Some people prefer tea, some prefer coffee, some people prefer showers, I prefer baths. Always have, always will. Growing up in a house where daily baths were essential has made me a proper water baby but sadly I can no longer enjoy daily baths as where I'm currently living only has a shower. That being said, there are definitely some perks to only having a shower. It drastically cuts down how long it takes me to get ready in the morning and it also means I get to try out cool products specifically designed for shower users. I love bath bombs as much as the next person but mainly for the novelty, most of the time they just irritate my skin. I enjoy more practical products that get the job done but are fun and enjoyable to use at the same time.

Nivea Luxurious Shower Silk Mousse Creme Soft with Almond Oil - £2.99
This is such a fun product to use and it actually works at the same time. You just shake the can and spray the mousse into your hands or straight onto your body and use it as a regular body wash. It has the classic Nivea scent which I personally love. It's formulated with Precious Silk Extract and Almond Oil for an extremely moisturising finish. It's also a great substitute for shaving cream!

Herbal Essences Bio Renew White Strawberry & Sweet Mint Shampoo - £6
Sometimes I get stuck in a rut with shampoos either because I get bored of the scent or because the formula just doesn't seem to work with my hair anymore, but this has completely changed my shampoo game. I'm so glad I found this as it's made washing my hair one of the highlights of my day! (Yes I know, I'm a sad case). It's perfect for those with fine hair who like a shampoo that's clarifying but still gentle enough to use every day. It also smells like sweets which I still can't get over! The scent lasts all day and I love how soft and shiny it makes my hair. I would highly recommend giving this a go. I'm already on my second bottle! 

Happy Place Cosmetics Gummy Bear Soap - £4.50
I know soap seems a little bit old fashioned but I've become obsessed with this one from HPC. You get a massive block for less than £5 and not only does it smell fruity and amazing but it also leaves the skin feeling extra clean and moisturised. Hubby and I have got to have one on the go at all times! 

Dove Nourishing Care Shower Oil with Moroccan Argan Oil - £4.99
This is a great product to add a touch of luxury to your routine without breaking the bank. With 55% nourishing oils, this silky shower oil moisturises the skin without leaving a residue. It has a lovely warm, comforting scent which lingers for a good couple hours. You can apply it directly to the skin but I like to pop it onto my scrunchie for a bit of foam action. 

Happy Place Cosmetics Sugar Shea Body Scrubs - £14
I like to use a body scrub at least twice a week to keep my skin looking healthy and smooth. It's also a must for my keratosis pilaris which makes my arms look dry and dull. Kirstie recently launched these amazing sugar scrubs which have made such a difference with my dry, scaly skin. My limbs look luminous and glowy and my skin feels extremely soft and nourished. The particles are big enough to give a proper exfoliation without scratching the skin, plus it doesn't sting because it's made with sugar, not salt. I have the scents Confetti Cake and Salted Caramel Popcorn and they're both so good, I don't think I can pick a favourite! 

What products do you use to make your shower routine more exciting?

Maiya

x

• Monday, July 31, 2017

How To Spruce Up Your Shower Routine

Some people prefer tea, some prefer coffee, some people prefer showers, I prefer baths. Always have, always will. Growing up in a house where daily baths were essential has made me a proper water baby but sadly I can no longer enjoy daily baths as where I'm currently living only has a shower. That being said, there are definitely some perks to only having a shower. It drastically cuts down how long it takes me to get ready in the morning and it also means I get to try out cool products specifically designed for shower users. I love bath bombs as much as the next person but mainly for the novelty, most of the time they just irritate my skin. I enjoy more practical products that get the job done but are fun and enjoyable to use at the same time.

Nivea Luxurious Shower Silk Mousse Creme Soft with Almond Oil - £2.99
This is such a fun product to use and it actually works at the same time. You just shake the can and spray the mousse into your hands or straight onto your body and use it as a regular body wash. It has the classic Nivea scent which I personally love. It's formulated with Precious Silk Extract and Almond Oil for an extremely moisturising finish. It's also a great substitute for shaving cream!

Herbal Essences Bio Renew White Strawberry & Sweet Mint Shampoo - £6
Sometimes I get stuck in a rut with shampoos either because I get bored of the scent or because the formula just doesn't seem to work with my hair anymore, but this has completely changed my shampoo game. I'm so glad I found this as it's made washing my hair one of the highlights of my day! (Yes I know, I'm a sad case). It's perfect for those with fine hair who like a shampoo that's clarifying but still gentle enough to use every day. It also smells like sweets which I still can't get over! The scent lasts all day and I love how soft and shiny it makes my hair. I would highly recommend giving this a go. I'm already on my second bottle! 

Happy Place Cosmetics Gummy Bear Soap - £4.50
I know soap seems a little bit old fashioned but I've become obsessed with this one from HPC. You get a massive block for less than £5 and not only does it smell fruity and amazing but it also leaves the skin feeling extra clean and moisturised. Hubby and I have got to have one on the go at all times! 

Dove Nourishing Care Shower Oil with Moroccan Argan Oil - £4.99
This is a great product to add a touch of luxury to your routine without breaking the bank. With 55% nourishing oils, this silky shower oil moisturises the skin without leaving a residue. It has a lovely warm, comforting scent which lingers for a good couple hours. You can apply it directly to the skin but I like to pop it onto my scrunchie for a bit of foam action. 

Happy Place Cosmetics Sugar Shea Body Scrubs - £14
I like to use a body scrub at least twice a week to keep my skin looking healthy and smooth. It's also a must for my keratosis pilaris which makes my arms look dry and dull. Kirstie recently launched these amazing sugar scrubs which have made such a difference with my dry, scaly skin. My limbs look luminous and glowy and my skin feels extremely soft and nourished. The particles are big enough to give a proper exfoliation without scratching the skin, plus it doesn't sting because it's made with sugar, not salt. I have the scents Confetti Cake and Salted Caramel Popcorn and they're both so good, I don't think I can pick a favourite! 

What products do you use to make your shower routine more exciting?

Maiya

x

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Exfoliation is such a big part of my skincare routine and it's the one step I can count on for instant results. I love acids and liquid exfoliants but I'm also a massive fan of physical exfoliators. Grounded Body Scrub is the UK's leading Coffee Scrub company and they make a whole range of products for the face, hair and body. I've been testing out these goodies for a little while and without giving too much away... I love them!

Peppermint Body Scrub* - £15
All of their body scrubs are formulated with Robusta Coffee granules which are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and dry patches. It's also made with Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E to help moisturise and hydrate the skin at the same time. The star ingredient in this scrub is Peppermint Oil and although at first, I was a bit unsure about the scent, I'm happy to report that I actually love it! Something about the mint and coffee just hits my nose right and I love using it in the mornings when I want something uplifting and refreshing. 

Sweet Orange Face Scrub* - £8.95
As I mentioned before, I'm a massive fan of exfoliation and I love using face scrubs at least twice a week to help brighten and resurface my skin. The Grounded Body Face Scrubs are made with extra fine ground Robusta Coffee as the granules in the Body Scrubs are far too rough for the face. I have the Sweet Orange scent and I can't explain how amazing it smells. I want to eat it! This is also packed with beautiful oils that leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated but it also contains Orange Oil so you get that added boost of Vitamin C as well. I would highly recommend this if you're looking for a new face scrub!

