Paul Mitchell Dream Texture Invisblewear Trio Review

Tuesday, 7 April 2020

In a blog post back in January I talked about how I want to change up what I talk about a little in terms of beauty and lifestyle and not just be known mainly as a "skincare blogger" because although I do love my skincare and talking about new in products and brands, I also want to talk about other beauty products and lifestyle topics too. So when I got an email about Paul Mitchell's Dream Texture Invisiblewear range, I was really intrigued and thought it would fit in well on my blog and the new structure. I also like the fact that they are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly too.

I don't think I've actually tried anything from Paul Mitchell before so I was excited to give the products a whirl as soon as they arrived because my hair is definitely in need of some help. If I leave it to its own accord, it's just a wavy, frizzy, flat-on-the-roots mess.

The Invisiblewear Dream Texture Trio contains the Invisiblewear Air Gel*, Invisiblewear Velvet Cream* and Invisiblewear Cloud Whip* (all available to buy separately) and each product has been designed to effortlessly create texture, volume and definition.

The first product I tried from the range is the Invisiblewer Velvet Cream* (RRP £21.95) which they claim smoothes and tames your hair with a feather-light definition. It also has a really nice fresh, clean scent which I like a lot. You apply a small amount to damp hair (I would say I use two pea-sized blobs) and then blow-dry or leave your hair to air dry to get a nice, smooth but textured result. This has actually become my new go-to hair product to use after I've washed my hair because it works sooo well and my hair always looks and feels smoother than usual but with a nice amount of definition going on too. I love it and I've already made quite a dent in the tube because I've been using it that often! I will 100% be picking it up again once I run out.

Next up from the trio is the Invisblewear Cloud Whip* (RRP £21.95) which is an unusual texture with it being a whipped formula and not something I've come across before from any other hair brand but the whipped formula is what makes it lightweight which is great if you have greasy or thin hair. You can use it on both damp and dry hair to add definition and it dries down quickly and doesn't leave any sort residue or crispiness to your hair like some products can do. I've been using this on second-day hair if I've curled my hair or if I'm trying to make my messy bun hair look less crazy when it's down and to add some definition once the curls have dropped a little. It does definitely help to a certain extent and if you hate the feeling of product in your hair but want a lived-in textured look then this might be something for you to try.

Lastly is the Invisiblewear Air Gel* (RRP £21.95) which again is an unusual formula because it's almost like jelly and not like your standard gel hair product. You can use it on wet or dry hair and you can also revive the product by using their Boomerang Restyling Mist on your second-day hair. The aim of the product is to add volume and piecey texture with a light, touchable hold. Once again, it doesn't leave any sort of residue, crispiness or stickiness. I've used it twice and I personally think this product would suit someone who has got either shorter hair or hair which has a lot of layers. I have only used it when I've curled my hair and then I've run the product through my hair to see how it works with curls and it works okay holding the curls but it's not wowed me enough to want to pick it up again.

Have you tried any of the products above? If so, what did you think? I'm definitely intrigued to try more products from Paul Mitchell after trying these.

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Sunday, 5 April 2020

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-If a product is marked with an * then it was PR/gifted to me. This post contains no paid content but does contain an affiliate link-

Upcircle are a 100% natural, cruelty-free brand who are also sustainable and vegan friendly too. They use leftover natural ingredients that would otherwise be going to landfill and bring them back to life by creating beauty products your skin will love. I really like that they are a small business doing big things in the world of beauty.

I was kindly sent over a couple of products to try out and given what's going on in the world right now, I'm not only eating a lot of chocolate, I've also found myself starting to use a lot of chocolate-y products too (kind of strange, I know) but I think it's just a comfort kind of thing I'm going through right now to be honest haha. So I chose two products that contain Cacao which are the Coffee & Cacao Body Scrub RRP £14.99* and their Chocolate Charcoal Soap Bar RRP £6.99*.

The first product I'm going to be talking about is their Chocolate Charcoal Soap Bar* which smells absolutely delightful which is why I put in the title how these products would be good to treat yourself or someone else to this upcoming Easter. The best way to describe the smell is spicy dark chocolate - it's so nice! You can use the soap on both your face and your body and it contains activated charcoal which draws out toxins and tightens pores and Cacao extract which boosts circulation and brightens up your skin. It's also made with residual chai spices used to create chai syrup. I've used this on both my face and body, but mainly on my face and it is a really nice facial soap that leaves your skin feeling deeply cleansed. With it being a soap bar and also containing ingredients which tighten your pores, it does leave your skin feeling a little bit tight after use but as long as you have a nice, nourishing moisturiser to put on afterwards, it's completely fine and I've already seen some improvements in my skin since using it and I'm not breaking out ~as much~ anyway which is pretty good going considering the amount of junk food I've been eating recently. I can imagine this being a good product to use if struggle with acne on your body with it being exfoliating and detoxifying. Also if you're struggling to get your hands on soap, particularly if you're cruelty-free/vegan then I would 100% recommend picking up one of the soap bars from UpCircle. It turns out that a simple soap bar is one of the most effective ways to combat a virus because it dissolves a virus' structure (find out more here). Also, something else I've noticed since switching to a bar of soap to wash my hands is that my hands haven't been drying out as bad! So it's a win-win.

