La Roche - Posay Effaclar Duo + (Plus)

I have heard so many great reviews about the first version, the Posay Effaclar Duo, so when I found out there was a new and improved version I thought I had to try it. Also my cousin was kind enough to get me one when she went to the launch party, check out her blog This London Life.

This product claims to "target the key signs of oily and blemish-prone skin". It "eliminates acne marks from the moment they start to form". 
i.e. it gets rid of spots before and after they have formed and corrects any imperfections on the face

When I first applied this (before moisturising) it felt light on the skin, almost like applying a silky serum. It didn't feel oily or greasy and didn't sting which I find a lot of spot treatments do to my (sensitive) skin.

I've been using the product since Saturday the 25/01 evening and since then using it as a moisturiser morning and night.
I can see a clear improvement in my skin, it has not been the full 8 days you are supposed to use it for yet but already my skin is looking clearer and less red. 

I really like that this can be used as a moisturiser and can have makeup applied over the top of it. It is so useful and really does work.

I would recommend this product to all my friends, family and you.  You can purchase it from Escentual here (£15.50) or from Boots here (£11.62). 

Mid-Week Rambles

Hello beautiful readers, before I go into what's been happening this week I just wanted to say thanks again for getting me to 100 followers, I won't be doing a giveaway as I don't know how many people will enter and I'm a bit scared, pathetic excuse I know. When I reach 500 or have a regular number of comments then I will happily do one.

I don't know if you have noticed but my blog has had a little 'nip & tuck'. Over the weekend my cousin came over and as she is much better at blogging,  html and all that malarky she helped me give my blog a mini makeover. I am so much happier with how it looks now, there are still a few things I would like to do, nonetheless for a weekend's work we did pretty good!

I have also began to plan out all my exercises for the next few months, as a result of my shocking performance in the bleep test yesterday. I will be doing a number of DVDs starting with "Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred" - seriously hard guys.

Although I have some idea of which DVDs I'll be doing if you have any requests comment below or drop me an email and I will happily give them a go for you.

Other than that not much has happened this week, we're going out for dinner on Saturday with the whole family for my Dad's 50th (I'll show you pics next week) and just work the rest of the time, nothing exciting unfortunately.

I hope you all have a lovely week, be sure to check out Gemma's (my cousin) blog here.

Love you all and I hope February will be a great (perhaps fresh if necessary) new month for us all. 

L'oreal New Miss Manga Mascara Review

Extra beauty post as I missed last weeks:

So I've always liked L'Oreal mascaras, I won't lie Maybelline is my favourite "drugstore" brand for mascara,I've never been disappointed when I try out one of their new mascaras unfortunately this product did not have the same effect. 

I was really excited by this new mascara as I thought the concept of a 360 degree flexible brush was intriguing and innovative. I also liked that there are three colours: turquoise, violet and black. I'm not a big risk-taker with mascara I usually stick to black but I thought if I like the product I will go back and try another colour.

Unfortunately I do not think I will be trying out the other two colours due to the fact I was quite disappointed in this product. I felt the unique quality of the product (the brush) doesn't actually move at all when applying the mascara it just acts as a normal brush. 
When first applied this is far from "Mega Volume". Unless I apply pencil eyeliner to my tight line I find it only lengthens my lashes. When I apply more to help the volume it clumps my lashes together. With this mascara the more you apply the more volume you get but that comes with clumping for me.

This product is for those who want very natural looking lashes or quite heavy mascara. This is not my preference and as it was quite expensive for a highstreet mascara at £8.99 I feel it was a bit of a waste of money. 

However every cloud has a silver lining it will be useful for natural days because I quite like how it looks with only one coat.

This is quite a controversial view about this products, other reviews I have read said how much they love this mascara, I just feel that it is not my cup of tea. Oh well I'll stick to my Maybelline Volum' Express One By One for now.

Stop Counting

I used to be a big fan of apps like My Fitness Pal as you could type in almost anything you've eaten that day and find out exactly how many calories were in it and how good or bad you've been that day. 
But now I realise this is not what is important.
Of course you have to have a reasonable amount of control over the number of calories you intake each day however I now realise that it is the volume of sugar you consume throughout the day that really matters.

Why am I telling you this?

So many of my friends are obsessing over how many calories they eat whereas they should be worrying about all the crap that enters their bodies along with the majority of those calories.

Sugar has been a hot topic recently, people are beginning to realise how dangerous it really is and I couldn't agree more. Sugar is in almost every food you can think of.
Now as I've said before not all sugars are bad but the amount we are consuming nowadays is what is slowly killing us all. 

Unfortunately there is no app that tells you how much sugar is in every item you eat and ingredients on labels can be confusing as there are over 40 different names for sugars.
However you can help your health (and weight loss) if you monitor your sugar intake by eliminating the volume of processed foods you consume.
Sounds dreadful but leaves you feeling so much better and of course your treat day can allow you to have that M&S chicken pie or dairy milk chocolate bar you crave.