Pina Colada Hair Mask* - £12.50
When I pulled this out of the jiffy bag I almost screamed! Pina Colada is one of my favourite scents and the thought of having it in my hair makes me so happy! I love the packaging of their hair masks as it makes it so easy to use and store in the shower. It's full of amazing oils like Coconut, Argan and Castor Oil and it's also got Coffee Oil to give the hair a caffeinated boost. I was expecting it to be a thick cream like most hair masks but it's actually a lovely, silky oil. This is more of a pre-shampoo treatment so it's best applied to dry or slightly damp hair. Every time I use this my hair looks so healthy and shiny and it feels so soft when I run my fingers through it. If you're a fan of using oils in your hair for weekly maintenance, you will definitely like this!

Lip Scrubs* - £4.95
These might possibly be the cutest things I've ever seen! The packaging is so fun and colourful and they instantly make me think of Summer. I love lip scrubs and I have to say that these are some of the best I've tried! The sugar granules are nice and soft but still chunky enough to remove dry, flaky skin and the Coconut and Jojoba Oil makes the lips feel super soft and smooth afterwards. I just take a bit on my finger, exfoliate my lips for about thirty seconds and then rinse it off with some water, (but you can lick it off if you want to!). I was very kindly sent the Bubblegum, Mango and Pineapple flavours which are all delicious but if I had to pick a favourite, it would, of course, be Pineapple!

I'm so impressed with these products and I love that they've added some fun and life to my collection. I can't wait to try out more from the brand! Their lip balms are next on my list! 

Have you tried anything from Grounded Body Scrub? 

Maiya 

x

This post contains PR/Gifted items. All opinions are 100% my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

• Friday, July 28, 2017

Brand Focus - Grounded Body Scrub

Exfoliation is such a big part of my skincare routine and it's the one step I can count on for instant results. I love acids and liquid exfoliants but I'm also a massive fan of physical exfoliators. Grounded Body Scrub is the UK's leading Coffee Scrub company and they make a whole range of products for the face, hair and body. I've been testing out these goodies for a little while and without giving too much away... I love them!

Peppermint Body Scrub* - £15
All of their body scrubs are formulated with Robusta Coffee granules which are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and dry patches. It's also made with Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E to help moisturise and hydrate the skin at the same time. The star ingredient in this scrub is Peppermint Oil and although at first, I was a bit unsure about the scent, I'm happy to report that I actually love it! Something about the mint and coffee just hits my nose right and I love using it in the mornings when I want something uplifting and refreshing. 

Sweet Orange Face Scrub* - £8.95
As I mentioned before, I'm a massive fan of exfoliation and I love using face scrubs at least twice a week to help brighten and resurface my skin. The Grounded Body Face Scrubs are made with extra fine ground Robusta Coffee as the granules in the Body Scrubs are far too rough for the face. I have the Sweet Orange scent and I can't explain how amazing it smells. I want to eat it! This is also packed with beautiful oils that leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated but it also contains Orange Oil so you get that added boost of Vitamin C as well. I would highly recommend this if you're looking for a new face scrub!

Pina Colada Hair Mask* - £12.50
When I pulled this out of the jiffy bag I almost screamed! Pina Colada is one of my favourite scents and the thought of having it in my hair makes me so happy! I love the packaging of their hair masks as it makes it so easy to use and store in the shower. It's full of amazing oils like Coconut, Argan and Castor Oil and it's also got Coffee Oil to give the hair a caffeinated boost. I was expecting it to be a thick cream like most hair masks but it's actually a lovely, silky oil. This is more of a pre-shampoo treatment so it's best applied to dry or slightly damp hair. Every time I use this my hair looks so healthy and shiny and it feels so soft when I run my fingers through it. If you're a fan of using oils in your hair for weekly maintenance, you will definitely like this!

Lip Scrubs* - £4.95
These might possibly be the cutest things I've ever seen! The packaging is so fun and colourful and they instantly make me think of Summer. I love lip scrubs and I have to say that these are some of the best I've tried! The sugar granules are nice and soft but still chunky enough to remove dry, flaky skin and the Coconut and Jojoba Oil makes the lips feel super soft and smooth afterwards. I just take a bit on my finger, exfoliate my lips for about thirty seconds and then rinse it off with some water, (but you can lick it off if you want to!). I was very kindly sent the Bubblegum, Mango and Pineapple flavours which are all delicious but if I had to pick a favourite, it would, of course, be Pineapple!

I'm so impressed with these products and I love that they've added some fun and life to my collection. I can't wait to try out more from the brand! Their lip balms are next on my list! 

Have you tried anything from Grounded Body Scrub? 

Maiya 

x

This post contains PR/Gifted items. All opinions are 100% my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

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Today I wanted to share some of my favourite beauty products of the year so far. Most of them are new discoveries but some are things I've had for quite a while. Also, I know we're technically past mid year but July still counts, right?

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette - £17.50
I love everything about this palette from the layout to the colour selection and although I'm more of a cream eyeshadow fan nowadays, this is what I reach for when I want to do a nice, warm, fudgy eye. Great, now I want something sweet...

Too Faced Hangover Face Primer - £27
I have so many primers in my stash but this is one of the only ones that I still love and use. It does such a good job at priming my face without making it feel dry or silicone-y. It's perfect for all skin types and it smells like coconuts. How could you not love it? 

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm - £13.95
This is one of my favourite finds of the year so far. I've rambled on about this multiple times but I can't help it, it's just so good! I love that it's 100% natural and the fact that it smells like a Terry's Chocolate Orange. If you like rich cleansing balms that are full of nourishing oils, please check this out! 

Marc Jacobs Air Blush Kink & Kisses - £28
I really want to pick up some more of these blushers because the formula is just so beautiful. It has amazing pigmentation and it gives the cheeks such a gorgeous flush. I have the shade Kink & Kisses which is a gorgeous, peachy-pink. I can't wait to try out more from the Marc Jacobs range. 

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick Alabaster - £31
Foundation sticks aren't something I ever really got into but for some reason, I was really drawn to this when I visited my local Bobbi Brown store. Even though I don't use it very often, it's actually one of my favourite base products in my collection. I love that you can create different finishes with a foundation stick depending on what other products you use. It is fairly dry in texture so you do need to make sure your skin is well moisturised before hand. I really want to try more from BB so please leave your recommendations below!

Pure Potions Skin Salvation Moisturising Ointment - £7.99
This product has worked wonders for my eczema and although it hasn't completely gone (because of my scratching), this always makes a difference when I use it. I can't recommend this enough!

Happy Place Cosmetics Cookie Dough Face Scrub - £14
If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know that I absolutely adore this product. It smells amazing, gets rid of all my dry skin and makes my face feel super smooth and moisturised. This might possibly be my favourite, favourite of them all!

L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll Mascara £7.99
I'm not going to go on about this because I've mentioned it quite a lot recently but I will just say that I absolutely love this mascara and I think everyone should try it. It's one of the only mascaras that actually makes my lashes look thick and voluminous. I can't recommend it enough!