I also chose the Coffee & Cacao Body Scrub* to try because it sounds right up my street. It's made with repurposed coffee grounds from artisan London cafes and contains sea salt, palmarosa and coconut oil. It's also blended with shea butter which moisturises the skin post-scrub. I'm not going to lie when I think of a coffee body scrub, I think eurgh sounds messy but it's actually no messier than a normal body scrub and rinses off your skin easily, I think the fact it contains coconut oil and shea butter helps with this too. Talking of oils, after using the scrumptious smelling scrub, you could definitely go without moisturising your skin if you had to or can't be bothered to because the oils leave a nice amount of nourishment behind. The high levels of antioxidants can help with minimising the appearance of the signs of ageing too. Overall I think it's a lovely scrub to use and it's definitely a good product to use to wake you up in the morning with the strong coffee scent. At first, it smells more like coffee than coffee and chocolate but once you start rubbing the scrub against your skin, the chocolate-y smell comes through too.

(Kind of a weird "swatch" photo I know but I wanted to show you what the scrub looks like)

I also received two samples in my parcel of their the Face Moisturiser and Cleansing Face Balm but I haven't got around to trying them just yet but I'll do a mini-review over on my insta stories when I try them out, so keep a lookout for that.

If you're interested in buying any of the products above or fancy seeing what other products Upcircle offer then you can get £10 off your first order (min spend £15) by using my affiliate link here. You also get free UK Shipping on orders over £20.

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Friday, 3 April 2020

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-If a product is marked with an * then it was PR/Gifted to me. This post contains no paid content-

I thought I'd talk about some skincare products that I've been using recently as I know the majority of us are stuck at home pretty much 24/7 at the minute with what's going on and I've seen a lot of people kind of joke about how this is the perfect time to really get stuck into their skincare routines. So here are 4 products I've been testing out over roughly about a month on/off and I'd thought I'd let you know what I think about each of them and if they suited my skin.

First up are two products from Alpha H which are the Balancing Cleanser with Damask Rose (limited edition)* and the Micro Cleanse Super Scrub with Glycolic Acid*. The Balancing Cleanser with Damask Rose is a cream cleanser and although it's not aimed at oily skin types like my own, I thought this would be good for when my skin is acting up and being more on the sensitive/dry side because it does go through spells sometimes. It's aimed at normal, dry and sensitive skin types and they claim it removes makeup as well as toning and re-balancing the skin's natural pH level. The first thing I've got to talk about is how nice the product smells because of the aromatic damask rose scent, it makes you feel like you're in a spa. The product itself is of a creamy-milky consistency which is easy to apply and wash off. I do like this cleanser but it's definitely not one I can use when my skin is being oily because it feels a bit too rich on my skin, although the product itself is lightweight, it's really strange. So I've passed the cleanser on to my mum to use daily as she has quite sensitive skin and if my skin does go through a dry/sensitive phase then I'll try it out then but my mum was happy to take it off my hands. It does work well at removing eye makeup (including waterproof mascara!) so I may steal it off her when I'm having issues removing certain mascaras.

The Micro Cleanse Super Scrub with Glycolic Acid is the perfect scrub to use first thing in the morning with its peppermint scent. The consistency kind of reminds me of the Pixi Peel and Polish which is one of my all-time favourite skincare products, however, the Alpha-H scrub doesn't contain lactic acid. I would say it's quite a gentle scrub (with eco-friendly jojoba wax beads) but it packs a punch because of the concoction of ingredients from caffeine, cucumber, peppermint, glycolic acid, jojoba oil and more. Because of the peppermint, it also leaves you with a tingly, cooling sensation which definitely wakes you up first thing in the morning as I've already mentioned. I've also noticed that my skin looks visibly brighter after using it which is a good sign of it working to remove any debris and blocked pores. I definitely agree with their claim of it being the nearest thing to microdermabrasion in a tube. I'm a big fan!

Next up the KAESO Brightening Vitamin C Drops which I actually won in a giveaway on Lily England's instagram in which they had teamed up with KAESO. I won their Marble Luxe Makeup Brush Set and Bag and some skincare products from KAESO. I haven't got around to trying everything yet but the first thing that caught my eye was the Brightening Vitamin C Drops because I mentioned in a blog post not long ago about how I wanted to try more Vitamin C containing products to see if it helps to boost my skin. I've only used the drops from KAESO a handful of times so far but I have seen a difference when I use it in my skin, especially if I apply it after having a rubbish night's sleep (which is apparently the norm lately). So if you're in the market for some Vitamin C drops that work then I would recommend.

Lastly is a product that I've been a bit scared to use since it arrived which is the Dermalogica Barrier Defense Booster* which is for sensitive, dry skin and it helps to create a barrier against future irritation. The reason why I've been afraid to use it is because it's a concentrated oil and I've actually stopped using (most) oils on my skin now because I just don't think they help drastically and I hate feeling extra oily when I already have an oilier skin type if that makes sense. However, I decided to give it a whirl because I do already like a few products in the UltraCalming range which I never thought would've actually suited my skin. I'm not going to lie, although it's a concentrated oil, it's still pretty oily and it takes a long time to sink into my skin (I'm talking easily an hour, maybe more) and I really do hate feeling like a product is sitting on my skin, so I don't like that aspect of the oil booster. However, I've got to say, the following morning after using this my skin definitely looks less red, my recent breakout on my forehead looked less irritated and my skin had a nice glow about it. I also like the mess-free packaging because instead of it having a dropper, like most oils, you just press the bottom of the product instead and then it "drops" the oil out.

