Lush Halloween/Christmas 2014 Wishlist

I can't imagine there being anyone who doesn't look forward to Lush's Halloween & Christmas collections every year! Things from Lush make great presents, which I think is the reason why I think of shopping in Lush as a vital part of my Christmas. I haven't been lucky enough to see these products in the store yet, but I've had a good look online and I've found a few things I look forward to purchasing this year. I suggest having a browse on the website too, they have little videos of the products so you can really get an idea of what the it's like!

Christmas Hedgehog - This bubble bar is full of skin-nourishing ingredients like shea and cocoa butter so will be perfect if your skin needs a bit of softening in the chilly Winter weather. I love the shimmery snow-like look of this, I imagine after the bath your skin will look just as good as it feels!

Northern Lights - It's the colours of this bath bomb that draw me to it. It has a purple/lilac outside and is said to later reveal colours of blue and green, complete with little stars. Gorgeous to relax in this Autumn.

Santa Baby - I've always been more into lip balms rather than lipsticks as they're so much easier to apply, but the balm pigment is never as strong as in a lipstick. However, I think I've found my happy medium here with this red lip tint. Red lips are a must have at this time of year and I can't think of a better product to use than a tint that claims to taste like Christmas!

Snow Fairy Shower Gel - We all know the classic Christmas Snow Fairy scent that Lush treats us with every year. The shower gel is my favourite as I can use it everyday - if only they had this as a perfume!

Reindeer Rock - I've only recently got into using soaps. I'm currently using one that smells like sherbet lemons (more on that soon!) and this berry-scented one is going to be my next stop. Plus, isn't this reindeer pattern the cutest?

Santa's Lip Scrub - I've used Lush's lip scrubs plenty a time although I've never actually owned one (not as dodgy as it sounds - I've borrowed my friends' before) but I think I'll have to cave in and give this one a buy. The taste description sounds the same as the Santa Baby Lip Tint and I think the two would be perfect together with the scrub to exfoliate the lips before applying the tint. What better way to prep your lips for that mistletoe?

What Lush products have caught your eye this season? Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Autumn 2014 Topshop Wishlist

I always think of A/W as  party season: you've got Halloween, Christmas and New Year all in the space of a few months. These bits and pieces from Topshop are sure to get you prepared for this year's party time.

Mermaid Card Holder, £5 - I'm loving all things shiny at the moment and this holographic card holder is just my type. The best thing about a shiny card holder is that it's easy to find in your bag!

Pale Blue Ribbed Glitter Socks, £3.50 - If you're going to wear socks to a party, you may as well keep them fancy. These glittery ones will look great with black shoes and add a bit of sparkle to your outfit without being too over the top.

Sequin Skirt, £48 - Whilst skater skirts were all the rage last year but this time more fitted mini skirts are in. This gorgeous piece would be perfect as the main focus of an outfit and will look amazing paired with the dark Autumn colours. A bit pricey, but I'm sure some inexpensive alternatives will hit the high street this year.

Nail Polish in 'Pink is the Colour', £5 - This peachy pink shade is like a nude colour with a kick. It's toned down enough to match almost any outfit but pigmented enough to brighten you up a bit. What more can you ask for?

Black High-Waisted Jeans, £36 - I've not had a pair of black jeans for what seems like forever and on top of that, I haven't had any Topshop jeans either. As we all know, black goes with pretty much everything and getting a high-waisted pair means anything cropped works too. Topshop are known for their amazing jeans, so what other place to get them from? At the reasonable price of £36 (when you consider how much wear you can get out of them) these jeans are definitely a must-have this A/W.

Hair Bow, £6.50 - We often forget to accessorise our hair and a piece with matching colours to your clothing can pull a whole outfit together.

Satin Bralet, £22 - This piece has a definite vintage look to it with the satin fabric and the old-fashioned shape. It's certainly pretty, and you might as well wear nice underwear even if no one else is going to see it!

Shift Dress - £70 - May we just take a moment to appreciate the colours in this dress? Thank you. Unfortunately a bit on the pricey side for me, but if you're looking for a dress that'll impress, this is the one. I reckon this'd suit an olive skin tone perfectly (although I'm as pale it gets and I'd still wear it without a doubt) and the shift style suits so many body shapes. This material type is everywhere at the moment; you'll be bang on trend. If anyone comes across a cheaper alternative do let me know!

What's on your wishlist this Autumn? Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Lip Favourites Autumn 2014

Autumn is the time of year when the nights get sooner, the air gets cooler and the clothes get darker, so what better season to brighten things up with a lip colour? Here are my recent much loved products.