Alpha H Liquid Gold - £33.50
This is such a cult product and for good reason! The Glycolic Acid works to remove dead skin cells, gradually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives the skin a much smoother texture. It is fairly strong (for me, anyway), so I would only use it nightly, twice a week but if you have a mature skin you could definitely bump it up to 3/4 times a week. I just pour a bit on to a cotton pad and swipe it all over the face and neck after cleansing, avoiding the eyes and lips. Follow with SPF the next morning and you're good to go!

Are any of these your favourites?

Maiya

x

• Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Mid Year Beauty Favourites

Today I wanted to share some of my favourite beauty products of the year so far. Most of them are new discoveries but some are things I've had for quite a while. Also, I know we're technically past mid year but July still counts, right?

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette - £17.50
I love everything about this palette from the layout to the colour selection and although I'm more of a cream eyeshadow fan nowadays, this is what I reach for when I want to do a nice, warm, fudgy eye. Great, now I want something sweet...

Too Faced Hangover Face Primer - £27
I have so many primers in my stash but this is one of the only ones that I still love and use. It does such a good job at priming my face without making it feel dry or silicone-y. It's perfect for all skin types and it smells like coconuts. How could you not love it? 

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm - £13.95
This is one of my favourite finds of the year so far. I've rambled on about this multiple times but I can't help it, it's just so good! I love that it's 100% natural and the fact that it smells like a Terry's Chocolate Orange. If you like rich cleansing balms that are full of nourishing oils, please check this out! 

Marc Jacobs Air Blush Kink & Kisses - £28
I really want to pick up some more of these blushers because the formula is just so beautiful. It has amazing pigmentation and it gives the cheeks such a gorgeous flush. I have the shade Kink & Kisses which is a gorgeous, peachy-pink. I can't wait to try out more from the Marc Jacobs range. 

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick Alabaster - £31
Foundation sticks aren't something I ever really got into but for some reason, I was really drawn to this when I visited my local Bobbi Brown store. Even though I don't use it very often, it's actually one of my favourite base products in my collection. I love that you can create different finishes with a foundation stick depending on what other products you use. It is fairly dry in texture so you do need to make sure your skin is well moisturised before hand. I really want to try more from BB so please leave your recommendations below!

Pure Potions Skin Salvation Moisturising Ointment - £7.99
This product has worked wonders for my eczema and although it hasn't completely gone (because of my scratching), this always makes a difference when I use it. I can't recommend this enough!

Happy Place Cosmetics Cookie Dough Face Scrub - £14
If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know that I absolutely adore this product. It smells amazing, gets rid of all my dry skin and makes my face feel super smooth and moisturised. This might possibly be my favourite, favourite of them all!

L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll Mascara £7.99
I'm not going to go on about this because I've mentioned it quite a lot recently but I will just say that I absolutely love this mascara and I think everyone should try it. It's one of the only mascaras that actually makes my lashes look thick and voluminous. I can't recommend it enough!

Alpha H Liquid Gold - £33.50
This is such a cult product and for good reason! The Glycolic Acid works to remove dead skin cells, gradually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives the skin a much smoother texture. It is fairly strong (for me, anyway), so I would only use it nightly, twice a week but if you have a mature skin you could definitely bump it up to 3/4 times a week. I just pour a bit on to a cotton pad and swipe it all over the face and neck after cleansing, avoiding the eyes and lips. Follow with SPF the next morning and you're good to go!

Are any of these your favourites?

Maiya

x

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I've been meaning to do this post for so long but I just never got round to actually writing it. I love a good dupe and I think it's so important to know that there are cheaper products on the market that work just as well as the high-end versions. Whilst I love browsing the department store stands to admire the gorgeous packaging and beautiful displays, nothing quite beats a trip to Boots or Superdrug for me, especially if it's been a while since my last one! I tried to find the best dupes I could and although none of them are exactly identical, I would say they're as close as they're going to get!

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation £33.50 | Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation £9.99
Is it just me, or has the price of the YSL foundation gone up quite a bit? I'm sure I remember it being less than £30 not too long ago? Regardless, the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat is one of my all time favourite foundations and I was actually really surprised when I realised that the Bourjois was a great dupe for it. Obviously, price wise it's a lot more affordable and shade wise they're both pretty similar on me. The most important thing is the formula and although the Le Teint Touche Eclat is more glowy and has slightly less coverage, the Bourjois foundation feels almost identical on the skin. They both apply beautifully on top of moisturisers/primers and they both have roughly the same staying power of 7/8 hours - but that's on my combination skin. I love using the Healthy Mix Foundation and I would highly recommend checking it out if you're looking for a cheaper alternative for the YSL foundation.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise - Jean £22 | KIKO Milano Cream Crush Lasting Colour Eyeshadow - 01 £4.80
If you know me you'll know that I'm a sucker for cream eyeshadows and I love testing ones out from different brands. These two are so similar, the only main difference is price. They're both a gorgeous pearly champagne shade but the Eyes to Mesmerise has a slightly more pink undertone. I love applying them both with my finger but you could definitely use a brush. The Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow is very creamy and almost mousse like so it can crease if you have oily eyelids. I love them both but when it comes to repurchasing, I will definitely stick to the KIKO ones as they have amazing pigmentation and are currently less than a fiver!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara £22 | L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll Mascara £7.99
I'm really not fussed when it comes to mascaras, mainly due to the fact that my lashes are straight and never hold a curl, however, these two are the only ones I've found that actually do something to my lashes! I received the Marc Jacobs sample when I bought one of their blushes and as soon as I tried it, I knew I was going to love it! It gives me black, thick, voluminous lashes in just one coat! The L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll mascara is basically the same product, just a lot cheaper! Whichever one you go for, you're guaranteed big lashes!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - Medium Brown £15.50 | NYX Cosmetics Micro Brow Pencil - Chocolate £8
So many brands have tried to create their version of the ABH Brow Wiz but most of them just don't cut it, however, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil is actually very similar. It's ever so slightly creamier than the Brow Wiz which means you don't need a lot of pressure when applying the product. They both have very fine nibs which is great for mimicking the look of brow hairs and creating a precise shape. The NYX pencil has a slightly warmer undertone which for me is the only downside as it can look obvious against my skin. Other than that, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil is a fantastic dupe!

MAC Sheertone Blush - Peaches £19.50 | Makeup Revolution Powder Blush - Treat £1
I can't believe that I found a MAC blush dupe for just £1! Apart from the packaging, everything else is pretty much the same. They're both a lovely peachy shade but the Makeup Revolution has a bit more of a coral in there. It's also more pigmented and you definitely don't need as much as you do with Peaches. They both look lovely and natural on the skin but if I had to pick one, it would probably be the Makeup Revolution blush!

Clinique Lip Pop + Primer - Beige Pop £16.50 | Rimmel London Lasting Finish Kate Moss Nude Lipstick - 45 £5.49
I've mentioned the Clinique lipstick quite a bit recently so I decided to start using something else which led me to the Rimmel lipstick which is so similar! The Lip Pop has more slip and sheen but they both apply smoothly, last a long time and give a gorgeous finish to the lips. Both are my go-to picks for an effortless pinky-beige, nude lip!

Do you have any dupes for these High-End products?