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Thursday, 2 April 2020

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-This post is in collaboration with Copy Cat Fragrances-

How Long Should Perfume Last? The concept of how long perfume lasts can be examined in a cross section of ways. This includes the fragrance formulation, its concentration, application, expiration date and even how it is stored. Below, you will find a detailed overview of each point. Fragrance Formulation And Concentration When you are trying to pinpoint how long your perfume will last, this is the first factor you should consider. When you look at the fragrance concentration, this is a good indicator of how long your perfume will last upon application. Parfum holds the highest fragrance oil concentration and thus, it lasts longer. Eau de Fraiche on the other end holds the lowest concentration and therefore, lasts less long. Typically, parfum contains anywhere between 20 to 25% fragrance oils and will last up to 24 hours. Eau de parfum contains 15 to 20% fragrance oils and will last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Eau de toilettes contain 10 to 15% fragrance oils and will last for several hours and so will eau de cologne, which is normally a lighter variant of Eau de parfum, with up to 5% concentration. Eau de Fraiche, also known as fragrance water or body mist, boasts the lowest concentration at 3 to 5%. Eau de Fraiche will last you within the hour. In addition to the fragrance concentration, the perfume formulation itself also determines how long the perfume will last as well as how it will interact with the surrounding storage environment. Shelf Life AKA Expiration Date Generally, most perfume makers recommend retiring your perfume anywhere between one to three years after usage. Yet, the special formulation of perfume doesn’t resemble that of food. Thus, using it beyond the recommended period will not result in any dire consequences. As such, there are several ways you can preserve your perfume so it can last longer. Your perfume will not alter its intensity yet; you will notice a slight change on the scent after it has been used for long. The scent becomes a tad bit acidic or metallic. This is because, over time, more and more oxygen enters the bottle to oxidize it. This is especially quite significant for perfumes that integrate citrus notes or other similar aromatics. You will also notice an accelerated dry down rate of your perfume. Fragrance Types And Longevity Certain fragrance types will naturally last longer than others. Stable fragrance types such as woody, amber or leather fragrances tend to last longer due to their chemical stability. Additionally, natural ingredients tend to be less stable than synthetic ones. You will not notice significant changes in these fragrance types even after the recommended years of use. In addition, perfumes that bear higher alcohol content tend to also last longer. This is because the increased alcohol content delays the rate at which aromatics are oxidized. Consequently, it is regarded as an important preservative for perfumes. So, you can expect perfume types such as eau de toilette and eau de cologne to last longer than Eau de parfum and parfum. Fragrance types such as clean alcohol free, oil-based and patchouli or citrus-based fragrances on the other end will have a shorter shelf life or scent intensity. So you have to choose to prioritize either the clean aspect of the fragrance or a longer lasting shelf life and intensity. Environmental Factors In addition to the ingredients and fabrication, you should also consider external factors to the longevity of your perfume. Light Light plays a great role in the longevity and intensity of your perfume. You will also notice on your perfume package or bottle that it says, store in a cool and dry place. Thus, as much as it looks attractive on the window area with natural light coming in, it is not a good idea to store your perfume under direct light, this is because the light rays will break down the perfume molecules, ultimately affecting the scent. This is because the breakdown of the molecules makes it unstable and more susceptible to oxidation. Heat Just like light, you should also avoid storing your perfume in places that are too warm. Avoid areas such as your bathroom cabinet, even though it looks appealing. Your perfume should be stored in an area that boasts a temperature of not more than 15 degrees Celsius. This is because excessive heat is more likely to alter the chemical makeup of your perfume and ultimately making it susceptible to oxidation. Stick To One Bottle As much as it is difficult, it is advised to stick to one perfume bottle until it is empty. It is not always easy to do so. On average, many people have at least two to three different fragrances they are using simultaneously. Yet, leaving your perfume idle for too long also increases the risk of alteration by the already absorbed oxygen. Especially for highly concentrated fragrance, it is a good idea to stick to one until it is finished. How To Improve Longevity Apart from its chemical makeup and concentration which cannot be altered, you can still enhance the longevity of your fragrance through storage. As mentioned above, you should always store your perfume in cool and dark areas. Store Your Perfume In A Close Space Your closed cabinet and the closed section of your dresser were probably built just for this. These spaces make an excellent place to store your perfume as they effectively shield it from direct sunlight. you can even invest in those cute vanity boxes or leave it in its original packaging if you want an element of décor in your room. Store Your Perfume In a Chilled Area You want to maintain your storage temperature. there's no point in shielding the perfume from light if the alternative storage space is too hot. If you reside in warm climates, then adopt a DIY craft to further preserve the perfume. For example, before tossing it into its box or vanity box, you can wrap it with aluminium foil. You can even store it in a refrigerator if it’s safe for your household. Remember, this can be hazardous if you reside with a child in your home. and you don't have to worry about it freezing thanks to the alcohol component. In addition to the storage, you should also adopt other practices that help to preserve its longevity even during application. For example, avoid rubbing it during application and apply it to pressure points for longer lasting results.