Baby Lips Cherry Me, £2.99 - My two words to describe this would be sheer and warm. It gives your lips a nice pinky-red tint which is perfect for a subtle look.

Sleek Lipstick in 'Cherry', £4.99 - When I was looking for a lipstick this shade, it was a Superdrug Sales Assistant who persuaded me to go for the brand Sleek, which I haven't bought from before. She explained how the lipsticks have the same pigments as MAC, and wow, she was right. This gorgeous dark red is on point for A/W. I often apply with my fingertip just over lip balm to calm the colour down for more of an everyday style. A must-have if you really want your lips to pop.

MUA Lipstick in 'Nectar', £1 - I just picked up this product yesterday in one of my college frees (college is 5 minutes away from a Superdrug - my beauty buying is going to go off the rails) as I loved the peachy tone of the colour. I can't lie, I loved the price too. This lighter colour will brighten up any dark outfit, and for just a pound, what's stopping you?!

Swatched in the same order as product list

Baby Lips Electro Pink Shock, £2.99 - I got very excited when I saw a new Baby Lips line in the UK, and this vibrant pink caught my eye right away. It's a lot more pigmented than the other Baby Lips but it still has a pretty sheer finish. Again, great for a pop of colour.

EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint, £6.50 - I actually bought my EOS whilst I was in America, where they are significantly cheaper (around $4.20 which is about £2.50) and I'm very glad I picked one up for myself. They look cute as ever, smell amazing and moisturise your lips perfectly. I use mine often and it's lasted quite a while, so even though they are a bit more pricey in the UK, I do think it's worth the investment!

What have been your favourite lip products this Autumn? Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Back to School: Keep your Stationary Cute

When you're stuck at school, even just having stationary you love can make your day better. As a lover of all things pastel and cute my stationary is a colourful little set. Here is my collection I'm going to be using for college this year!

Planner & pen - Paperchase

Summer pencil case, sparkly pencil & sharpies - Sainsburys

Ice cream/cupcake pencil case - Tesco

Rubber - Accessorize

Highlighters - Disney Store

Yellow pencil & ruler - China Town

What's your favourite piece of stationary this year? Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Back to School Skin: Stop Those Spots!

First week of September means back to school for a lot of us, myself included as I'll be starting college this Friday (wish me luck!). There's often a last-minute rush to get your skin on top form before the new term starts so here are a few products to help you along the way.

First I'll go through my everyday skin care routine which is suitable for normal-oily blemish-prone skin. I like to first use my St Ives Blemish-Fighting Scrub which smells gorgeous and will remove any dead skins cells, leaving you feeling silky smooth. Next up is my Body Shop Tea Tree Cleanser. This is all foamy and fun and the tea tree will clear your skin right up. I use my Body Shop Tea Tree Toner which is an ultimate favourite. It gets rid of all dirt from your skin and purifies to perfection. Finally, moisturiser, and I use the Simple Anti-Blemish Moisturiser as it's designed for oily, spot-prone skin like mine. I have prescribed facial cream which I use at night, but an amazing alternative is the Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Treatment Gel. This leaves you waking up to noticeably clearer skin which puts your morning to a good start. I would definitely recommend! 
Now for a few bits and pieces to use when your skin needs that extra boost. These are perfect for the few days leading up to school as they really work some magic. Here I have the Superdrug Dead Sea Purifying Mask (I just tried it - impressed!) but my favourites are the new Superdrug Sheet Masks. These aren't yet available online but they're definitely worth the shopping trip. As they're a sheet rather than a liquid, you don't have to faff about trying to get the mask off for 15 minutes which makes them suitable if you don't have a lot of time. The Nose Pore Strips are useful too. I use the T-zone ones as they're a quarter the price of the Boire brand's and they still work well.

Lastly I have a homemade oatmeal face mask which I would love for you all to try. I got this from Bubzbeauty's video a few years back and ever since then it's been a go-to when ever my skin is acting up. I love it as it's so quick, cheap and easy and is great for your skin. Bubz explains the mask in her video, so give it a watch! 

What are your favourite skin products? Let me know! I hope this post was helpful, thank you for reading! Tasha xo

Coping with Exam Results

This Thursday, teenagers all over England are receiving their GCSE exam results, myself included. This can be a highly anticipated day which can cause a lot of worries and stress in the time leading up to it. I expected myself to get extremely stressed around exam time but to my surprise, I stayed weirdly calm, probably more so than nearly all my friends. I have the same attitude towards results day but I know a lot of my friends are the opposite. I figured there must be a lot of you out there who are getting nervous, so here are a few things to remember that stop me worrying.

