, and drink green tea (decaf) and lots of water and go to the gym, my orange peel has drastically improved. I've been using this as an all over moisturiser and apply it both morning and evening- personally I don't think its had any effect on my cellulite however I do really rate this.

The cream itself looks very thick in the picture above however its rather runny and absorbs into my skin so quickly. If you are a regular reader of the blog you will know I have problems with a patch of dry skin on my right shin, which my fake tan loves. Since using this, the dry skin has vanished and I'm left with decent fake tanned legs. I've nearly used my bottle up, and as soon as its finished I'll be buying the Cocoa Butter one.

The Jergens moisturizer range retails for £5.10 in Boots, however I'm sure its currently on offer in Sainsburys. Also did you know that Jergens is running a competiton on Facebook for you to feature in Marie Claire magazine- all details can be found here. Get entering.

Primark A/W 2012

As soon as I saw these images for Primark's Autumn collection, I had to share them with you. I can't wait until I can get my hands on the Zara esq miltary jacket- they might as well just whack the A/W clothes out now as the summer seems to have been and gone..

All images via PR Shots

Do you prefer the S/S collections or A/W?? I have to say A/W

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Blog Buttons- August

Its Friday 13th.... I'm so supersticious its beyond a joke

Anyway you know the drill..

Its free

Only 5 spots for August as one has already been taken

On a first come basis

Comment with your email address below

*All spots are now full*

Big Bun

Currently I can't get enough of high top knots/buns in my hair- they're so simple to wear and look effortlessly stylish. This is a look I keep going for day in day out as it literally takes 5 minutes (not even that).

If you follow my homegirl Alana's blog you will have spotted this picture-

she's such a fittie I know.

Wonder how she got her hair looking like this? John Frieda is back with another brilliant set of video tutorials (including how to get a salon blow dry), including how to create a top knot. Seriously you need to check out this video...

Simple when you know how isn't it?

Are you a fan of the top knot??



June Favourites

I know I say this every month but I can't believe where this year has gone too. Anyway onto June's favourites- June has been a bit of a funny month for me- I've embarked on a major sort-my-nails-out mission and really haven't been loving that much of my make up. I think its purely down to being shattered from work. Anyway I promise to make more of an effort for July.

Opi Nail Envy (Matte)- I'm onto week three of the Nail Envy treatment, and my nails have improved although I have chopped them all back off again. I'm going to do a more detailed post once the 4 weeks is up and i'll explain why my nails have been chopped right off. I actually prefer this to the Mavala Scientique (shock horror).

Opi Avoplex- review can be found here. Really love using this- I've been neglecting using it during the day so I've been using lots on a night. A teeny bit goes a very long way.

Essie Sand Tropez- oh how much I love this polish- its definately one of my all time favourite polishes. Review here.

Botanics Gentle Eye Make Up Remover- I saw this on Gem's skincare routine video and picked up a bottle in Boots. Really impressed by how quickly it removes layer upon layer of eye make up, however I don't like the greasy feeling on my skin afterwards. However for just over £3 you can't be robbed. Review will be coming shortly.

St Tropez Dark Mousse- yet again another review to come on this. Really love this especially on my legs for nights out. I would say one coat of this is about 1.5-2 coats of normal St Tropez. However a word of warning when you put it on- it looks black and like you've been rolling around in dirt. I wouldn't pay £30+ for this- check ebay- I got mine for £16.

Mac Something Special Blush- I bought this in Leeds when I was at a Benefit event, and if you don't have this in your blusher collection buy it. Its like a your cheeks but better shade. Review to come.

17 Skin Perfecting Foundation- I found this in my local Boots for £1 and this is the foundation I wear during the day when I'm not at work. I've got the colour fair and I think this equates to NW20 in Mac. I get a good 6 hours wear from this before my nose gets a bit shiny. Shame its been discontinued.

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The Holly Shoe

You know when you see a shoe and you instantly think of a friend or family memeber- if someone had to pick a type of shoes to describe me, they would be sky high and leopard print. As soon as I saw these beauties they instantly reminded me of Holly (aka Moho).

Irregular Choice Best Of Court Shoe- £80.50

Now anyone who knows Holly will know that Holly doesn't do heels that often, and when she does they have to be tiny heels or her feet will be hurting. Last August when we went out for her second hen do, one of our friends Stacey had THE MOST fabulous pair of glitter heels on from Irregular Choice and Holly was obsessed with them. Cue our last night out together in February and Holly pulls out a pair of jester-esq shoes from the brand.