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Tuesday, 31 March 2020

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-If a product is marked with an * then it was PR/Gifted to me. This post contains no paid content-

Cruelty-free brand Essence have recently released their Spring/Summer range and they kindly sent over a selection of the products for me to try before they were released. So in this post, I'm going to be talking about each product, the price and my overall thoughts. All of the products are super affordable as always and are available to buy from Wilko and/or Feel Unique.

First up is the BYE BYE PANDA EYES! Mascara RRP £3.50* which has an oil-free and vegan formula which wraps itself around your lashes like a gentle film. Obviously, as the name suggests, the product shouldn't clump, crumble or smudge throughout the day. I'm in two minds about this mascara if I'm being totally honest. I agree that it doesn't smudge or crumble during the day but because the brush is quite a basic brush, it just doesn't do much for my lashes personally. When it comes to mascaras I tend to sway towards a brush that's got some sort of curve going on in the middle because I feel like it helps my lashes to curl and stay curled as well as adding some volume and this doesn't do that for me, unfortunately. I guess it depends on your preference and how your lashes behave though. I wouldn't write this mascara off and say it's no good, it just doesn't work for my temperamental lashes.

The My SKIN PERFECTOR Tinted Primer RRP £4* really reminds of Benefit's Original Porefessional Primer with a bit more of a tint. However, because of its mousse-like texture, it's a lot more lightweight and more breathable on the skin. It's a nice product to use when you want a smooth base and a hint of coverage but you don't want to opt for a tinted moisturiser or a foundation. It also works well underneath makeup too. I do really like this primer and it's gone straight into my makeup bag. I do think there could be more shades because right now, there's only three - 10 Light Beige, 20 Nude Beige and 30 Medium Beige.

The other product in the new my SKIN PERFECTOR range is the my SKIN PERFECTOR Loose Fixing Powder RRP £3.80*. I have the shade 20 Nude and unfortunately, it's just a tiny bit too dark for me. Again, I think the shade range could be better because there are only two shades in the range. Even though the powder is a tiny bit too dark for me, I have tried it out anyway to see how it works and I do think it would make a nice everyday powder. It does give your skin a slightly blurred effect like it claims. So if you're looking for a setting powder and would suit either a Light or Nude shade then this might be one to consider!

Next is the gorgeous Witch Side Eyeshadow Palette RRP £10* which I literally said "wow" about when I opened the PR package. It's so pretty and the shades are right up my street! I love the design of the packaging with the holographic open/closed eyes on the front. (I think it's called holographic anyway?). The palette itself offers 15 shades and a range of matte, metallic and glittery shades. It's just a really pretty, versatile palette which you can create so many looks from. My favourite shades are Shadowy, Magic, Talisman and Enchanted. It really is a stunning eyeshadow palette, I also think it would make a nice gift for someone too.

Another palette from the new Spring/Summer range is The NUDE Edition Eyeshadow Palette RRP £4* which is also available in the ROSE Edition for the same price. It contains 10 shades altogether which are a mixture of matte and shimmer shades which all compliment each other nicely. I would say the shimmer shades are the stand out in this palette because they are insanely pigmented for the price.

They've also released some new liquid lipsticks which are the Stay 8h Matte Liquid Lipstick RRP £3*. There are 9 shades to choose from in total and I have the shade 05 Date Proof which is a mid-pink kind of shade which I think is a pretty shade for Spring. I do like Essence lipsticks in general because they always smell really nice (usually on the sweet side), feel comfortable to wear and they tend to hold up well too. I'll admit I haven't worn this shade for 8 hours but it does seem to have a good amount of staying power and for £3 it's a total steal. I'm already eyeing up a couple of more shades, particularly 02 Duck Face and 03 Down to Earth.

Next is the Coconut Kiss Caring Lip Peeling RRP £2.30* which is a gentle lip scrub. I'm not going to lie, I like quite abrasive lip scrubs (such as the Barry M lip scrubs) because I feel like they really do make a big difference. The Essence one is okay and it is a lot more gentle on your lips with it containing 10% almond oil and coconut rasps as the "scrub" aspect but I feel like it doesn't work as well as a sugar scrub. To me, it just feels like I'm applying a lip balm with bits of coconut in it. It does smell really nice though and it's a good option if you prefer something more gentle!

Essence have also relaunched their Nail Care range and have sent me the new Nail & Cuticle Cream RRP £2*, Jelly Nail Polish Remover RRP £2.80* and Anti Split File RRP £1.30* from the range. The Nail & Cuticle Cream contains coconut oil and it really nice to apply when you're having a pamper to get your nails looking and feeling rejuvenated. I also find the cream less messy than using cuticle oil. The Jelly Nail Polish Remover has a soft pineapple scent which covers up the smell of the nail polish remover a little which I definitely appreciate because the smell of normal nail polish really gets to me and sometimes give me a headache. I have however found that using the jelly nail polish remover does require a little more work to get the nail polish completely off. Lastly is the Anti Split File which has been created for people with thin and brittle nails. It is a good nail file and I definitely prefer these type of nail files over the flimsy ones you get in a pack from Poundland or somewhere.