Your exam results do not determine your success. Being good at exam papers does not make you better than anyone else and people have all sorts of talents that exams don't test. There are people who are seen as the world's most successful who probably didn't do great at school, so don't go thinking that you can't still achieve.
Not every result matters. Yes, it's fab if you managed to do well in your results all-round, but if you want to go into a career in medicine, it's not a problem if you didn't get an A in English Literature. If you want to go into fashion and didn't pass Textiles, there are still opportunities to resit exams that are important to you.
You don't need to compare yourself to other people. If you were happy with your C and your friends got Bs, it really doesn't matter. Your goals have nothing to do with anyone else. People often focus on those who did better than them, but remember that there are also people who didn't excel in that subject as much as you did.
No one else needs to know what your results are. If you're a bit embarrassed about that A* in Biology or that U in Maths, they don't need to be mentioned. Sure your college or future employers will want to know, but they've seen a whole range of exam results and yours are unlikely to be anything new. 
Don't focus on the bad. Maybe you studied really hard for subject and didn't quite get what you wanted (I've been there) but you have other things to celebrate. Be happy with your B in French or your A in Geography, there's no need to wrap yourself up in disappointment. If you're not the best academically, then think of ways to improve on the things that matter to you and use it as a motivation to do better on your resit, if you are choosing to take the exam again.
You can learn from your mistakes. If you're looking at your results thinking "I wish I'd started studying sooner for that" then do so with your A Levels. If you're not going to college, you could put effort into focusing better during your apprenticeship, for example.
It's okay to be proud of yourself. Some people can be wary of showing off and for that reason like to keep things quiet, but if you're impressed with yourself, it's fine to say so (as long as you don't go on about it, of course). Maybe buy yourself a new pair of heels afterwards as a treat. You got yourself through your exams, and you deserve it.
The hype will be over after a couple of weeks. There will be a period where results seem to be all everyone talks about, but in a month's time, chances are they'll hardly be mentioned. If the constant chatter about results is a bit much for you, just take yourself away from social media for a bit and relax. You could even have friends over with a 'no exam talk' policy to give everyone a bit of a break.

It might be a good idea to plan what you're going to do after receiving your results. If you'd rather be alone that's fine, but I personally find myself over-thinking when I'm alone, so my friends and I have planned to go round to someone's house where's we're just going to chill and catch up with each other whilst looking forward to the after-exam party on Saturday. A takeaway with the family or a shopping trip are good ideas, too.
Finally, I wish everyone the best of luck for results day, and remember that all you can do is your best, and you can't ask for any more than that. Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

What's In My Carry On Bag?

For those of you who don't know, I'm off to New York tomorrow morning! I'm very excited and will hopefully have a huge beauty haul post ready for when I come back. This is actually going to be my first time on a plane, so I did my research before packing my carry on to make sure I have everything I need.

Let's start off with the bag. I got this from Accessorize a good two years ago so I doubt this particular one is available anywhere, but I know Accessorize still stock very similar bags. I chose to use this one as it has the two pockets at the front which is perfect for small things and there are also a few little compartments inside to hold phones etc. Now for what's actually in the bag...

In the front pockets I keep:
Tissues, as I often get sniffly in the mornings.
Complimints (Aldi). I'll use these to freshen up after food.
Blotting Sheets. I've heard planes can be very drying on the skin which would cause mine to become oily. These sheets also have a small amount of translucent powder on them which I really like.
Two pens. These are for both writing and using with my loom bands (yep, I've fallen into that trap, more on that later...)
Earphones. I can listen to my music or block out sound if I want to sleep.
A mirror. I'll use this to check my hair and touch up my makeup.
I keep my iPod, my portable charger, my lip balm and my phone (not pictured as that's the camera I use) in the zipped pocket on the inside.

Loose in the main part of the bag is a magazine, a notebook, a photocopy of my passport (my mum is carrying my actual one) and a book. Except for the photocopy (obviously) these are all just for entertainment. I have with me my sunglasses, normal glasses and some makeup also. I took my Bare Minerals Foundation, my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder along with the brushes for touch ups before the plane lands. I brought the MUA Highlighter and my Naked Palette as they seem a bit too delicate to stay in my check-in bag! In the last picture I have a few miscellaneous bits that I'll go into more detail on:
A blow-up travel pillow. I definitely recommened the blow-up ones as that way you can decide how sturdy you want them and they can be deflated to take up less room when they're not in use. They're usually a lot cheaper than the cushion-y ones too.
Fluffy socks. I'll probably be taking my shoes off on the plane and no one wants chilly feet, so these should keep my toes toasty.
Body Lotion. This will hopefully stop the plane's drying effect on my skin doing too much damage.
A hairbrush. I'll use this if I want to redo my hair, and it's nice and small so it doesn't take up too much room.
Loom bands..? My friend's little sister showed me how to make these and I thought they'd be a good time-consumer! (It's actually pretty fun)
My purse, obviously to keep money and my ID etc in.
This old little Totoro purse, which I'm keeping GBPs in just in case.
Finally a map, so I know where I'm going! I've labelled on it the places I'm hoping to go, like Sephora and Bath and Body Works etc. This came inside a pocket travel guide.
Other bits I'll need such as hand cream, charger cables, snacks and my passport is going in my mum's bag, so don't worry, I haven't forgotten!