Maiya

x

• Monday, July 24, 2017

Dupes For High-End Makeup Products

I've been meaning to do this post for so long but I just never got round to actually writing it. I love a good dupe and I think it's so important to know that there are cheaper products on the market that work just as well as the high-end versions. Whilst I love browsing the department store stands to admire the gorgeous packaging and beautiful displays, nothing quite beats a trip to Boots or Superdrug for me, especially if it's been a while since my last one! I tried to find the best dupes I could and although none of them are exactly identical, I would say they're as close as they're going to get!

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation £33.50 | Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation £9.99
Is it just me, or has the price of the YSL foundation gone up quite a bit? I'm sure I remember it being less than £30 not too long ago? Regardless, the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat is one of my all time favourite foundations and I was actually really surprised when I realised that the Bourjois was a great dupe for it. Obviously, price wise it's a lot more affordable and shade wise they're both pretty similar on me. The most important thing is the formula and although the Le Teint Touche Eclat is more glowy and has slightly less coverage, the Bourjois foundation feels almost identical on the skin. They both apply beautifully on top of moisturisers/primers and they both have roughly the same staying power of 7/8 hours - but that's on my combination skin. I love using the Healthy Mix Foundation and I would highly recommend checking it out if you're looking for a cheaper alternative for the YSL foundation.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise - Jean £22 | KIKO Milano Cream Crush Lasting Colour Eyeshadow - 01 £4.80
If you know me you'll know that I'm a sucker for cream eyeshadows and I love testing ones out from different brands. These two are so similar, the only main difference is price. They're both a gorgeous pearly champagne shade but the Eyes to Mesmerise has a slightly more pink undertone. I love applying them both with my finger but you could definitely use a brush. The Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow is very creamy and almost mousse like so it can crease if you have oily eyelids. I love them both but when it comes to repurchasing, I will definitely stick to the KIKO ones as they have amazing pigmentation and are currently less than a fiver!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara £22 | L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll Mascara £7.99
I'm really not fussed when it comes to mascaras, mainly due to the fact that my lashes are straight and never hold a curl, however, these two are the only ones I've found that actually do something to my lashes! I received the Marc Jacobs sample when I bought one of their blushes and as soon as I tried it, I knew I was going to love it! It gives me black, thick, voluminous lashes in just one coat! The L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll mascara is basically the same product, just a lot cheaper! Whichever one you go for, you're guaranteed big lashes!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - Medium Brown £15.50 | NYX Cosmetics Micro Brow Pencil - Chocolate £8
So many brands have tried to create their version of the ABH Brow Wiz but most of them just don't cut it, however, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil is actually very similar. It's ever so slightly creamier than the Brow Wiz which means you don't need a lot of pressure when applying the product. They both have very fine nibs which is great for mimicking the look of brow hairs and creating a precise shape. The NYX pencil has a slightly warmer undertone which for me is the only downside as it can look obvious against my skin. Other than that, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil is a fantastic dupe!

MAC Sheertone Blush - Peaches £19.50 | Makeup Revolution Powder Blush - Treat £1
I can't believe that I found a MAC blush dupe for just £1! Apart from the packaging, everything else is pretty much the same. They're both a lovely peachy shade but the Makeup Revolution has a bit more of a coral in there. It's also more pigmented and you definitely don't need as much as you do with Peaches. They both look lovely and natural on the skin but if I had to pick one, it would probably be the Makeup Revolution blush!

Clinique Lip Pop + Primer - Beige Pop £16.50 | Rimmel London Lasting Finish Kate Moss Nude Lipstick - 45 £5.49
I've mentioned the Clinique lipstick quite a bit recently so I decided to start using something else which led me to the Rimmel lipstick which is so similar! The Lip Pop has more slip and sheen but they both apply smoothly, last a long time and give a gorgeous finish to the lips. Both are my go-to picks for an effortless pinky-beige, nude lip!

Do you have any dupes for these High-End products?

Maiya

x

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When I first started blogging I used to love doing a full face of makeup but now I like to get it on and be out the door. Recently I've been going heavier than normal and I've also been throwing on highlighter like it's going out of fashion! I think Summer is the perfect time to amp up your makeup routine and today I thought I'd show you what I've been using to fake the J-Lo glow!

Nothing's really changed when it comes to my base, I still like to look healthy and dewy but to make sure I don't turn into a greasy mess 10 minutes later, I'll do a couple of sprays of the Primark Primer Water which keeps everything refreshed and glued together. I'm still using the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream which I know I go on about it but it's just so amazing! On top of that, I'll use a mix of my Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer and the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer to cover any problem areas, hide my dark circles and to brighten at the same time. I'm still loving my KIKO Radiant Fusion Baked Powder because it just works so well at setting the face without making my makeup look cakey. For my blush, I've been mixing shades from the Nip+Fab Blusher Palette and then using my Sleek Makeup Highlighting Palette in Solstice to add that intense, glowy finish which I just crave!

I like to keep the eyes nice and simple and for this, I've gone back to my CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE in Mirage which is the perfect wash of colour that isn't too gold or too warm. I rarely wear eyeliner but if I want to open up my eyes and make them look brighter, I'll use the NYX Wonder Pencil in Light. Then I just apply some mascara and at the moment I'm absolutely obsessed with the L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll Mascara. If you're looking for mega volume and length I would highly recommend this! Lastly, for my brows, I use the Eylure Brow Pencil in Dark Brown to fill in any sparse areas and then my Eyeko Brow Gel to set them in place. 

I've recently rediscovered the Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipsticks which are some of the best lipsticks at the drugstore! I've been mixing 42 and 45 to create the ultimate nude lip. I'll line my lips using the Nip+Fab Lip Liner in Fudge, then I like to start with 45 which is slightly darker and more pink based and then I'll dab a bit of 42 on top. It can be extremely hard to find a good nude lip when you have fair skin but this combination is just perfect! 

I know my makeup looks are always the same but I can't help it, I like what I like! Have you been using any of these products lately?

Maiya

x

• Saturday, July 22, 2017

My Super Glowy Summer Makeup Routine

When I first started blogging I used to love doing a full face of makeup but now I like to get it on and be out the door. Recently I've been going heavier than normal and I've also been throwing on highlighter like it's going out of fashion! I think Summer is the perfect time to amp up your makeup routine and today I thought I'd show you what I've been using to fake the J-Lo glow!

Nothing's really changed when it comes to my base, I still like to look healthy and dewy but to make sure I don't turn into a greasy mess 10 minutes later, I'll do a couple of sprays of the Primark Primer Water which keeps everything refreshed and glued together. I'm still using the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream which I know I go on about it but it's just so amazing! On top of that, I'll use a mix of my Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer and the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer to cover any problem areas, hide my dark circles and to brighten at the same time. I'm still loving my KIKO Radiant Fusion Baked Powder because it just works so well at setting the face without making my makeup look cakey. For my blush, I've been mixing shades from the Nip+Fab Blusher Palette and then using my Sleek Makeup Highlighting Palette in Solstice to add that intense, glowy finish which I just crave!

I like to keep the eyes nice and simple and for this, I've gone back to my CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE in Mirage which is the perfect wash of colour that isn't too gold or too warm. I rarely wear eyeliner but if I want to open up my eyes and make them look brighter, I'll use the NYX Wonder Pencil in Light. Then I just apply some mascara and at the moment I'm absolutely obsessed with the L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll Mascara. If you're looking for mega volume and length I would highly recommend this! Lastly, for my brows, I use the Eylure Brow Pencil in Dark Brown to fill in any sparse areas and then my Eyeko Brow Gel to set them in place. 