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Friday, 27 March 2020

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I thought I'd do a blog post about some TV shows that I'd highly recommend watching whilst we're all spending more time at home. I've tried to include a mixture of genres but I tend to watch comedies, thrillers, docu-series and dramas the most I would say. So in no specific order, here are 10 TV shows to add to your watch list if you're stuck for ideas. Some of the shows are on Netflix, Now TV but I've also made sure to include some shows which available for free on iPlayer or All4 too.

Good Girls | Genre: Comedy/Drama/Thriller

Good Girls follows three suburban women, Ruby, Annie and Beth who are all stuck for cash and need it desperately. Beth and Annie are sisters and Ruby is their childhood friend. They're sick of trying to make ends meets and just about getting by so in desperation they decide to rob a supermarket. However, they don't realise what exactly they're getting themselves into once they rob the store. I don't want to say much more and give away any big spoilers but it is a really good show and I'm surprised more people don't talk about it. It kind of reminds me of Breaking Bad but with women as the main characters, if you've already watched it or start watching it then you'll know what I mean. Season 1 and 2 are available to watch on Netflix and Season 3 will be coming soon (probably around early summer).

Clique | Genre: Thriller

Clique is another TV show that I feel like was definitely overlooked when it was released. It follows Holly and her best friend Georgia a few weeks into studying at the University of Edinburgh. When Georgia makes friends with an elite clique of girls who are "looked after" by their feminist lecturer Jude McDermid, Holly is concerned when her friend starts to act differently so she starts to stick her nose into their business to find out what they're really about. I don't feel like I've described Clique really well but again, I don't want to say too much and ruin it. But it is a really good show and I'm pretty if you're into thrillers, you'll like it. Both seasons are available to watch on iPlayer.

Stranger Things | Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller

I'm pretty sure everyone and their mum has watched Stranger Things by now but if not, then I definitely think it's worth a watch if you're into sci-fi type of shows. There are also 3 seasons to get through so it'll definitely keep you busy whilst you stay at home. The first season is all about the disappearance of a young boy Will, his friends and family who are all obviously worried about him and frantically looking for him, as well as weird supernatural things going on in the town of Hawkins, Indiana that can't be explained. Oh and there's also the arrival of a young girl named Eleven who has powers. I think the thing that pulled me into watching Stranger Things when it was first released is the fact that it's set in the 1980's to be honest because normally I'm not really into sci-fi shows or movies but I always look forward to watching the latest season of Stranger Things when it's released. It's available to watch on Netflix.

Elite | Genre: Thriller/Drama

Spanish TV show Elite follows a group of elite students as well as three working-class friends (Samuel, Nadia and Christian) who have been given scholarships to study at Las Encinas, the most exclusive private school in Spain after their school collapsed at the fault of a construction company. As expected this causes rivalry from the get-go and lots of judgement from the Elite students. The show is set out in a flashback kind of way and the first season is all about the lead up to the murder of rebellious, elite student Marina who is also Guzman's sister. The best way to describe the show is basically the Spanish version Gossip Girl but with a whodunnit styled murder and a heck of a lot more drama and sex. Obviously, with it being a Spanish show, it's dubbed in English in the UK but there are 3 seasons to binge-watch, the latest season was literally released a few weeks ago which I've already watched. Available on Netflix.

Reign | Genre: Historical Teen Drama
Reign is definitely one of my all-time fave TV shows, I've watched it from start to finish about 4 times. It's loosely based on Mary Queen of Scots life when she is sent to French Court when the convent where she's been living becomes under threat by the English. When Mary arrives at French Court, she is already engaged to Prince Francis (who she has been engaged to since they were both six). Mary has to deal with getting used to life at French Court and figuring out who she can really trust. After being at French Court for a while she begins to have feelings for Francis but what she doesn't know is that his mother Catherine de Medici is trying her best to stop the marriage from happening because of a prophecy she has been told that says that their marriage will be the reason for Francis' death. Obviously, the show isn't 100% historically correct, apart from the obvious things we know about what happened to Mary Queen of Scots. However there are so many good storylines in Reign and it's not just about Mary, there are storylines about her ladies in waiting, Prince Francis, Catherine de Medici, King Henry and more. It's available to watch on Netflix.

The End of the F***ing World | Genre: Dark Comedy Drama

TEOTFW follows James who is a 17-year-old who thinks he is a psychopath and decides that he wants to kill his opinionated, outspoken classmate Alyssa who is dealing with a bad situation of her own at home. When James tries to get closer to Alyssa with his plan in place, she suggests that they should run away together which he agrees to so he can follow up on his own plan. So they end up on a road trip and things go from bad to worse for both of them. TEOTFW is a dark comedy and might not be for everyone, especially right now but I guess it depends on what you like in terms of TV. I think if you like shows like Killing Eve then you'll like this. It's available to watch on All4 and Netflix.

