Summer Body Ready?

Summer is well and truly in full swing in the UK, and all I want to wear is light floaty fabrics which keep me covered but still cool. With anything else I would feel restricted and just down right uncomfortable in this sticky heat. I love ditching tight skinny jeans for something a bit different like my new favourite wide leg cropped jeans from Topshop (only £25 on offer right now, thank me later), with a basic cotton t shirt. Effortless, simple, and cool. My motto for summer! 

But Summer can come with a lot of added and unnecessary anxiety from the dreaded concept of the phrase, 'Bikini Body Ready'. I'm going to be honest, I have never felt even remotely ready for such a concept, with each year the goal becoming even more unachievable, the media changing the goal post as to what is 'perfect' or what we should aspire to. Every magazine revealing the secrets to looking perfect and losing fat fast, in what is often a dangerous or impossible diet!

Each year we are presented with a new ideal, one time it is to have a washboard stomach, the next is to be curvier than Beyonce. To have the bum to rival all others, whilst having the flattest stomach. Nobody will ever be able to consistently achieve these ever changing ideals. 

I felt convinced this morning that I would be filled with confidence as I went shopping for summer clothes as I have a few city breaks planned and possibly a week enjoying the sunshine on the beach, so jeans probably won't be my best option. So I went, full of hope and optimism at buying some shorts, some cami tops, and maybe a swimming cossy or two. This optimism took a nose dive as soon as I entered the holiday section of the shop.

I couldn't help but think, why is everything so short? Why is it all so tight? This just isn't for me. My mum kept picking up cossies, suggesting them to me, but the mere thought of putting any on my body terrified me. I managed to get to the till with a pretty one piece suit and a lovely little cover up, but at the last second I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. That little voice in the back of my head saying, you can't wear that, you haven't got the body for it. You will look a state. It is that all too familiar annoying voice which always make me feel like absolute rubbish. It kills my confidence and makes me want to stay at home rather than go out and enjoy the sunshine because I don't have the right to feel good in a pair of shorts.

But how absurd is this? Who on earth doesn't have the right to wear a pair of shorts? What would actually qualify someone to be allowed to wear shorts? 

It is hard to feel good about yourself in a world where everywhere you look you are being told that you are inadequate because of the size of your thighs. I am so guilty of succumbing to the pressures and letting it control how I feel. Last year I let these feelings of inadequacy ruin my summer. I wore layers to cover up, and as a result was horrifically uncomfortable in the heat, rather than wearing something that would actually be pleasant! 

I've realised that this has very little to do with the clothes, but rather with what is going on in my head. The size of my thighs or the width of my hips have nothing to do with how good I feel on the inside and I think that this is true for so many people. Happiness comes from acceptance and appreciation of the body you are in, no matter how it looks. Embracing your quirks and features which make you unique. Looking after yourself and making yourself feel good with a bit of self care. So you know what dear reader, I bought the shorts. 

So enjoy your Summer, and most importantly, enjoy your body!

Keeping it Peachy: A Soap & Glory Review

It's the summer time and the weather is definitely looking fine! But with this heat comes a whole range of skin problems, from oily skin, to chapped lips. So how do you deal with this and still feel confident in yourself? How do you keep your lips feeling great and looking great? Well, I think that I have found the solution in the Soap & Glory Peach Pout, Completely Balmy Lipstick. 

 

1. FREEDOM OF PEACH 

2. PEACH BALL

3. PEACH FOR THE SKY

A lipstick that thinks it’s a balm? It must be the creamy, dreamy PEACH POUT™, available in 3 sassy, peach-perfect shades. A lightweight, long-lasting formulation that lasts all day features a rich, juicy peach-infused fragrance. With a shaped bullet edge for easy and precise application, it goes on just like a lipstick leaving you with instantly softer-feeling luscious lips. 