I've recently rediscovered the Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipsticks which are some of the best lipsticks at the drugstore! I've been mixing 42 and 45 to create the ultimate nude lip. I'll line my lips using the Nip+Fab Lip Liner in Fudge, then I like to start with 45 which is slightly darker and more pink based and then I'll dab a bit of 42 on top. It can be extremely hard to find a good nude lip when you have fair skin but this combination is just perfect! 

I know my makeup looks are always the same but I can't help it, I like what I like! Have you been using any of these products lately?

Maiya

x

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When it comes to my beauty purchases I usually like to only buy things that I'm sure I'll get along with but sometimes I can't help but give in to those enablers who make me feel like I need to have a certain product there and then. I'm looking at you Poofie! I really enjoyed doing my last Bloggers Made Me Buy It post so today I thought I'd follow up with the skincare edition.

Pixi Glow Tonic - £18
When people first start getting into skincare there's always a handful of products that they will undoubtedly hear about when they start looking around, and this is one of them. Pixi is definitely one of my favourite skincare brands and this is the product that started it all. After hearing everyone and their mom go on about it I finally decided to try it and I haven't looked back since. The 5% Glycolic Acid exfoliates and purifies the skin helping to get rid of dead skin cells and blemishes whilst Aloe Vera and Ginseng soothe and tone the skin. This is a must have for everyone!

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm - £13.95
I've already done a full review on this so I won't jabber on too much. I waited so long to try this cleanser as it was out of stock for months but when I finally got to try it, I knew it was worth the wait.   It's a gorgeous cleansing balm which I use as a second cleanse because it's packed with nourishing oils which can be a bit too much for a morning cleanse. The texture is so silky, it just glides onto the skin when you massage it through. It also smells like Terry's Chocolate Orange which I still can't get over! 

Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum - £2.99
Yes, you saw right. this amazing serum costs 2.99! I heard both Sali Hughes and Poofie rave about the serum and let's be fair, you can't not try something that these two beauties recommend! This has become my go-to product when my skin is feeling dry, sensitive or dehydrated as it instantly starts to relieve that tight feeling and it also leaves the skin feeling extremely soft and plump. I've got two back-ups of this and I'm also already on my third bottle. If Superdrug ever discontinue this, I will go on strike until they bring it back. Ok, I probably won't go that far, but I will be very upset! 

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi Protection Essence SPF 50 - £16.50
I had heard quite a few people talk about this and I knew I needed a separate facial SPF so I decided to give it a go. Premature signs of ageing have slowly become more and more of a concern for me so protecting my skin against the sun is now one of my top priorities. I love this because although it's factor 50, it's super lightweight and comfortable on the skin. It protects against UVA and UVB rays which is amazing and I love that I can wear it under makeup and not have to worry about it feeling heavy or greasy. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - £25
I just want to quickly say that this is a travel size I got in a gift set, this small bottle does not cost £25! This is another one of those products that I couldn't resist trying and although I heard it was good, I didn't think it would be this good! This is plump, juicy skin in a bottle and whenever I use this, my skin looks so fresh and hydrated the next morning. It has a similar consistency to a thick moisturiser and I just apply a small amount to my entire face as the last step in my evening skincare routine. I also love to use it after a detoxifying mask. If you have dry/dehydrated skin, you need this in your life!

Have you tried any of these Beauty Blogger favourites?

Maiya

x

• Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Bloggers Made Me Buy It - The Skincare Edition

When it comes to my beauty purchases I usually like to only buy things that I'm sure I'll get along with but sometimes I can't help but give in to those enablers who make me feel like I need to have a certain product there and then. I'm looking at you Poofie! I really enjoyed doing my last Bloggers Made Me Buy It post so today I thought I'd follow up with the skincare edition.

Pixi Glow Tonic - £18
When people first start getting into skincare there's always a handful of products that they will undoubtedly hear about when they start looking around, and this is one of them. Pixi is definitely one of my favourite skincare brands and this is the product that started it all. After hearing everyone and their mom go on about it I finally decided to try it and I haven't looked back since. The 5% Glycolic Acid exfoliates and purifies the skin helping to get rid of dead skin cells and blemishes whilst Aloe Vera and Ginseng soothe and tone the skin. This is a must have for everyone!

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm - £13.95
I've already done a full review on this so I won't jabber on too much. I waited so long to try this cleanser as it was out of stock for months but when I finally got to try it, I knew it was worth the wait.   It's a gorgeous cleansing balm which I use as a second cleanse because it's packed with nourishing oils which can be a bit too much for a morning cleanse. The texture is so silky, it just glides onto the skin when you massage it through. It also smells like Terry's Chocolate Orange which I still can't get over! 

Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum - £2.99
Yes, you saw right. this amazing serum costs 2.99! I heard both Sali Hughes and Poofie rave about the serum and let's be fair, you can't not try something that these two beauties recommend! This has become my go-to product when my skin is feeling dry, sensitive or dehydrated as it instantly starts to relieve that tight feeling and it also leaves the skin feeling extremely soft and plump. I've got two back-ups of this and I'm also already on my third bottle. If Superdrug ever discontinue this, I will go on strike until they bring it back. Ok, I probably won't go that far, but I will be very upset! 

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi Protection Essence SPF 50 - £16.50
I had heard quite a few people talk about this and I knew I needed a separate facial SPF so I decided to give it a go. Premature signs of ageing have slowly become more and more of a concern for me so protecting my skin against the sun is now one of my top priorities. I love this because although it's factor 50, it's super lightweight and comfortable on the skin. It protects against UVA and UVB rays which is amazing and I love that I can wear it under makeup and not have to worry about it feeling heavy or greasy. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - £25
I just want to quickly say that this is a travel size I got in a gift set, this small bottle does not cost £25! This is another one of those products that I couldn't resist trying and although I heard it was good, I didn't think it would be this good! This is plump, juicy skin in a bottle and whenever I use this, my skin looks so fresh and hydrated the next morning. It has a similar consistency to a thick moisturiser and I just apply a small amount to my entire face as the last step in my evening skincare routine. I also love to use it after a detoxifying mask. If you have dry/dehydrated skin, you need this in your life!

Have you tried any of these Beauty Blogger favourites?

Maiya

x

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I've been meaning to get this post up for a while now but I wanted to wait until I had a good round up of products. I'm not sure why but it takes me so long to use up a product unless it's something like shampoo or shower gel. I've seen some bloggers do empties posts every other month and it always amazes me! Today's post is very skincare heavy but there are some hair and body bits as well! 

Skincare

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish 
I was so surprised that I managed to finish two 150ml bottles of C&P in just 6 months but in a way, I'm not because Hubby and I use it all the time. I used up two Limited Editions but I'm now back to using the original which will always be my favourite.

Pixi Glow Tonic
This is such an amazing exfoliating toner and I already have a new one on the go. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid, Ginseng and Aloe Vera which work to resurface and brighten the skin.

Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser
I was kindly sent this from the brand last October-ish and I instantly loved it. Whilst it's not something I would use every day, I think it's a great 'shower cleanser'. It leaves the skin feeling really soft and clean and it smells nice and fruity. 