Jane The Virgin | Genre: Comedy/Drama

I started watching Jane The Virgin when I first became unwell back in 2018 with my chronic pain and it was a really good show to take my mind off everything that was going on as I was having loads of tests done and waiting for results at the time. So in that sense, it might be a good show to watch with what's going on in the world right now because it's definitely a show that really keeps you occupied and entertained. It's a very OTT show but I mean that in the best possible way and it's funny and also sad in parts too. It's about Jane who is a 23-year-old devout Catholic and is also a virgin. She lives with her mom, Xo and her grandmother Alma. Because Jane's mom fell pregnant at a young age, Alma is on Jane's case constantly about "no sex before marriage" and Jane wants to respect her grandmother's wishes. However whilst visiting her gynaecologist for a routine appointment, she's accidentally artificially inseminated and not long later she finds out she is pregnant and to make matters worse she then finds out that she knows who the baby's father is. There are a whopping 5 seasons to keep you occupied and it's available to watch on Netflix.

Catfish: The TV Show | Genre: Reality/Documentary

I just had to add Catfish: The TV Show on here because I think it's an easy show to watch and I think the last couple of seasons have been really shocking. If you want a show that you can have on in the background whilst WFH then I would say Catfish is a good option. Available on Sky/Now TV.

Sex Education | Genre: Comedy/Drama

I've already talked about Sex Education quite a few times on my blog and I just had to add it to this list because it's so funny and I think it'll definitely lift your spirits if you're feeling a bit low and lost right now. It follows Otis who is a socially awkward teen whose mother is a very open sex therapist. Although Otis is completely inexperienced when it comes to relationships and sex, after giving out some useful advice to the school bully Adam, his fellow classmate Maeve, who has issues of her own, decides to set up a sex advice business with Otis so they can make some money. If you like shows like The Inbetweeners, Skins and Bad Education then you'll probably like Sex Education. Season 1 and 2 are on Netflix.

Derry Girls | Genre: Comedy

Lastly, is Derry Girls which I've watched all the way through about three times now and it still makes me laugh out loud. It's so simple but so funny, I really wish there were more episodes in each season. It's set in Ireland (obviously) during the end of the troubles in the '90s and follows cousins Erin and Orla and their friends Michelle who is very outspoken, Clare who is an anxious goody-two-shoes and James the "wee English fella" who is also Michelle's cousin. They all attend a catholic girls' school and are taught by nuns, Sister Micheal (my fave character) who is the headmistress, doesn't really give a crap about anything but she is still strict and the show follows all of them trying to navigate through their teenhood whilst the troubles are going on. Available to watch on All4 and Netflix.

What TV shows would you recommend? I'm looking for some new shows to watch!

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Wednesday, 25 March 2020

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-If a product is marked with a * then it was PR/Gifted to me. This post contains no paid content-

Too Faced may be a well-known brand in the world of beauty but I've only tried a handful of makeup products by them myself but the products I have tried I really love and repurchase often. I would say my top three products are the Damn Girl! Mascara, Born This Way Foundation and the Born This Way Sculpting Concealer. I also like the fact that Too Faced are a cruelty-free brand. So when an email landed in my inbox recently about trying out some products from their skincare range, I was super excited to give them a whirl because we all know by now that I'm obsessed with trying and buying skincare.

They kindly sent me three skincare products to try out from the "Hangover" range and here are my thoughts on each product...

First up is the Hangover Good in Bed Ultra-Replenishing Hydrating Serum RRP £32* which they describe as a super-charged replenishing serum that's like a tall glass of coconut water for your skin. It also contains super nourishing ingredients such as vitamin B5, yoghurt prebiotics, hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich exotic dragon fruit which I really liked the sound of. It works to improve the skin's texture and moisture levels and gets to work right away. It also comes in a glass bottle and I think it just looks pretty on your skincare shelf. It definitely helps to nourish your skin, I think this is something I'll reach for more when my skin is feeling a bit dry and/or irritated for me personally with my having quite an oily skin type. It doesn't leave you with any sort of greasy residue or tackiness which is something I find often with serums and I'm pretty sure it leaves my skin looking clearer if that makes sense, I'm guessing it's the ingredients which help to improve the texture of your skin. I can see this being a great product for people for dry skin in particular!

Next is the Hangover Good to Go Skin Protecting SPF 25 Moisturiser RRP £29*. They describe the moisturiser as a lightweight but still ultra-hydrating with a protective formula that deflects UVA and UVB rays and protects your skin but still gives you a nice glow. It contains coconut water which gives it that signature tropical scent everyone talks about as well as prebiotics and probiotics based ingredients. I definitely agree with the claim about it leaving you with a nice glow, however, sometimes you have to be careful how much you use as it can leave you looking a bit oily and almost like you have a film over your skin if that makes sense. But overall, I think it's a nice moisturiser and it seems to have agreed with my skin and although it's a lightweight moisturiser, it still hydrates your skin nicely. I also really like the coconut scent which is throughout the whole Hangover range too.