If you know me, you will know that I normally go for a darker red lip, preferring something to be a bit bolder and more daring, but sometimes this just doesn't feel right for the occasion and can wreak absolute havoc on your lips, making them feel super dry and just darn right uncomfortable! I had yet to find the perfect everyday lipstick, which was no fuss, and actually really enjoyable to wear! 

The Soap & Glory Peach Pout really does everything which is claims to do! The scent is simply gorgeous. I love how fresh and natural it tastes, there is absolutely nothing unnatural about this, and it is subtle when applied to the lips so as not to be overpowering or unpleasant, as some fragranced lip products can be. The scent reminds me of peach sweets, which is never a bad thing!

The formula of the lipstick itself is heavenly. It applies so easily, gliding along the lips, leaving you with the perfect and mess free application. No stress about having to perfectly line your lips or to have exfoliated them to within an inch of their lives! This really does leave your lips feeling hydrated and ready to go with just one application, and I am just loving it! Since I got this a few weeks ago I haven't stopped wearing it because it is just so lovely to wear.

The colour of the lipstick is what surprised and impressed me the most. I was worried that it would be a little sheer and be more like a tinted lip balm with minimal colour pay off, but boy was I wrong! The colour is so pretty and works with every outfit, to add a natural pop of colour to your look. I love wearing it with a bare face and just a bit of mascara (I swear by the Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Flash Extensions Effect Mascara : Click here to find it on Boots!). 

I think it is great that they have three shades so there is one for everyone, from the lightest more nudey peach colour, to the more vibrant pink toned colour. Or maybe treat yourself and get all three, seeing as they are 3 for 2 at Boots! At £9 each they are an absolute steal!

I wear Freedom of Peach

Click Here To Treat Yourself!

Beat the Rushower: A Soap & Glory Review

So, picture this, you've had a late night. You've been out having a little catch up which subsequently turned into a bit of an all nighter and you haven't had a chance to  wash your hair. It isn't looking as fresh as it did the night before and that vanilla shampoo smell has faded. What do you do?

Well, until recently my solution would be to throw a hat on and hope for the best...  that was however until I discovered the Soap & Glory Rushower Dry Shampoo!
Now, I am aware that there are a fair few dry shampoo's available and on the market right now, which all do the job more or less, so what sets this one apart?

If I'm honest, I think that it has to be the absolutely gorgeous signature Pink scent of rose and bergamot. Because of the touch release technology, the scent last all day and a quick ruffle of your hair gives you a fresh blast of fragrance as though you've just sprayed it!
The scent isn't too strong or overpowering, as some dry shampoo can definitely be, nearly choking you with how strong the fragrance is. Instead this is light and floral, as though your hair is perfumed.

It is so quick and easy to use, just spritz, ruffle and go! I have really dark hair naturally, and find that many dry shampoos leave an awful white residue in my hair- which I never seem to notice until someone points it out several hours later. But this seems to blend in really well, it may take a bit of working in the fringe area because of there being less hair, but it does leave my hair looking as though it has been freshly washed, rather than being on day two...

This is definitely going to be my new go-to dry shampoo, and I love that it is a good size, yet slim enough that I can fit is in most of my bags to keep with me on the go. It is perfect for using when you are going to uni for some long study sessions in the library, when you don't quite want to wash your hair, but you still want to feel good about yourself, and confident!
A perfect staple for everyone, with it working with all hair colours!

So, how are you going to treat yourself when Boots have all Soap & Glory products on offer for 3 for 2? Click here to see the full range! But here are some of my favourites! 

Get Glowing: Soap & Glory Speed Plump Night Mousse

Now, who doesn't love having skin which glows from within? Having that healthy gleam about you which cannot be ignored?And most importantly, who doesn't love having skin which gives them the confidence to go without make-up?
Well, today I am going to review a face cream which claims to do all of this and a bit more! The Soap & Glory Speed Plump!