Is there anything else you think I ought to take? Let me know! Thank you for reading and see you when I get back, Tasha xo

My Makeup Brush Collection 2014

I've noticed that the makeup brushes in my daily routine haven't changed much recently, meaning I must be pretty content with my collection at the moment! I thought I'd do a post to share with you what brushes I like to use.
First up is the Bare Minerals Full Flawless Face Brush. It was probably a mistake starting off with my least favourite here but at least that's it out of the way. This brush is especially made for the Bare Minerals Original Foundation, but unfortunately the brush quality doesn't match that of the foundation. It does its job and applies the makeup well, but there is so much fall out it's untrue. After using it I have to go and pick up all the shedded bristles off my face, and having looked at other reviews, I know this isn't just a fault in my brush, it's across the range. Despite this, I do like it for this foundation and will continue to use it. Now onto more positive reviews!
The Bare Minerals Flawless Face Brush is a lot finer than the Flawless Face Brush and also a lot better. I use this to apply the Bare Minerals Warmth (which is basically a bronzer) and it works very well and is nice and soft and fluffy. If I'm using Mineral Veil, I will also apply it with this brush.
The last of the Bare Minerals brushes now, the Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush. I use this to apply the foundation as a concealer and it works perfectly, very soft and makes an easy application. This can also be used with liquid concealers.
Next is the angled brush which I got as part of a set a few years ago. I imagine the set was from somewhere like Superdrug (I received it as a gift) so I've linked a similar one. This brush doesn't have the softest bristles going, but it does apply my Natural Collection Blush nicely so it's definitely worth a go.
Another brush that I don't have an exact match for (sorry) is the blending brush. This is nice and fluffy and I just use it to soften out the edges of my eyeshadow. 
You might think the Avon Foundation Brush isn't really needed since I use powder foundation, but I like to use this to blend out my Bare Minerals BB Primer and also my Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer if I decide to use that for extra coverage.
The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Brush came with my Naked 1 palette and it's been perfect as I'm so used to just applying eyeshadow with just my fingertips and it's much more precise this way. The brush is very soft and I use the thicker side to blend and add shimmery colours on top.
Finally the H&M Mini Kabuki Brush which I've raved about before in my Budget Beauty post. An all-time favourite for its incredible softness and its ability to pick up plenty of product. I use this for my Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder and it works perfectly with next to no fall out at all.

So that's my little everyday brush collection, I'd love to know what brushes you use if you think there's something I should try out! Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Summer 2014 Nail Favourites

After having left high school this year, I'm finally able to wear nail polish without hiding it under my sleeves every time an adult comes near. There are a lot of colours I've been especially loving this Summer, so I thought I'd share my current nail favourites.

Avon Opal Top Coat - This is a nail product that I would only tend to use on a feature nail as it definitely can look very 'blingy'. Not necessarily a sophisticated polish, but the sparkle makes it perfect for nights out all year round. If I'm using nail glitter I use this as the top coat.

Rimmel Disco Ball 500 - Another top coat, this time with a lilac and blue colour instead of just clear. I've found this compliments a lot of nail colours and is subtle enough for use on all nails without being overpowering. A very pretty glitter which can be built up nicely with multiple coats.

Topshop Bound - This product was on my Topshop wishlist post and I decided I just had to get it. It has turned out slightly more green than expected - I thought it would have been more blue-toned - but it is still a gorgeous colour. There is a shimmery finish and this colour suits almost any outfit. If the Rimmel Disco Ball is applied as a top coat it looks mermaid-like! Perfect for the Summer days.

Barry M Indigo 312 - This polish is like a dark blue with the perfect hint of purple. I love how the colour is deep yet still vibrant. A definite favourite from Barry M.

Barry M Blueberry Ice Cream 306 - I would describe this one as a vibrant sky blue. It looks much brighter on than it does in the bottle, and this is the perfect shade to make your tan 'pop'. The name of this polish makes it even more desirable! 

Maybelline Acid Wash Top Splatter 250 - This has already been mentioned in my July favourites so I'll say again, a beautiful jazz up to any polish and perfect for a nice and easy feature nail. I've seen they have some other colours in the Acid Wash collection so let me know if you've tried any of them!