Lastly is the Major Hangover Replenishing Face Primer RRP £40* which I know a lot of people rave about when talking about Too Faced products and it's a product I've been meaning to try for myself for a while. Like the other products in the Hangover range, it's infused with hydrating coconut water and probiotic-based ingredients as well as skin revivers which all work together to boost the skin's radiance, promote elasticity and help to hydrate your skin, all whilst keeping your makeup locked down and looking fresh for longer. I really like the fact that it is silicone-free because a lot of primers which claim they will smooth and revive your skin contain silicone which is basically just cheating really, isn't it? Also, I feel like a lot of silicone primers leave my skin feeling like my makeup is just going to slide off which isn't a great feeling and then I just feel paranoid that my makeup is halfway down my face all day. I think out of the three skincare products I've tried from Too Faced (so far), the Major Hangover Replenishing Face Primer is my favourite because it just works so well for me. I use it as a primer prior to makeup and I definitely think it helps the makeup to last longer than usual and I also use it on my makeup-free days just to give my skin a bit of a booster. I feel like it really helps my confidence when I'm having a bit of a rubbish time with my skin and I don't want/can't wear a face of makeup because the primer seems to just "lift" everything and makes your skin look more awake as well as smoother.

Overall, I'm impressed with the products I've tried so far. As I've already said, the primer is definitely my fave but I also like the moisturiser quite a lot too. The serum is ideal for when my skin is feeling a bit dry/irritated but I think it's aimed for more of a drier skin type overall. I'm very intrigued to try more from Too Faced's skincare range after trying these three, so keep a lookout on my blog for potential future reviews!

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Monday, 23 March 2020

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-If a product is marked with an * then it was PR/Gifted to me. This post contains no paid content-

I thought I'd do a little round-up of some beauty products I've been testing out recently because I haven't done a round-up like this for a while and there's a nice array of products to talk about. Some of the products are actually new to the market and some are just new to me.

Got2b Farewell Flyaways Styling Serum and Wand RRP £4.19

I decided to pick up Got2b's new Farewell Flyaways because I thought it would be good for when I'm leaving the house with my natural, frizzy/wavy hair in a messy bun because I always get some flyaways at the front which basically looks like someone has rubbed a balloon on my head (lol). So I thought it might help to keep everything in place and looking a bit more polished. I know the whole point of a messy bun is for it to look messy, but there's a messy bun and then there's a messy bun. The stying serum has a really nice fruity scent and it comes with a mascara brush wand which makes it easy to glide through your hair. The serum also doesn't leave your hair greasy, sticky or crispy, which I was a bit worried about. For £4.19 I think it's a good little product to have at hand, especially when I saw a company advertise something similar on my Facebook ads for £19.99 recently!

Revolution Conceal & Define Infinite Concealer 5ml RRP £6

I just had to pick up the new Conceal & Define infinite Concealer when it was released because I love the sound of the 20% more coverage and 20% more pigment claims. There are also 60 shades available which is amazing, although I think I picked up my concealer in one shade too light (oops!). Another factor that pulled me in is the fact that it contains niacinamide which is one of my go-to spot-busting products when my skin is acting up, especially as my skin seems to have a love/hate relationship with tea tree which is most people's go-to when their skin is breaking out. The concealer itself definitely has more coverage than the original conceal and define and I also think the formula is better too as it's not as creamy and it just feels more stable on the skin. Although I like the original Conceal and Define, I felt like it was almost slippy on my oily skin if that makes sense. Whereas the Infinite concealer lasts longer on my skin. I definitely should've bought C2 instead of C1 but it still sorts out my under eyes and blemishes well. I will definitely be repurchasing this concealer in the XL.

REN ClearCalm Non-Drying Spot Treatment 15ml RRP £17.50

A lot of spot treatments tend to be quite drying on the skin and as someone who has quite a sensitive but oily, spot-prone skin type, that's not ideal. So when my last spot treatment ran out I decided to check out what REN offered for spot-prone skin and I found that their offering was almost half the price of what I was paying for my usual go-to product for the same amount of product. I've also been using REN's Anti-Redness Serum and Global Protection Day Cream from the EverCalm range recently and I've really been enjoying them. The first couple of days using the Non-Drying Spot Treatment, I didn't think it was doing much at all and I'm not going to lie, I was quite disappointed but then all of a sudden, I started to notice a difference in how my skin was looking (both the spots and the area around the spots) and the fact that they were actually going away which is great because normally I'm left with the remnants of a spot for around a week, sometimes more. I can also confirm that it doesn't dry out your skin like other spot treatments do, so I could imagine this being quite good for people who dry skin who get hormonal spots during that time of the month too.

Evolve Beauty Cotton Fresh Deodorant Cream RRP £10*
I've also been trying out Evolve Beauty's Cotton Fresh Deodorant Cream* because I ideally want to make the change to natural deodorant soon if possible. Evolve Beauty's deodorant cream is blended with organic Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Kaolin, Biocarbonate of Soda and natural essential oils which they claim all work together to give you effective long-lasting freshness. I like that the deodorant comes in a glass jar because I've tried a few natural deodorants and had some issues with the packaging and I just think you can't really go wrong with a glass jar, can you? It has a light clean scent which I think the majority of people who try it will like and it doesn't feel greasy. It also doesn't feel gritty like some other natural deodorants I've tried that contain Bicarbonate of Soda. It definitely works as a deodorant and keeps you feeling fresh but I wouldn't say it lasts all day, but most of the day, so you would probably be best popping it in your bag just in case.