La Roche Posay Serozinc Spray
There's not much to say about this other than I love it and will always repurchase it. It's a Zinc Sulfate spray which helps to calm the skin as well as fight breakouts. It's a must have for everyone!

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse
I really enjoyed using this cleanser and I will definitely pick it up again at some point. It's a beautiful cleansing balm, quite similar to the EH Moringa Balm, just a bit thicker. It spreads over the skin like a dream and my skin always looks and feels so healthy and nourished after using it.

Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum
I didn't realise how much I love this stuff until I ran out and didn't have a backup. Whenever my skin is dry, irritated, sensitive, you name it, this knows just how to fix it. Straight after applying it my skin feels soft, nourished and really well moisturised but not in a greasy way. It's a lovely semi-thick texture and it works beautifully under makeup. 

I also used up - 
More Superdrug serum
Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask for Dry Skin
Garnier Pure Active Daily Deep Pore Scrub
Boots Botanics 100% Rosewater Spritz
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator
Good Things Manuka Honey Cream Cleanser
Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser
Pixi Glow Mud Mask

Haircare

L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Shampoo
I've used up two bottles of this and although it did work well for me in the beginning, I probably won't repurchase it again. It's a bit too thick for my fine hair and it almost leaves a coating which I can't stand.

VO5 Heat Protect Spray
I'm already onto my third bottle of this stuff and I know it's quite boring but it's one of those products that just does what it says on the tin. It smells nice, protects my hair and makes it feel lovely and soft. Plus it's really affordable!

Alberto Balsam Blends Smooth & Sleek Conditioner
I first heard about this range from Caroline Hirons but I prefer this scent to the one she normally talks about. I don't even know how many of these I've gone though. My hair is so soft and shiny after using it and the gorgeous Argan Oil and Jasmine Flower scent last all day. 

Body

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter
I'm so proud of myself for finishing a full tub of body butter. I'm very lazy when it comes to moisturising my body and a lot of the time my skin get's irritated with a lot of creams/lotions, but this was gorgeous and I loved the soft, comforting scent. 

Palmolive Naturals Milk & Honey Shower Cream
I've been using this since I was little and it's always what I go back to if I'm having an issue with something else. It's so creamy and it and always leaves me feeling really clean and smelling nice. 

Ted Baker Blush Mini Body Spray 
I've just finished my first bottle of this and I'm already working my way through a second. It's such a gorgeous, light mist and I love keeping it in my bag so I can top up my scent throughout the day. If you like floral, sweet scents, I would definitely check this out!

I really hope you enjoyed my first ever empties post! What products have you used up recently?

Maiya

x

• Monday, July 17, 2017

Empties | July 2017

I've been meaning to get this post up for a while now but I wanted to wait until I had a good round up of products. I'm not sure why but it takes me so long to use up a product unless it's something like shampoo or shower gel. I've seen some bloggers do empties posts every other month and it always amazes me! Today's post is very skincare heavy but there are some hair and body bits as well! 

Skincare

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish 
I was so surprised that I managed to finish two 150ml bottles of C&P in just 6 months but in a way, I'm not because Hubby and I use it all the time. I used up two Limited Editions but I'm now back to using the original which will always be my favourite.

Pixi Glow Tonic
This is such an amazing exfoliating toner and I already have a new one on the go. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid, Ginseng and Aloe Vera which work to resurface and brighten the skin.

Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser
I was kindly sent this from the brand last October-ish and I instantly loved it. Whilst it's not something I would use every day, I think it's a great 'shower cleanser'. It leaves the skin feeling really soft and clean and it smells nice and fruity. 

La Roche Posay Serozinc Spray
There's not much to say about this other than I love it and will always repurchase it. It's a Zinc Sulfate spray which helps to calm the skin as well as fight breakouts. It's a must have for everyone!

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse
I really enjoyed using this cleanser and I will definitely pick it up again at some point. It's a beautiful cleansing balm, quite similar to the EH Moringa Balm, just a bit thicker. It spreads over the skin like a dream and my skin always looks and feels so healthy and nourished after using it.

Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum
I didn't realise how much I love this stuff until I ran out and didn't have a backup. Whenever my skin is dry, irritated, sensitive, you name it, this knows just how to fix it. Straight after applying it my skin feels soft, nourished and really well moisturised but not in a greasy way. It's a lovely semi-thick texture and it works beautifully under makeup. 

I also used up - 
More Superdrug serum
Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask for Dry Skin
Garnier Pure Active Daily Deep Pore Scrub
Boots Botanics 100% Rosewater Spritz
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator
Good Things Manuka Honey Cream Cleanser
Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser
Pixi Glow Mud Mask

Haircare

L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Shampoo
I've used up two bottles of this and although it did work well for me in the beginning, I probably won't repurchase it again. It's a bit too thick for my fine hair and it almost leaves a coating which I can't stand.

VO5 Heat Protect Spray
I'm already onto my third bottle of this stuff and I know it's quite boring but it's one of those products that just does what it says on the tin. It smells nice, protects my hair and makes it feel lovely and soft. Plus it's really affordable!

Alberto Balsam Blends Smooth & Sleek Conditioner
I first heard about this range from Caroline Hirons but I prefer this scent to the one she normally talks about. I don't even know how many of these I've gone though. My hair is so soft and shiny after using it and the gorgeous Argan Oil and Jasmine Flower scent last all day. 

Body

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter
I'm so proud of myself for finishing a full tub of body butter. I'm very lazy when it comes to moisturising my body and a lot of the time my skin get's irritated with a lot of creams/lotions, but this was gorgeous and I loved the soft, comforting scent. 

Palmolive Naturals Milk & Honey Shower Cream
I've been using this since I was little and it's always what I go back to if I'm having an issue with something else. It's so creamy and it and always leaves me feeling really clean and smelling nice. 

Ted Baker Blush Mini Body Spray 
I've just finished my first bottle of this and I'm already working my way through a second. It's such a gorgeous, light mist and I love keeping it in my bag so I can top up my scent throughout the day. If you like floral, sweet scents, I would definitely check this out!

I really hope you enjoyed my first ever empties post! What products have you used up recently?

Maiya

x

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After many years of trial and error, I've finally gotten to a point where I'm happy with my brows and I now have a simple routine which I use to keep them looking nice and polished. I often get lovely comments on my brows so today I wanted to tell you how I achieve, #browgoals. 

The first step is always grooming and shaping. The shape I go for is full, arched and quite defined. Once a month I like to trim my brows and all I do is brush them up with a spoolie and trim the hairs that exceed my natural brow line. I only do a bit at a time because this shortens the hairs quite a bit and can also make the brow appear a lot thinner. I can't remember where I got my scissors from but I'm sure it was either Boots or Sainsbury's. It doesn't really matter to me as long as they're slightly curved. For day to day maintenance, I like to use tweezers because they're quick and easy. 

When it comes to filling them in my go-to product is usually a pencil. Recently I've really been enjoying the Eylure Firm Brow Pencil in Dark Brown. I love it because it's a hard texture which means it doesn't smudge or come off throughout the day and is really easy to use. I always start at the bottom line near the front to give them more structure, then I'll lightly fill in any sparse areas and join the front so it all looks blended and more natural. The pencil also comes with a spoolie which is really handy! Over the years I've realised that I can't live without brow gel and my favourite one is the Eyeko Brow Gel. It's slightly tinted but is suitable for all hair colours. It's a must have for anyone with unruly brows! 

