Where Do I Blog From?

Where I blog from isn't exactly exciting but I do really enjoying reading people's posts so I thought, I'll do one of those! And here it is. I'm at university at the moment so I basically blogging on my desk in halls. But when I'm blogging, I do move things around a bit so it feels like I'm 'working.'

I do have a lamp and this one was really cheap from somewhere that I don't remember. But I use this because it's usually dark when I start writing posts and this lamp is very bright. I also keep my tripod close by just in case I've missed any pictures and want to take some more - and just in case I decide to film something (but the chances of that are low)! I got my tripod from eBay. It was really cheap and it's a very good tripod for the price. I then of course have my laptop which I love so much! It's my baby and basically contains my life on it. It's a Samsung RV511 and I would highly, highly recommend this laptop. I have so much stuff on it but it continues to run perfectly. And also in this picture you can see my No7 mirror which I swear by. I've had this for around 3-4 years now and I just can't do make up without it. Even when I go home for a few days I take this with me. And finally, I keep my Soap and Glory Hand Food nearby because my hands are feeling very dry recently, some Johnson's Baby Wipes - a bloggers must have as they're perfect for wiping swatches off your hands/arms and finally, some Nutella. Just because I love Nutella!

Where do you blog from? 

xxx

600 Follower Giveaway!

I've now passed 500 followers via GFC and 100 followers via BlogLovin' and first of all, I'd just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who follows and reads my blog. I know I say it a lot but I honestly thought I'd be lucky to get just one follower so to say I have over 600 is just spectacular and I can't thank you enough. 

But I am going to try. So here is my 600 follower giveaway and I hope you like it :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

xxx

Helping Blemished Skin: Part Three - Finding What Works For You

Walking into your local Boots or Superdrug in order to find out that perfect skin care routine can be exceptionally daunting. Typically, there are hundreds of products each telling you that they are the latest 'wonder product' and if you use them, your skin will be 1000 times better and you'll never look back. Chances are, the product won't make that much of a difference to your skin or it'll leave it a complete mess. I wish I could tell you that it's easy to find your perfect routine but I've been searching for years and finally, I feel like I've found it. And I may surprise you by saying it includes a lot of products (as you could probably see in part two of this series).


Let the products 'settle.'
You're better off taking your time in choosing your skin care routine and changing one product at a time to see how your skin reacts. For me, if I change a product in my skin care routine I'll more than likely have a little breakout. But don't panic - sometimes this isn't the products fault and it's just your skin getting used to it. So wait a week or two and see what happens; chances are, this product could be your wonder product. If your skin continues to react though, throw it away!

Visit High End Counters.

You may not want to pay a lot of money for something that you know might not make a difference but it's worth taking a visit to a high end make up counter. When I first had bad skin, my mum used to take me to each different counter and see if there was anything they could do. Most of the time I'd leave with a few samples and a lot more confidence. Sometimes the women behind the counters can be intimidating but I've actually met some lovely women behind those counters who sometimes made me want to cry happy tears. It's worth a visit as there is nothing to lose and perhaps, quite a bit to gain!

image from Google

Research, research, research!

Nowadays I will never buy a product unless it has good reviews. When I first got bad skin my initial reaction was to go into Boots with my mum and buy every Clearasil product. I had no idea about skin care routines and I didn't even think that the products would make my skin worse, I just hoped for the best. Don't panic if you get bad skin, stressing about it will only make it worse. Make sure you do your research beforehand as finding your right skin care routine can end up costing a fortune. I dread the think about the amount of money both me and my mum have spent making sure my skin looks okay. So yeah, look up the product before buying and make sure it has generally positive reviews. And if it doesn't? Try and steer clear. Or try and get samples.

image from Google
What's on the inside...
Don't just think about products to put on your skin. Think about products that you consume as well. I've tried out the Works With Water Help Clear Skin sachets before and they really did work well in clearing up my skin. You can read my full review here. And the great thing about them is that you don't have to worry too much about whether or not they'll react because they won't. They'll either work for you, or they won't. For me they did work. But since my skin has gotten better I don't really see the point for them. But don't just overlook vitamins, sachets and minerals. Speak to a pharmacist (or your GP) and see what they can recommend for you.

So there are my top 4 tips in finding your perfect skin care routine. I'll just add now that it will take time but in the end, it will be worth it. I've already mentioned this but I'm finally happy with my skin care routine - I'm now 19 and I had my first breakout around the age of 12-13. But be persistent and don't get up because it will get better!
xxx

DEBATE: Magazines.