Sally Hansen Sonic Bloom 260 - This has been a long-time favourite of mine and is one of my go-to nail colours. It's almost like a red/pink neon, and I love wearing this with monochrome outfits to give them an instant splash of colour. The Sally Hansen brushes make their polish very easy to apply so don't let the bold colours scare you off! I couldn't seem to find this on a UK website and I received it as a gift, but I expect it is available to order worldwide.

What are some of your nail faves this Summer? I'd love to try a few new ones out! As always, thank you for reading, Tasha xo

A Pleasant Surprise

I may have gone slightly overboard with the highstreet shopping recently (after having not going for almost a month I've now gone three days in a row) and I've noticed there are a lot of sales on recently, with many stores starting to transition over to their A/W stock. I'm not the best at sale shopping as I usually find it far too busy for my liking, but there is one sale which did impress: Matalan. Now, I must admit I usually think of Matalan as a more 'mumsie' shop (probably just because my mum likes it there) but after having a look around today, my opinion has definitely changed.

If you have a look at the items pictured you might estimate them to cost maybe £30-£40, but I picked up these four items for just £12 in total! I plan on using the bag for college as it's certainly very spacious, and at just £5, I could hardly resist. The pastel colour will compliment a lot of my outfits, and I love the floral print. There were other similar bags available too, so even if this one isn't for you, it's worth a browse. I had been looking for a monochrome flannel-type shirt to wear as a jacket rather than an actual shirt and this one fits it for me. It has the softer material which I was looking for, and even though I could only find a size with is 3-4 sizes up for me, it still looks fine tied around the waist or worn as oversized. This was just £4 and there were other designs available too. The glasses case was a pound, and I plan on using it for when I don't have room to cart around my big chunky case around with me. At £2, the bikini top was my favourite buy. It's something I would expect to see somewhere like Topshop rather than Matalan, and I love the vibrant colours. Matching bottoms were also available for around £1.50.

I found the general layout of the sale very good as it was split into sections and was well-spaced out. About half the shop was made up of sale items, so you're bound to find something. If you don't have a Matalan near you, go to their website and shop by your size and hopefully you'll find a few bits! 

What sales have impressed you? Happy shopping, Tasha xo

July Favourites 2014

As if we're almost in the eighth month already! July is my birthmonth so I've been lucky enough to pick up lots of lovely new bits. Here are a few of my favourites!

1. Dove Summer Glow Lotion, £4.99 (half price at £2.49 in Boots at the moment!) - My mum has used this product for years and I can see why. I'm naturally very pale and this lotion gives me a subtle tan that I can build up as much as I want, both my mum and I have received plenty compliments with this! The initial smell is very nice but I must admit that the classic fake tan smell does kick in after a few hours. Even so, it's not a very strong scent. Perfect if you're just starting out on fake tan or want more of a sunkissed look.
2. Bare Minerals BB Primer, £23 - The light shade in this product is slightly darker than my natural skin tone, meaning it suits me for the Summer months just fine. It has a light coverage and creamy consistency but is not too heavy at all. This can be worn on its own too which would be very well-suited for a more natural look.
3. Maybelline Acid Wash Top Coat, £3.99 - I purchased this after seeing it on www.thenailasaurus.com and I was not disappointed at all. It gives the effect of a top splatter and will jazz up any nail colour.
4. Strawberries & Cream Body Spritzer, £2.99 - I often find strawberry scents fake and overpowering but this one is just right for me. I decided to buy this when one of my friends showed it me as I think it's such a pretty scent. Such a bargain too!
5. St. Ives Blemish-Fighting Facial Scrub, £4.29 - Having heard plenty good things about the St Ives scrubs, I decided to buy one before my St Ives holiday this year. This is by far the best scrub I've used, it is made up of natural exfoliants and I love how dense the mixture is. You don't need to use much of the product for it to work really well. I use this everyday as I'm used to exfoliating this often and this product has done great things for my skin.
6. Little Black Dress Perfume, £13 (half price at £6.50 at the moment) - After using my mum's for months she bought me one for my birthday this year. I'm no perfume expert but it is described as 'oriental and floral' and basically it smells nice! To me this is more of an evening perfume but I use a small amount most days anyway. I have received some lovely compliments whilst wearing this before. A good buy for the nights out as we head into Autumn.
7. Daisy Necklace, £3 (silver chain version not found) - This necklace is very understated but still very pretty and Summery. It goes with many of my Summer outfits and I love throwing it on to add to my look. A must-have at this low price!
8. Urban Decay Naked Palette, £37 - I was very lucky to get this for my birthday after having wanted it for months and months. I chose this over the newer Naked palettes as I preferred the darker colours. This came in gorgeous packaging along with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer samples which have lasted me a very long time considering their small size. I can't fault these eyeshadows in any way, you can definitely tell the high quality. My current favourite colour combination is 'Virgin', 'Toasted', 'Hustle' and 'Sidecar'. Expensive, but definitely worth saving up for.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your July favourites?