In all honestly I couldn't imagine seeing Holly in high heels this high- she'd end up breaking her ankle. I definately think she would have these as one of those pairs of shoes you have on a shelf and occasionally look at/stroke. How fabulous are the peacock feathers- they definately remind me of Vivienne Westwood (ie Naomi Campbell falling over) shoes. And the best thing? They'll way more cheaper than a pair of Viv.

Muji Make Up Storage

*Warning Picture Heavy*

Considering I bought my first bits of Muji storage way back in February its taken until Saturday for me to finally getting around to sorting all my make up/beauty products out and sort my Muji storage out. If you follow me on Instagram (@RayWhoisShe) you'd have seen a couple of these pictures. I always love make up storage posts/videos so I thought I would share the Muji storage with you. Its worth noting that the reason its sat on a Zara bag is that when I eventually get my backside into gear and buy a house this storage will be sat on a table in my spare bedroom aka wardrobe so I don't want it getting scratched. 

My storage consists of 2 x double wide drawers (£10.95 each) and 2 x single wide drawers (£7.95 each). When I ordered the single drawers last week, the double drawers weren't due back in until Feb 2013- however they're back in stock now. I've stacked mine in the following order- single/double/single/double and they look like this-

The storage contains the majority of my make up collection and houses all my high-end products. I do have a drawer in my storage tower which contains back ups of some products/other eye shadows/products. If you want any reviews/swatches please let me know in the comments below.

Drawer 1- Lipsticks

All my Mac lipsticks bar two back ups are kept in here. Other lip products include- Look Beauty, Barry M, Benefit Coralista Lipgloss, Illamasqua Glosses, Korres Lip Butter and a depotted Mac Hue. I also lie my Mac eyeshadow pallete on top of the lipsticks.

Drawer 2- Eyes

Mascaras- Benefit, 17, Mac, Maybelline (yes I have 3 17 wild curls), Illamasqua Precision Ink, Studio Make Up Liner. Cream/Gel liners- Elf, Mac, Maybelline. Paint Pots- 17/Mac. All Mac shadows which I won't depot. Mac 4 quad- 3 loose shades are kept in here/laid ontop of eyeshadows.

Drawer 3- Foundations

Elf Studio Tinted Moisturiser (x 2), Benefit, 17, Mac Studio Tech (x2), Studio Sculpt. Random Samples from Mac (fix and sculpt) and Chanel.

Drawer 4- Powders/Brows/Concealers/Misc

Chanel Emerville eyeshadow, Mac/Benefit Concealers, Benefit Porefessional. Another random foundation sample from Mac, Benefit Brow-zings (Medium), Mac Brow Pencil (Lingering). Mac MSFN in Medium Plus and Medium Dark, MSF in Soft and Gentle. Mac Powder in NC20.

Drawer 5- Blushers

Benefit Coralista, Illamasqua Promise, Benefit Poseytint, Topshop Cream Blush, Mac blushes- three at front are my current favourites- Something Special, Melba, Posey.

Drawer 6- Bronzers/Back ups

4 Porefessional from Glamour, Mac Refined Golden Bronzer, Illamasqua Bronzing Duo, Vivo Bronzer, Chanel Tan Universal, back up of Head over Heels Blush from Topshop, Accessorize Blush for work.

Link me up to your make up storage posts.

Staying Healthy This Summer- Inside and Out

From the beach to the BBQ, summer is a time packed full of social occasions. Naturally, we all want to look our best. But one thing that’s commonly overlooked is spending time on improving what’s inside. And this is the first step for looking good on the outside.

Here’s a checklist for staying healthy this party season, helping you to glow both inside and out.

Tanning

Throughout the 20^th century, society began to associate tanned skin with good health. But interestingly, it wasn’t always this way. Golden skin was formerly considered to be a sign of the peasants who spent their days working the fields.

Coleen Sequin Triangle Bikini Set £25

History aside, tanning isn’t healthy, and over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can be very dangerous for your health. This season, why not find a healthy balance instead, and pair this season’s great range of women’s swimwear from Very.co.uk with a high quality fake tan? Be sure to exfoliate well and moisturise regularly to make it last as long as possible.