What's the point of this post?

All I want is for people to be better educated about their health and how they can improve it. If this means I have to invent an app to do it, so be it (may take 20 years as technology is most definitely not my thing). 

Give it a go, look at your sugar intake rather than calories and see if you notice any results.

Sweet Potato and Butter Nut Squash Soup

This soup is perfect for those cold wintery days we've been having in England at the moment. It's filling, so you won't go hungry throughout the day, and "souper" yummy (see what I did there).

Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 sweet potatoes (or 1 large)
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery sticks
- 1 onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- olive oil
- vegetable stock
- salt & pepper

Recipe:
Peel then cut butternut squash and sweet potato into large chunks, put in a roasting dish, drizzle with olive oil and roast at 180 degrees for 45-60 mins (until soft). Take out and leave to cool.

Dice the carrots, celery, onion and garlic (I crush the garlic), season with salt & pepper place in sauce pan, cover with olive oil on low heat and sweat for 20 mins.  

Add to pan butternut squash and sweet potato, add 1litre of vegetable stock, bring to boil then simmer for 30-40 mins (or until veg is soft).

Place ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Serve in bowl with yogurt or creme fresh and if really hungry have with toasted bread.

Enjoy x

Mid-Week Rambles - GIVEAWAY?

Hello everyone hope you've all been have a good week so far, I most definitely am because this week my blog reached 100 FOLLOWERS!!!! I am so grateful to everyone who reads, likes, comments and follows my blog. It means so much and makes me motivated to blog more. 

So I thought I'd do a mini giveaway as a thank you for your support, but being a new blogger I don't know if anyone will enter so if you want me to do a giveaway or if you would enter if I did one please comment below or like my post on Bloglovin if you have an account. If I get 5+ entries I will do it - 

so spread the word!!

Again I am so thankful for all of you and I cannot wait for the next 100 followers.

Lots of love and have a wonderful week!

x x x

10 Tips for a Healthier and Happier you

Follow these tips for a healthier and happier lifestyle:

1. Drink 2 litres of water a day

2. Have a fruit infused drink a day to flush out your toxins (place frozen fruit in water)

3. Get at least 8 hours sleep a night

4. Meditate at least 5 minutes every day for time to think and breathe

5. Eat your 5 a day - try eating fruits earlier in the day and vegetables later in the day

6. Cut the junk - "Your body is a temple"

7. Dress up everyday because when you feel good you look good

8. Drink herbal teas (green tea is particularly good as it also helps to boost your metabolism) to flush out toxins

9. Have at least one makeup free day a week to give your skin a break

10. Exfoliate your face and body twice a week and moisturise everyday for healthy skin

*images from google

Healthy Upside Down Cheesecake

This is a healthy breakfast idea that puts a fun twist on cheesecake and takes less than 5 minutes to prepare.
Perfect to help you feel refreshed and motivated on a Monday morning.

Ingredients:
- Fruit
- Greek/natural yogurt
- Granola/bran flakes
- Drizzle of honey

Place fruit on bottom and dollop yogurt on top. Crumble to granola/bran flakes for a crunchy texture and if like me you're not the biggest fan of plain greek yogurt drizzle some honey on top to add some sweetness.

My favourite is mango but you can do this with almost any fruit.

With Mango

With Raspberries

Day to Night Make Up - Feat Naked 3 Palette

Here's my pretty make up look to get you from day to night this winter featuring the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette that my incredible brother bought me for christmas (I owe him big time for that).

Day Make Up:

Liz Earle Skin Repair moisturiser

MaxFactor Facefinity 3 In 1 foundation - Light Ivory

Collection 2000 concealer - 2 Light

Maybelline Super Stay 24H powder - Ivory

Maybelline Dream Sun bronzer - Blonde

L'oreal Super Liner eyebrow pencil - 03 Brunette

Rimmel Sofy Kohl eye liner - Jet Black (only for tight line)

Urban Decay Naked 3 palette 

- Dust to lids

- Buzz to crease

- Strange to brow bone and inner corner of eye

Maybelline the Falsies

Vaseline

In the early hours of the morning we do not want to spend hours on our make up but still want to look bright or presentable at least. This look leaves you looking awake (from the light and shimmery colours used on the eyes) and flawless (with the full coverage concealer) with ease.

Night Make Up:

Maybelline Dream Sun bronzer - Brunette

(to add emphasis to cheek bones)

Urban Decay Naked 3 palette

- Mooner between brow bone and crease to blend out

- Blackheart to outer corner of eye and under lower lash line

- Dust to inner part of lid for a touch up

Maybelline Master Duo eye liner (I forgot to do this)

Add emphasis with Maybelline the One by One mascara

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stain - Crush Beguin

 *Of course touch up foundation, concealer if you need to

To glam up your day look so you're ready for a night out you want to add a bit of colour to your face. Do this by adding a pop of colour to your lips and some smokiness to your eyes to get that sexy look.