Thank you for reading, here's to a good August! Tasha xo

Summer 2014 Topshop Wishlist

This summer I've been very into pastels and stong blue/pink colours so I was delighted when I went through Topshop's website earlier today. I think they always have the most gorgeous Summer pieces. I've also found a few makeup-y bits that I think would help to spice up any summer wardrobe.
1. Floral High-Waisted Bikini, £34 - This does seem a bit pricey but it's not too bad for Topshop if you consider that it does contain both the top and the bottoms. I love the strong colours in this, and if you've got a tan this Summer, these colours will definitely make it stand out. The high waist is also handy if you're a bit tummy conscious.
2. Pastel Pink Platform Heels, £52 - At this price these shoes are something I'd consider an investment piece, but aren't they gorgeous?! The nude-like colour makes them easy to pair with a variety of outfits and the chunky heel means they shouldn't be too difficult to walk in.
3. Lips in 'Straight Ace' (lilac), £8 - This shade reminded me of Lime Crime's Airbourne Unicorn and although it's a slightly more daring tone, I think this could look amazing if it is styled correctly.
4. Spot-Textured A-line Skirt, £38 - I recently bought a white quilt texture skirt from H&M and I have been loving the detail in that, so I imagine this Topshop skirt to spice up an outfit in the same way. The colour would go very well with white shirts which I have plenty of, and would be a fabulous add to any wardrobe.
5. Gloss Ink in Cruel (deep red), £8 - This colour might seem more A/W but I do think this would add colour to a white/pastel look very well. This could also be applied lightly for a more natural look.
6. Pastel Pink Handbag, £38 - I love how this can be worn as either a handbag or over the shoulder. The colour compliments a lot of outfits and I think I would definitely get good use out of this.
7. Pineapple Triangle Bra, £18 - I adore the colours in this and the pineapples definitely make this a fun summery piece - even if no one else is going to see it!
8. Nails in 'Bound', £6 - This colour is described as 'sea green' on the Topshop website and it couldn't be said better. This sea-like colour is naturally Summery but is also dark enough to also be used later on in the year. I've been really into turquoise recently and I love the coloured shimmer it gives - it really is just like the sea!

Has anything caught your eye in Topshop recently?

Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Staying Safe in the Sun

Being very fair-skinned, I have to take extra care to make sure my skin doesn't sizzle in the sun. Here are some things that help me to stay safe in the hot Summer weather.
1. Sunglasses. They stop you having to squint all the time, they protect your eyes and the skin around them, and they're pretty, so what's not to love? Look out for ones which have a UV protection sticker on them, as these are the sunnies that will really shield the sun away.
2. Protecting Lip Balm. This will stop the sun from damaging your lips and is also good to use for other sensitive areas such as your ears and nose. It's only little so it's perfect for sun protection on-the-go. Also, if you keep this in your bag it means that even if you do forget to wear sunscreen, you have a back-up for the easily-damaged areas of your face.
3. SPF Foundation. Many foundations, especially the lighter shades, contain an SPF. This is perfect for me as I prefer to not apply sun cream onto my face as it makes me very oily (I have never suffered sunburn on my face due to my makeup). 
4. A Kimono. This one might be a bit unexpected, but a kimono or a another light cover-up will both keep you cool and protect your skin. I've recently seemed to manage to weave a kimono into every outfit, and it has definitely been a worthy purchase. It keeps my back and arms covered without making me too warm in the hot weather.
5. Sun Cream. A definite must-have, especially if you're known to burn easily. Places people tend to get sunburnt is on the chest, shoulders, and back, so make sure if any of these are exposed, you're not missing them out with your sunscreen application! An SPF of at least 15 is advised and remember to reapply after contact with water.
6. Aftersun (product pictured could not be found). No matter how careful we are, sometimes the sun just catches us out, so do make sure you have an aftersun lotion to hand so your skin can repair ASAP!
(Also, a hat. A hat is a very good idea but unfortunately I don't own a hat for Summer!)

What are some things you do to make sure the sun doesn't get the better of you?

Thank you for reading and I hope you all manage to stay safe this Summer! Tasha xo
Please note I am definitely no expert, these are just the things I have personally found help me to keep my skin safe in the sun!