Finally, if I'm feeling super fancy, I'll use a bit of concealer to clean up around the edges to give a really clean finish. The Collection Lasting Perfection Corrector in Lemon is great for this as the slight yellow undertone helps to lift and highlight at the same time.

What are your favourite brow products?

Maiya

x

• Thursday, July 13, 2017

My Eyebrow Routine

After many years of trial and error, I've finally gotten to a point where I'm happy with my brows and I now have a simple routine which I use to keep them looking nice and polished. I often get lovely comments on my brows so today I wanted to tell you how I achieve, #browgoals. 

The first step is always grooming and shaping. The shape I go for is full, arched and quite defined. Once a month I like to trim my brows and all I do is brush them up with a spoolie and trim the hairs that exceed my natural brow line. I only do a bit at a time because this shortens the hairs quite a bit and can also make the brow appear a lot thinner. I can't remember where I got my scissors from but I'm sure it was either Boots or Sainsbury's. It doesn't really matter to me as long as they're slightly curved. For day to day maintenance, I like to use tweezers because they're quick and easy. 

When it comes to filling them in my go-to product is usually a pencil. Recently I've really been enjoying the Eylure Firm Brow Pencil in Dark Brown. I love it because it's a hard texture which means it doesn't smudge or come off throughout the day and is really easy to use. I always start at the bottom line near the front to give them more structure, then I'll lightly fill in any sparse areas and join the front so it all looks blended and more natural. The pencil also comes with a spoolie which is really handy! Over the years I've realised that I can't live without brow gel and my favourite one is the Eyeko Brow Gel. It's slightly tinted but is suitable for all hair colours. It's a must have for anyone with unruly brows! 

Finally, if I'm feeling super fancy, I'll use a bit of concealer to clean up around the edges to give a really clean finish. The Collection Lasting Perfection Corrector in Lemon is great for this as the slight yellow undertone helps to lift and highlight at the same time.

What are your favourite brow products?

Maiya

x

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It's been a long time since I did a Boots haul and I must admit, it felt so good coming out of there with more than just a pack of cotton pads and some deodorant! Makeup wise there wasn't much that caught my eye, plus there aren't any new releases that I thought were worth trying, but I did pick up one base product. The rest of the haul is skincare and fragrance which I'm so excited about!

Ted Baker Blush Pink Mini Body Spray - £3
I'm obsessed with this stuff! It doesn't last very long as it's only a body mist but it has a lovely floral scent which makes me feel so feminine and girly. I think this is a great item to keep in your handbag for when you want to top up your scent throughout the day and for £3, it's an absolute bargain!

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Fair - £5.49
I'm getting quite bored of my current concealers and I was really intrigued by this one. I love pot concealers and I'm really looking forward to seeing if this covers my dark concealers as well as it claims to!

L'Oreal Pairs Hydra Genius Liquid Care Normal-Dry Skin - £6.66
One of my biggest skin concerns at the moment is dehydration so I decided to pick this up after hearing so many people say that it made their skin feel lovely and plump. It's called a water but I would describe it as a serum/essence. It contains Pure Aloe Vera Sap and Hyaluronic Acid which help the skin retain moisture. I decided to try the Normal-Dry formula but it also comes in Combination and Sensitive which is amazing!

Garnier Skin Active Nourishing Botanical Honey Flower Gel Wash & Toner - 2 for £5
The new Skin Active line has been so popular recently so I couldn't pass up their current 2 for £5 offer. I decided to go for the Honey Flower Gel Wash as I love using cleansers like this in the morning and I also picked up the matching toner which is designed to nourish and purify. The Honey range is targeted towards Dry-Very Dry skin so I'm hoping these will also be good for dehydration. They smell amazing too! 

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?

Maiya

x

• Tuesday, July 11, 2017

A Mini Boots Haul

It's been a long time since I did a Boots haul and I must admit, it felt so good coming out of there with more than just a pack of cotton pads and some deodorant! Makeup wise there wasn't much that caught my eye, plus there aren't any new releases that I thought were worth trying, but I did pick up one base product. The rest of the haul is skincare and fragrance which I'm so excited about!

Ted Baker Blush Pink Mini Body Spray - £3
I'm obsessed with this stuff! It doesn't last very long as it's only a body mist but it has a lovely floral scent which makes me feel so feminine and girly. I think this is a great item to keep in your handbag for when you want to top up your scent throughout the day and for £3, it's an absolute bargain!

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Fair - £5.49
I'm getting quite bored of my current concealers and I was really intrigued by this one. I love pot concealers and I'm really looking forward to seeing if this covers my dark concealers as well as it claims to!

L'Oreal Pairs Hydra Genius Liquid Care Normal-Dry Skin - £6.66
One of my biggest skin concerns at the moment is dehydration so I decided to pick this up after hearing so many people say that it made their skin feel lovely and plump. It's called a water but I would describe it as a serum/essence. It contains Pure Aloe Vera Sap and Hyaluronic Acid which help the skin retain moisture. I decided to try the Normal-Dry formula but it also comes in Combination and Sensitive which is amazing!

Garnier Skin Active Nourishing Botanical Honey Flower Gel Wash & Toner - 2 for £5
The new Skin Active line has been so popular recently so I couldn't pass up their current 2 for £5 offer. I decided to go for the Honey Flower Gel Wash as I love using cleansers like this in the morning and I also picked up the matching toner which is designed to nourish and purify. The Honey range is targeted towards Dry-Very Dry skin so I'm hoping these will also be good for dehydration. They smell amazing too! 

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?

Maiya

x

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I used to spend hours doing my makeup but recently I've got a much more laid back approach and I've also been wearing less makeup in general. I don't mind this though as it means I can be out the door in just half an hour (which let's face it, is what we and our partners prefer). Today I wanted to show you the 5 products I use when I want to look healthy and polished but not overdone. 

My base is always my main concern as that's where I have the most problem areas. To give me maximum coverage without looking like I'm caked in makeup, I like to use my IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50 to even out my redness, cover blemishes and give me a nice glowy finish. It also works as a pretty decent concealer for under the eyes. Moving onto the rest of the face, I like to add a bit of colour to the cheeks to stop me looking flat and for this, I usually use my Collection Speedy Blush Stick in Tickled Pink which is really subtle and easy to wear. I apply all of my base products with my fingers to achieve the most natural finish but also to save me having to dig out 101 brushes.

For my eyes, I like to keep it really simple and just apply some mascara. It's the easiest way to bring attention to them without having to do a full look. Recently I've been loving the L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll Mascara in Black because it gives me amazing volume and length in just one coat! I also use a bit of NYX Tinted Brow Mascara to add some colour and shape to my brows.

I will always wear some kind of nude on my lips and I love using tinted products like the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors because they add a hint of colour, wear nicely and you don't need a mirror to apply them. They're the ultimate 'your lip but better' option.

So there you have my 5 go-to products for when I want to look and feel a bit more human. What are yours?

Maiya

x 

• Saturday, July 08, 2017

My 5 Product Face

I used to spend hours doing my makeup but recently I've got a much more laid back approach and I've also been wearing less makeup in general. I don't mind this though as it means I can be out the door in just half an hour (which let's face it, is what we and our partners prefer). Today I wanted to show you the 5 products I use when I want to look healthy and polished but not overdone. 