Mid-Week Rambles

Maroon 5

OH MY GAAWWDDD!!! I think one of the most amazing nights of my life. On Friday I felt like the luckiest girl in the world as I had the privilege of going to see the incredible Maroon 5. If you cannot tell I'm still not over it. I have never been one of those fan girls like Beliebers/Directioners/etc. but I can honestly say I am a... I don't think they have a name for their fans but let's call me a "Marooner" - not the best name oh well.

The supporting act was Robin Thicke and if I'm honest I wasn't too bothered about seeing him as my opinion of him was pretty low but wow how wrong was I and how glad am I that I went early enough to see him. He was so genuine on stage and had an amazing voice. His songs had an old vibe to them (surprinsing I know) and his voice had a gentle warming tone that was really sweet and sincere. If there is ever a chance to see him live again I definitely would go.
He finished his set with "Blurred Lines" which had the entire place dancing and singing. He was the perfect person to ready the audience for Maroon 5.

Now the main event. I think they had me when they came on early, I mean rockstars that are punctual unheard of. I also liked they there were none of these stupid costume changes, I mean I can understand it with women, but why do men need to change into a new outfit during a show? It baffles me - no disrespects to the artists that do this I just find it annoying. 

We were in for a treat, a full hour and a half I think... can't quite remember of singing and a little conversation. 

Adam Levine also seemed really genuine as he joked "We're not a boy band, we're a band band" and when he couldn't stop laughing before singing "She Will Be Loved" which he justified by saying "Stop smiling so much you guys are making me laugh" which made the entire O2 erupt with laughter. All this just made me love him even more than I already did 

*fan girls for a minute and I'm back.

His interaction with the audience made the performance of "She Will Be Loved" brilliant as he divided the arena into two and had half of us sing "And she will be loved, and she will be lo-oved" whilst the other half sang "I don't mind spending every day, out on your corner in the pouring rain". 

I honestly cannot imagine a better feeling than being in such a huge space with thousands of people staring at you singing your lyrics to you. 

My personal favourites of the night were: Lucky Strike, Moves Like Jagger, Payphone and She Will Be Loved.

I had the most incredible night and all I'll say is if you ever get the chance to see them live GO because I guarantee you, you will become a "Marooner" like me!!

Arm Workout

 Some quick and fairly easy arm exercises you can do everyday to get your arms toned.

Do one a day 6 x a week for ripped arms.

*images from twitter

Light Healthy Lunch

A quick easy salad that requires cutting only one ingredient, I know pretty incredible haha! This is for those of you like my mum who love beetroot and bread so enjoy!

Ingredients:

- 2 pieces of rye bread (or any bread that doesn't contain sugar)

- Rocket (about 2 handfuls)

- 3 diced beetroot 

- Olive oil

- Crumbled goats cheese (1/2 ball)

Recipe:

Not hard at all, butter bread place rocket, diced beetroot (I do 1/4s), drizzle olive oil over the top and crumble goat cheese over the top.

Done!

*sorry for pictures running into sidebar but they look better bigger

My Face Moisturisers for Winter

So this week I was going to do a make up tutorial featuring the Naked 3 palette but as I was ill yesterday and didn't have time that will come next instead. So as a result my on the spot thinking has left me with this...

I use two different moisturisers in winter to prevent my skin becoming dry. I am someone with normal/dry skin, i.e. combination skin, which means in winter I have to do all I can to keep my skin hydrated and looking radiant rather than looking like the peeled white bits of an orange (you know the bit I mean).

What I use:

In the mornings, before applying my makeup I use Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Dry/Sensitive. It's a light moisturiser that only needs a thin layer to hydrate your skin as it feels like you are applying a smooth, water-based cream to your face.

This is one of my all time favourite moisturisers because I really feel like it is doing its job as soon as it touches my skin. My skin can get really dry and rough in winter but using this prevents it from EVER getting to that stage which is incredible. I really would recommend this to anyone who has dry skin or if your skin tends to dry up just a little this time of year try this moisturiser for different skin types because I am almost certain you will love it as much as I do.

After I have taken off my make up in the evening I apply Jason Revitalising Vitamin E Creme. This is a thick creamy moisturiser which is almost the complete opposite to the Liz Earle one. 

I find this moisturiser is perfect for the evening and during the night as, if you are a fidgeter like me, it is likely your moisturiser rubs off onto your pillows. Having a thick moisturiser helps keep your face protected from becoming dry overnight. I won't lie the smell of the product isn't great but it's something I have learnt to put up with for hydrated skin. 

Tip for dry skin:
Use liquid foundation rather than powder based as they powder clings to dry skin making it more obvious on the face.