Quick OOTD - Feeling Blue?

I recently returned home from holidaying in Cornwall (at 7.30 this morning, to be exact, after a tiring 10-hour journey) and here are some quick OOTD pictures I took when the weather was slightly cooler.

Acid Wash Blue Jeans, £32, New Look (unfortunately sold out online, similar found here)

Mint Green Satchel, £16, Forever 21 (no longer available but similar found here)

Pastel Blue Lace Trim Socks, £3.50, Topshop

Black Patent Shoes, £16.99, TK Maxx

Blue Checked Shirt, £6, Primark (only found in store)

Rose Gold Watch, £16, Claire's (rose gold version found in store)

I apologise for the lack of online availability for most things! Will be back blogging normally soon. Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Summer 2014 Workout Wishlist

Adidas Originals Long Lizard T-Shirt, £25

Nike Pro Sports Bra, £22

Nike Black Joggers, £35

Blogilates Train Insane Detox Water Bottle, £10 (roughly)

H&M Sports Shorts, £7.99

Let me know what's on your workout wishlist! Also please note I'm going on holiday for just over a week so won't be able to blog until I return but I'll be back ready to go soon as I'm home.

Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme Review

I decided to buy this mascara when I saw it labelled as the top mascara (above some much more expensive products) in a magazine article. I'm someone who will apply multiple layers of mascara even if I'm just popping out to the shop, so I'm always looking out for a product with great volume. I bought the non-waterproof version as I always find they work fine for me.
The first thing I noticed when I opened this product was the size of the brush - it's huge as far as mascaras go. There was also a very high amount of product on the brush but that's something I usually find with new Maybelline mascaras, and after a couple weeks' use the amount of product tends to be more easy to work with. Whilst the size of the brush does ensure that a lot of the lashes are covered, it does make it difficult to keep the mascara to lashes only - it gets all over my eyelid and waterline no matter how careful I am. The size of the brush also means I 
can't get to the roots of my lashes.
The packaging talks about the 'extreme double pump wand' and I can't imagine this does much more than lets the brush take up more product, which could come in useful when it's starting to run out.

So, here are the results.

It's definitely a volume mascara, and I found it very easy to build up (easier than Benefit's They're Real actually). The three coats result was a lot better than some other mascaras I've tried, and even though I will have to use a different mascara for my roots, I'm impressed with this mascara overall. I use the tip of the brush to apply the mascara to my lower lashes. I have noticed a small amount of flaking when I've had it on for a long time but this is probably because I wear so many coats (5+). Apart from that, it doesn't wear off at all. As it is so easy to build up it doesn't take me too long to apply which is perfect for when I'm in a rush. I expect that after I have used more of the product up it will be a lot easier to apply  and at just £6.99 I will definitely be repurchasing. I would give it an 8/10.

This mascara is available from many drugstores and supermarkets and the link to buy it from Boots is here.

Have you tried Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme mascara? What other mascaras would you recommend for volume?

Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Budget Beauty That WORKS!

I do love my high-end beauty but not the price that comes with it! Here are some inexpensive products that, despite the price, always deliver.

1. Fast & Fruity Nail Polish Remover, £1-£2. This is obviously very similar to the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish remover (I did actually spot this cheaper option a while before the Bourjois product was released) and has not disappointed. I find it removes my nail polish very easily and even if it isn't quite as good as the Bourjois product, it's something I will happily continue to use considering the much lower cost. I bought mine from Home Bargains. 
2. Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner, £2.50. This is the only liquid eyeliner I have ever used and I can apply it easily. I can't say much for the brush, as after a couple months' use I have noticed it getting less pointed but this is considering the fact that I use it almost everyday. The product is very good, it doesn't flake at all and won't smudge. If you're looking for a less pricey liquid liner that will do its job, this is definitely one to give a go. You can find it in Superdrug.
3. Natural Collection Blush, £1.99. This matte blush gives my cheeks a healthy glow, I like to use it on my minimal makeup days as it's easy to apply and makes me look 'alive'. The intensity of the colour can be changed with the amount of product, meaning it can be used for a natural look or a more dramatic one. It'll stay put on your cheeks throughout the day so no touch-ups needed! The Natural Collection range can be found in Boots and I use the shade 'Peach Melba', which I apply with an angled brush.
4. MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder, £3. I only recently started using this product as I had been on the hunt for it for a while after Becca Rose recommended it. I struggled to find a brush which applied it well so I resorted to just using my fingertips and blending it afterwards which worked fine. The highlight is more on the pink-toned side than most highlighting products so I have to be careful that I only apply a small amount to the bridge of my nose or it can look like I've put blusher in the wrong place, but for my cheeks and cupid's bow it looks flawless. It won't transfer off easily and stays on my skin all day. Definitely recommend if you want to start using a highlight and/or you are looking for something a bit cheaper.
5. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, £4.19. Slightly pricier than the rest of my budget beauty buys but at this level of performance I'm happy to pay an extra pound or two. I've seen both Zoella and Becca Rose using this product, meaning people with more of a beauty knowledge than me must like it as well! It's very high coverage and I only use it in small amounts to try and make it look more natural. I buy this in Fair from Boots and just apply it with my fingertips then blend with a foundation brush.
6. Mini Kabuki Brush, £2.99. I wouldn't expect high quality beauty products from H&M, especially at such a low price, but this brush is probably my favourite out of all my brushes. The pretty rose gold makes it look much more expensive than just £2.99 and this is genuinely the softest brush I have ever felt. It's advertised to apply blush with but I use this for my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder as the thick brush takes up a high amount of product which is perfect for me. Friends have seen me with this and asked where I got it from, proving it's worth buying! This can be purchased from H&M and I definitely plan on trying out some of their other brushes.