Drinks

With so many social gatherings, it’s not hard to see why summer is thought of as the silly season. And as you flit between different outings and occasions, it’s easy to let your alcohol consumption jump well above the recommended intake.

Men are advised to consume no more than 21 units of alcohol in a week. For ladies, the weekly amount is capped at 14 units. Keeping your alcohol consumption under control is all about planning. If you know you have a big few nights planned at the weekend, it’s always a good idea to detox in the days leading up, so you can stay within your weekly limit.

Diet

Along with the added drinks, summer socialising usually means extra food. If you have a tendency to lose sight of the diet at social gatherings, try and find a compromise. Let yourself eat as much as you like – just restrict your choice to the fruit platter!

Alternatively, eat a light meal, such as vegetable soup, to help fill you up before you head out. This way, when you’re faced with a platter of food, you can decide if you’re eating for hunger or eating for satisfaction.

Stay hydrated

The golden rule for summer socialising is, of course, to drink plenty of water.

Staying hydrated gives you healthy skin and hair, helps you feel alert, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

As long as you follow these simple rules you'll definately have fun in the sun!!
 

*sponsered post

#dontcoveritup

Did you know that one in four women will be effected by domestic violence at some point in their life?

Quite shocking isn't it..

Domestic violence is more common that you think, and many may turn a blind eye to it. However its time to raise awareness- you may be aware of Benefit's amazing Mascarathon which has to date raised over £7000 for Refuge.

Lauren Luke is working alongside Refuge to help raise awareness and has posted this thought provoking video- its less than 2 minutes long but please watch it.

Refuge state that- "Hiding the physical effects of domestic violence is just one of the ways a woman might try to cover up what her partner has done to her. She may also withdraw from seeing her family and friends and become isolated, afraid to tell anyone what she’s going through. The emotional and psychological effects of domestic violence are undetectable to the naked eye – but this type of abuse is equally, if not more, damaging. Lauren’s cuts, bruises and fear are fictitious. But for thousands of women this is the reality of their everyday lives".

If you know anyone or is suffering from domestic violence yourself SPEAK UP- tell a friend, family member or speak to someone from Refuge.

You can still donate to Mascarathon via texting BENE02 (and your amount) to 70070

Further information can be found on www.refuge.org.uk/lauren

Running on Empties #5

I'm really starting to get annoyed with this challenge now and the lack of using up make up products, seriously just how much more mascara can my Max Factor False Lash Effect give? However I have to admit I have been stocking up on Cleansers and Toners lately purely due to having No7 vouchers and its saving me money in the long run. Anyway I'm digressing as usual, so this is what I've used up recently-

Illamasqua Freak Sample (not pictured)- I've managed to use two of these up as they've brilliant for taking out with you on nights out to top up your scent throughout the night. I already have a full sized bottle of Freak, and I would repurchase once that is used up. Review here.

Sanex Invisable Roll On Deodrant- best deodrant ever to use for nights out- no stinking of BO if you use this. Already repurchased.

John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner*- review here. Definatley will be repurchasing after I use my Lee Stafford treament up.

Boots Botanic Red Shampoo- OMFG THE BEST RED SHAMPOO EVER. A review on this is coming up. If you have red hair you need to use this shampoo.

Bastiste Boho*- my favourite Bastiste scent, will be repurchasing once I use Brit up. Review here.

Soap and Glory Clean on Me- I love this shower gel which can also double up as a bubble bath. I don't need to go into too much detail about this as you all know and love this. Will definately repurchase at a later date.

Nivea Deodrant- does the job for the gym, not really bothered about the scent, however I won't be repurchasing this.

Verscae Crystal Noir Bath/Shower Gel- you know how much I love the perfume, however I'm not a fan of perfume body products. I won't repurchase this. Review on the perfume here.

Bio-effect Serum- I have enjoyed using this sample and my skin has looked a lot brighter- however I won't be paying the £90+ for this.

Palmers Coco Butter Lipbalm- really enjoyed using this, I would definately repurchase once I've used my other lipbalms up. 

200 Pack Cotton Wool- only 99p from Home Bargains- I always repurchase these as they're such good value for money.

Face Wipes- yet again you've seen me rave about these on the blog so many times. I have another 2 packets in my cupboard- brilliant for when your swatching items... or when you're drunk and you are about to collapse in bed this gets the majority of make up off (terrible I know). 

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