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