What are some of your budget beauty buys? Also let me know if you've tried any of these out!

Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

Sleep-Aid

We all have those nights when we just can't sleep even though there's nothing we want more. Here are some of things I've found can really help to end those restless nights.

1. An eye mask. Wearing an eye mask blocks out the light from your surroundings and makes you less likely to open your eyes and see that Twitter notification you know you'll just have to open if you see it. This owl eye mask from John Lewis has lavender within it: a calming aroma that can help you get to sleep.
2. A head massager. This will help you to relax and releases tension. I like to whip my head massager out when I'm feeling stressed, too. I got mine from WHSmith.
3. A... unicorn light projector? This one sounds a bit weird, but this Pillow Pets Dream Lite projects a starry pattern onto the ceiling (or wherever you want it projected) with colour changes, and I've found that watching its 90 second cycle does make me more ready to sleep.
4. Pillow Mist. This is from Avon's Sleeptherapy range, and I've found that although using this can give me odd dreams, the relaxing scent does make me drift off quicker.
5. Sleeping balm. Also from Avon's sleep therapy range, this can be applied on the temples and is more suitable than the spray if you're travelling (I use both together).
6. A good book. It's no secret that it's best to stay away from phone, TV and laptop screens before bed, so reading a book can provide you with your entertainment for the night. The book pictured is Ellen DeGeneres' 'Seriously... I'm Kidding', a very fun read.

Let me know in the comments if you tried any of these out, and share with me your 'sleep-aid' tips!

Thank you for reading, Tasha xo

My Travel Must-Haves

(the url bottom left is my previous blog name)

Packing always seems to end up last-minute for me, so these are some of my essentials I like to make sure I have for every trip.

1. A toiletry bag. This one is from Primark and has multiple compartments inside which are all waterproofed, making it perfect for shower products and makeup. The compartments are transparent, so it's easy to locate all your items.
2. An eye mask. I like to sleep through long journeys to pass the time and wearing an eye mask makes drifting off much easier. My owl mask is from John Lewis and is lavender scented. 
3. Blister plasters! Whenever I go on holiday I do a ridiculous amount of walking and these things will save you an awful lot of pain. You can find them in most drug stores and pharmacies.
4. Hand sanitizer. Always handy (no pun intended) when you're coming into contact with lots of germy bits. The sanitizer pictured is from The Body Shop and has a gorgeous grapefruit scent, but I prefer to use sanitizers that are anti-bacterial.
5. A hair tie. It can be nice to tie your hair back on a hot day and is very useful if, like me, you have hair that has a habit of getting in the way. This hair tie is part of a Forever 21 set, but similar ones can be purchased in places such as Primark and H&M.
6. A travel mug. They're much more reliable (and prettier) than the disposable cups you get given when you buy a drink. Although these can also be used for cold drinks, reusable water bottles are a more common option if you're visiting a hot place. This ceramic travel mug is from Sainsburys, but Primark sell a wide range of more lightweight plastic ones.
7. A small mirror. Makes makeup on the go a lot easier. I received the mirror pictured as a gift, but these compact mirrors can be found in most shops, especially in travel sections.
8. Earphones. Listening to music on long journeys makes time pass much faster, and just wearing them with no music playing blocks out loud noises from your surroundings, making a much more peaceful travel time. Mine are JVC brand from Comet, but similar ones can be found in HMV.
9. Finally, sunglasses. Only useful for sunny days, but wearing them protects your eyes and helps you avoid that 'sun's-in-my-eyes' squint.

What are some of your travel essentials?

Thank you for reading, Tasha xo