-Bottom to top - Moonlit, Rose Gold and Sunkissed-

Bali Body Highlighter Stick in Moonlit, Rose Gold and Sunkissed RRP £25.95*

Bali Body have released a new cosmetics range and they've recently released a highlighter stick which is available in 3 different shades - Moonlit, Rose Gold and Sunkissed. The highlighter sticks have a creamy formula which blends into your skin effortlessly creating a gorgeous luminous glow. I would say the best shade for me is Moonlit which is more of a champagne shade but I could probably get away with Rose Gold in the summer when my freckles are out. It does dry down on your skin quite quickly so you have to make sure you blend it in as soon as you apply it. It is shimmery but not too shimmery. I apply it with the wand applicator and then tap it in with my finger to get a quick dewy glow. You can also use the highlighter sticks as a blush, bronzer or eyeshadow. I've actually tried the shade Sunkissed as an eyeshadow as the shade is too dark for me to use as a highlighter and it looked really pretty! P.S I did take some swatch photos but they didn't turn out very well but the Bali Body website has some accurate swatches.

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Saturday, 21 March 2020

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-This post is in collaboration with beds.net-

Although it's not been long since I "revamped" my bedroom a little by painting it a warm teal colour after many years of it being a dark purple colour and also changing up my gallery wall, I'm now thinking of other ways I want to change my bedroom which I'm planning on doing later in the year. So in this post, I'm talking about the three main things I'm planning on changing in my room and why.

First up on my list is buying a new bed. I definitely need a new bed because I feel like my current bed isn't working well for my chronic pain and it's also a little bit dated and doesn't really suit my bedroom. Obviously, you really need to think about what your priorities are before buying a new bed. Do you need storage space? What kind of mattress do you think would work for you? What size do you want or need? What colour do you go for? and things like that. If like me, you're planning on buying a new bed soon then beds.net have put together an infographic which I have put at the end of this post to help give you ideas of things you need to consider before purchasing your ideal dream bed.

I'm currently thinking about getting a White Leather Divan Bed with drawer storage because my current bed is a divan and I love it because it has 4 big drawers and I've got so much storage space which I definitely need because although my bedroom isn't exactly small, it's an awkward shape so it makes it hard in terms of where I can and can't put furniture and things like that. I also think the white leather will look nice against my feature wall and it would just blend nicely into my room.

Something else that I wasn't actually too bothered about until literally the other day is buying some new furniture for my bedroom. There's nothing particularly wrong with the furniture I have but I just happened to be looking for a new bedside table online because mine is looking a bit worse for wear on the top because of scratches, heat marks from hot drinks when I haven't used a coaster (oops!) and etc and I stumbled across a bedroom furniture set which I really like the look of and I think it would look better than the oak-effect ones I currently have. It's kind of got a mid-century look about it which I'm loving right now too.

I'm also thinking about having herringbone wood flooring in my bedroom because I just think it looks really nice and it really adds something to a room and gives it that cosy vibe. I currently have laminate flooring which is fine but I'm not super keen on the colour (I never really have been since it went down to be honest!) and I just think if I'm going to change my flooring and go through the rigmarole of it all then I might as well change it to something I really like and want.

Are you planning on doing any updates to rooms in your house this year?

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Friday, 20 March 2020

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-This post is in collaboration with Sinklaw-

What to do if a toy you own has been recalled

When your child has a strong attachment to a particular toy, it’s a wonderful thing to see. They’ll probably take it everywhere with them and love nothing more than being tucked up in bed with it at night. But, what happens when that toy needs to be recalled?

Getting your child to give the toy up is one thing. But what happens now? Toys getting recalled is more common than you might think - see magnetic toy recalls - yet very few of us actually know what to do when the process begins. Need a little more information? Read on to find out what to do if a toy you own has been recalled.

Don’t panic

The idea of your child playing with something that is dangerous or could potentially harm them is a worrying time. The best thing to do at this stage is not to panic!

Remove the toy

Again, easier said than done, right? But you need to remove the toy from your child’s toy box immediately. There might be tears and angry words, but it’s for the best.

Head to the manufacturers' website

When a toy has been recalled, you're going to need more information about what to do, why it has been recalled and what your next steps are going to be. To do this, you'll need to head to the manufacturers' website or check out the CPSC (consumer product safety commission) website for further details.

What information do I need?

By law, the manufacturers of a recalled toy must provide certain information. Including, a full description of the toy, their address as well as information of retailers who may have stocked the product in question, what the issue actually is, the risk of injury, whether this recall has been initiated due to issues in testing or a consumer complaint.

What are my options?

When you return the faulty toy, you have several options that the manufacturer can provide you with. They can either offer you a full refund. They can repair the issue and then return the item back to you. Or, they may give you a new version of the product that no longer has the issue. The severity of the safety issue will probably dictate what options are available to you at this point so make sure you check the manufacturers' website regularly for updates.

What if my child is injured?

If your child has been injured by a defective toy then they must receive medical attention straight away. Even if the injury is minor, they should see a doctor. Only a medical professional will know if the injury has the potential to get worse over time. Also, if you decide to pursue a personal injury case, then the medical report will give weight to your claim.

Seek legal counsel Defective and dangerous products are frightening, even more so if they’re in the hands of children. So, if you believe that they’re the victim of a defective product then you should see legal counsel as soon as possible.

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