I often find with face creams that they claim all sorts of wonderful things, but never quite live up to these statements, or they will say that it takes months and months of use to see these results. So, I have decided to give the cream two weeks to prove itself. Will it live up to the hype?

What are the claims?

• Provides intense moisture...Fast!
• Makes skin look more youthful.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines. 
• Refreshes and revitalises.
• Softens and smooths.
• Brightens

 

Day 1

Now, I wasn't expecting much for the first day, because it is the first day, nothing works this quick. So, I was actually quite surprised when several people commented on my skin! My Mum said that it did look a little brighter -  okay, she may be biased but several people made similar comments, so I'm going to take them as fact! My skin definitely felt softer than usual, and the dry patches on my chin lessening slightly. A good start thus far!

Day 3

My skin is definitely developing a bit of a glow about it. It isn't like wearing a highlighter, but more of a look of intense health, something which has been lacking from my life for a good while! This cream was definitely starting to have an impact on both my skin and the way I felt, making me feel confident in myself. It sounds ridiculous that something so simple can have such a powerful effect on you. But I ended that day feeling like Wonder Woman!

Day 6

Confident? Check.

Uber soft? Check.

Brighter than a diamond? Double check!!

I think that I'm on to a definite winner here guys

 

 

Day 9

This has to be one of the most delightful face creams. The bubble technology is amazing, and makes it feels so luxurious whilst applying to your face and neck. Then the smell is simply heavenly! I can't quite pinpoint what it reminds me of, but it is sweet whilst not being sickly or overpowering.

Day 12

I've so far recommended this to several people after forcing them to feel how soft my face is. It may be a bit odd, but you know that feeling when your skin feels like silk and you just have to share it with everyone? This is what I'm permanently feeling like now, and I'm blooming loving it!

 

 

Day 14

So officially, this is end of my little trial, but it certainly isn't the last time I'm using this cream! My skin feels so much better since starting to use this night cream, and not only that, I have developed a serious boost in confidence as a result! It looks visibly smoother with my pores decreasing in size. I feel as though I can't really comment on the fine lines claim, as I only really have them when I laugh.
I certainly felt revitalised and refreshed, with the tightness which I had become accustomed to vanishing!  

Soap & Glory can be found at Boots stores and online at Boots.com!

Click HERE to treat yourself and get your own glow on!

Last (Minute) Christmas

Christmas is looming ever closer. Everywhere you go, the jingling of bells is present, and the smell of mulled wine is about. So we all know what this means.

Presents!

I love receiving presents as much as the next person, and I do actually love giving them, but, I can get a little bit stressed with it all. How much do I spend? How can I stick to a budget without giving rubbish pressies? These are the dilemmas which we are faced with. But alas, I have conquered this problem with the concept of the Christmas Stockings!
Okay, maybe I didn't quite come up with the concept of a Christmas stocking, but it will become clearer as you read on and start to understand my solution to this universal woe.

The Christmas Stockings

The concept is quite simple, low cost, and most importantly big impact! This works particularly great if you have a larger group of friends, because basically, all you need is some socks (preferable of the fluffy variety), enough sweets to rival Willy Wonker, and a little something something extra. A show stopper if you will.
Oh, and don't forget a bit of ribbon, and maybe clear cellophane like paper (I got mine from ebay for about £2). For mine I have decided to go with a bit of a pink theme, because we all know that the best sweets, are definitely the pink ones, and who doesn't love a bit of coordination?

I find that these work best when you have a special item in them. This really doesn't have to be anything big or too jazzy or expensive! Especially when you have Boots with their fantastic 3 for 2 offers on! When I saw this, my decision was made, everyone is getting Soap & Glory this year. Plus, as an added bonus, this means if you don't have a friend group which is a multiple of free, then you are totally justified in treating yourself, especially with all this generosity!

Candy Canes are Essential!

Click here for the Boots Soap & Glory page! 