Today, I thought I'd talk about my first love; magazines. I've grown up with magazines and they've been something that I've enjoyed reading monthly (or weekly) since I can remember. My obsession started off with  the nice and cheap 99p magazine of Toy Box. I don't remember much about it except the price and the name. But I know I loved it. After this, I discovered my love of music and Britney Spears so magazines such as Smash Hits and TOTP - I used to love ripping the posters out, shoving them onto my wall and learning all the lyrics to my favourite songs! Then came the obsession of magazines such as Sabrina's Secrets that came out fortnightly and I used to collect them religiously - I think I still have them somewhere. I then moved on to magazines like Mizz and Sugar - what I thought at the time were 'grown up' magazines. I used to love flicking through them, trying out the quizzes and reading up about boys! But now, my magazine choice consists of these two beauties..

I can't remember a month when I haven't read one of these magazines. I've read them religiously for around 4 years now and even subscribe to Glamour. (I do want to subscribe to Cosmopolitan but I'm finding it hard as I can only find the travel sized which I don't want). I know that a lot of people claim that these types of magazines just 'brainwash' people and 'mould' people into what they believe everyone should be like. But for me personally, I disagree. Without these magazines, I doubt I'd feel as confident as I do. Without these magazines, I wouldn't have an escapism. I love opening up a magazine at night and reading before going to bed. It's a great way to escape, relax and unwind from the days events. It's also a weird argument with the whole 'blogging vs magazine' situation. I don't believe blogging is a replacement for magazines; I believe they can both exist together. For me, they're both completely different. I look at blogs to see personality alongside products whereas magazines, there isn't so much personality within them. But that's fine with me because there is something else there. A voice that speaks to you somehow. I'm aware that I'm just rambling now but I really wanted to get a post up today and when I saw my magazines on my bed, I thought 'why not write about magazines?!' So here it is. My magazines post.

What are your thoughts on magazines? Which ones did you grow up with? Which ones do you read now?
xxx

January Favourites

My first monthly favourites post of this year! I didn't really stick to my monthly favourites last year and sometimes they just randomly appeared but I'm going to try my hardest to do these monthly this year. So keep an eye out for them!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I really adore this palette. It's very versatile and perfect for creating a nude smokey eye that is suitable for both day time and night time. You can view my full review and swatches here.

Ardell False Eye Lashes

I've been loving wearing false eye lashes at the moment. They really emphasise the eyes and makes them stand out a lot more. These eye lashes are the easiest to use in my opinion and just look so beautiful on. You can see what they look like on here.

He-Shi Express Liquid Tan *

Fake tan has recently become my best friend and I really can't get enough of this He-Shi one. It's easy to apply, doesn't streak and gives a natural looking tan. You can see my (very old) full review of this here.

No7 Beautiful Skin Foaming Cleanser

I've fallen in love with this cleanser since buying it. A full review will be coming soon but for now I'll just say that it's very refreshing, helps oil, doesn't dry the skin out and also removes all my make up.

Pantene Heat Defence

I wanted to try out a new heat defence and this Pantene one is great because it protects the hair and adds shine at the same time. It also smells beautiful and doesn't weigh the hair down.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

Dry shampoo is a must have at university as sometimes you're rushed for time. But I also use this one as a sort of hairspray to get volume into my roots. And at the moment, it's half price at Superdrug.

Charlie Body Spray in Essence

I've been loving wearing body spray in the day time and this Charlie one smells so beautiful. It's an 'enchanting creation of zesty fruits, velvety florals and musk.'

Listerine Total Care Zero Mouth Wash

The nicest mouth wash ever! It tastes just like the dentist and oh my, I just can't get enough of it! My favourite mouth wash ever to be honest.

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy Perfume

My favourite perfume at the moment. It's sweet smelling but also sophisticated. I also love how my friends now recognise this as 'my scent.' You can view my Britney perfume post here.

Avon Colour and Contour in Rose Gold

You can see a swatch of this blusher here. It's so pretty and really brightens up the complexion. The highlight side is also really pretty!

Revlon's Double Twist Mascara

I bought this at the beginning of January as it was on offer for just £5 and I really, really love it. It's very easy to use, grips every eye lash and really extends and volumises. But it doesn't clump up.

Candles

Candles are banned in university hauls but that doesn't stop me! I can't stop using them as they just smell so beautiful. What are your favourite candles?

What products have you been loving this month?

xxx


* PR sample