 

Brighten Your Day: Soap & Glory Radiance Boosting Mask

It's that time of year again, coursework is piling up at an alarming rate, skin isn't looking too great, and the only five a day you're getting is chocolate! So, what is the only logical solution to all of this? A face mask of course! 

But here is the dilemma. Which one do you choose? There are so many on the market at the moment and it can feel a little overwhelming, but do not fear, because this just means that you have to be smart about ingredients and what they can do for you. Because of this, I've decided to go with the Soap & Glory Radiance Boosting Mask . It boasts quite an impressive line up of ingredients, so I shall give you a quick run through of the main players and why they are so good. 

 

Key Ingredients

Vitamin C - This is essential for maintaining youthful skin and protecting it from premature ageing, which obviously, I am all about (arguably a little obsessed with at the moment ngl...)

White flower brightening complex - This comes from the combination of several white flowers such as tiger lily, chamomile flowers, peonies, lotus flowers, etc. This all work together to create a unique blend which brightens your skin to give you a naturally radiant glow, and who doesn't want that?! 

Rooibos tea extract - This helps to naturally prevent ageing through anti-oxidants, and being quite soothing to sensitive skin, which is always a bonus!

Gotu Kola extract - Another fantastic anti-ageing product to keep skin looking youthful and simply fab!

Flatterspheres™- Radiance boosters to help illuminate and brighten the skin

On To The Review! 

I followed the instructions; cleaned my face, made sure it was dry, and tied my hair back (a serious struggle when you have a fringe...)
So this is a cloth  mask which you put on your face, complete with eye, mouth, and nose hole. I was overwhelmed by the incredible smell of grapefruit when I opened the package, it was incredible.
The scent was fresh and fruity. I couldn't help but smile. The smell alone made me feel brighter and boosted, which is pretty impressive when you have two pieces of coursework due in next week! So, desperate to put it on and experience the boosting and brightening power of the mask, I unfolded it and placed it carefully upon my face.

The mask was well soaked in the formula and instantly gave your skin a hydrated feeling. I loved the cooling sensation, as though you could feel it working straight away. You get quite a lot of excess liquid in the little pouch, which was an initial nuisance, but then, not wanting to waste any of the product, I decided to rub the excess into the rest of my skin like my arms, hands, and neck! This was a brilliant plan because it became an all over luxury experience!

I left the mask on for 20 minutes as advised, and just lay down to chill out. Enjoying just being still and content. This in itself was a thing of beauty and should not be underestimated. This definitely played a role in making me feel so fantastic, just switching off completely from the world and soaking up all the goodness!

I'm going to be honest, I did not quite feel like a super model whilst wearing the mask (that came afterwards, believe me) but I haven't laughed so much in a while! This really isn't a downside though, I think that this is well and truly part of the fun of face masks. You do look a little silly, but it makes you feel blooming good about yourself overall! It is important to laugh at yourself sometimes, and realise that the world isn't just perfect pictures, and instagram filters, it is looking a bit daft and having fun whilst feeling fab!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really did love this product, from the beautiful and retro packaging, to the incredible way it makes you feel inside and out. I love the ethos behind the Soap & Glory company with their powerful stance against animal testing! So I am absolutely over the moon that their products are so brilliant. Since doing the mask, I have actually received several compliments about my skin, with people asking if I have tried something new! So now you all know my little radiance boosting secret!

These are currently £4 at Boots and are included in their 3 for 2 offer at the moment, so you could pick up a few bits as treats for your friends at Christmas (and maybe one for yourself, it is free after all!) I think that the price is really reasonable for what it is, and I think it is fab that Soap & Glory make skin care with genuine benefits affordable, and not just for the likes of mega celebrities!

Link for Soap & Glory Radiance Boosting Face Mask!

Link to Soap & Glory website! 

Discount Code: This is for 20% off when you spend £15 or more on Soap & Glory on the Boots website, so go on and treat yo self!

OFF20SG 

Before

After