My base is always my main concern as that's where I have the most problem areas. To give me maximum coverage without looking like I'm caked in makeup, I like to use my IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50 to even out my redness, cover blemishes and give me a nice glowy finish. It also works as a pretty decent concealer for under the eyes. Moving onto the rest of the face, I like to add a bit of colour to the cheeks to stop me looking flat and for this, I usually use my Collection Speedy Blush Stick in Tickled Pink which is really subtle and easy to wear. I apply all of my base products with my fingers to achieve the most natural finish but also to save me having to dig out 101 brushes.

For my eyes, I like to keep it really simple and just apply some mascara. It's the easiest way to bring attention to them without having to do a full look. Recently I've been loving the L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll Mascara in Black because it gives me amazing volume and length in just one coat! I also use a bit of NYX Tinted Brow Mascara to add some colour and shape to my brows.

I will always wear some kind of nude on my lips and I love using tinted products like the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors because they add a hint of colour, wear nicely and you don't need a mirror to apply them. They're the ultimate 'your lip but better' option.

So there you have my 5 go-to products for when I want to look and feel a bit more human. What are yours?

Maiya

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We're another month closer to my 20th birthday but I'm trying to ignore that and instead, I'm focusing on the fact we're another month closer to Christmas! Yes, I'm already talking about Christmas, #sorrynotsorry! I haven't done any serious beauty shopping for a little while now so most of the products in today's post are things you've probably seen me mention before but there are a couple new bits that I'm really looking forward to showing you! 

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist - £18
I've been a massive fan of Pixi ever since I first tried their Glow Tonic and one product I just can't be without is their Hydrating Milky Mist. It's so light and refreshing and I love using it as a hydrating toner in my everyday skincare routine. 

Happy Place Cosmetics Banana Bread & Vanilla Chai Face Scrub - £14
I don't think I can do a monthly favourites post and not talk about at least one Happy Place Cosmetics product. I love a good face scrub and I figured it was about time I try one of their other scents. I'm not usually a banana person but this smells absolutely amazing. There's a slight spicy note from the Vanilla Chai and it's so warm and comforting when you massage it into the skin. Like the other scrubs, it does an amazing job at gently exfoliating and giving my skin a smooth yet moisturised feeling afterwards. If you haven't tried one of the HPC Face Scrubs, stop what you're doing and go order one!

Pure Potions Skin Salvation Moisturising Ointment 30ml - £7.99
If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll probably know that I suffer from eczema on my hands and body. I never used to have any issues with dry, itchy skin until I had a reaction to the contraceptive pill, (TMI, but I thought I'd be open). Since then the eczema has stayed with me and I constantly get flare ups. This product has saved my skin and although I still have an ongoing struggle with my eczema, this does an amazing job at reducing and soothing any itching, dryness or painful cracks. It's 100% natural and is formulated with Beeswax, Hemp, Olive, Chamomile, Nettle, Chickweed, and Calendula. It's seriously amazing stuff and I would highly recommend this to anyone with any kind of dry skin issue!

Clinique Lip Pop + Primer Beige Pop - £16.50
I've recently rediscovered these Clinique lipsticks and I'm so glad I have as they're one of my all time favourite formulas. They give me just the right amount of colour, sheen and moisture and they're so easy to wear and reapply throughout the day. Recently I've been wearing Beige Pop which is a beautiful everyday nude shade.

Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot Primer - £10
My skin has been a lot shinier recently due to the warmer weather and although I love a glow, there's definitely a fine line between healthy and dewy and downright sweaty. I've been using this under my base products and I'm so happy with the finish it gives. My congested areas look smoother and my base lasts so much longer but the main reason I love it is because it doesn't have that horrible silicone-y texture. It's actually quite moisturising which is very rare for a mattifying primer!

What products were you loving last month?

Maiya

x

• Wednesday, July 05, 2017

June Favourites 2017

We're another month closer to my 20th birthday but I'm trying to ignore that and instead, I'm focusing on the fact we're another month closer to Christmas! Yes, I'm already talking about Christmas, #sorrynotsorry! I haven't done any serious beauty shopping for a little while now so most of the products in today's post are things you've probably seen me mention before but there are a couple new bits that I'm really looking forward to showing you! 

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist - £18
I've been a massive fan of Pixi ever since I first tried their Glow Tonic and one product I just can't be without is their Hydrating Milky Mist. It's so light and refreshing and I love using it as a hydrating toner in my everyday skincare routine. 

Happy Place Cosmetics Banana Bread & Vanilla Chai Face Scrub - £14
I don't think I can do a monthly favourites post and not talk about at least one Happy Place Cosmetics product. I love a good face scrub and I figured it was about time I try one of their other scents. I'm not usually a banana person but this smells absolutely amazing. There's a slight spicy note from the Vanilla Chai and it's so warm and comforting when you massage it into the skin. Like the other scrubs, it does an amazing job at gently exfoliating and giving my skin a smooth yet moisturised feeling afterwards. If you haven't tried one of the HPC Face Scrubs, stop what you're doing and go order one!

Pure Potions Skin Salvation Moisturising Ointment 30ml - £7.99
If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll probably know that I suffer from eczema on my hands and body. I never used to have any issues with dry, itchy skin until I had a reaction to the contraceptive pill, (TMI, but I thought I'd be open). Since then the eczema has stayed with me and I constantly get flare ups. This product has saved my skin and although I still have an ongoing struggle with my eczema, this does an amazing job at reducing and soothing any itching, dryness or painful cracks. It's 100% natural and is formulated with Beeswax, Hemp, Olive, Chamomile, Nettle, Chickweed, and Calendula. It's seriously amazing stuff and I would highly recommend this to anyone with any kind of dry skin issue!

Clinique Lip Pop + Primer Beige Pop - £16.50
I've recently rediscovered these Clinique lipsticks and I'm so glad I have as they're one of my all time favourite formulas. They give me just the right amount of colour, sheen and moisture and they're so easy to wear and reapply throughout the day. Recently I've been wearing Beige Pop which is a beautiful everyday nude shade.

Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot Primer - £10
My skin has been a lot shinier recently due to the warmer weather and although I love a glow, there's definitely a fine line between healthy and dewy and downright sweaty. I've been using this under my base products and I'm so happy with the finish it gives. My congested areas look smoother and my base lasts so much longer but the main reason I love it is because it doesn't have that horrible silicone-y texture. It's actually quite moisturising which is very rare for a mattifying primer!

What products were you loving last month?

Maiya

x

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Herbal Essences is a brand that I've used for years and years and I'm not ashamed to admit that I literally jumped up and down when I was invited to the launch event for their new Bio Renew collection. This line is all about going back to basics and combining science and nature to create a shampoo and conditioner duo for every hair type. I know it sounds simple but there's actually quite a bit more to it! I got to learn a lot about this range and the science behind it and I'm so excited to show some pictures from the event and the gorgeous products I got to take home with me!

The collection is built around a special blend of three key ingredients which work together to clean, hydrate and nourish the hair. The main ingredient in this blend is Histidine, an antioxidant and amino acid which works by trapping things such as free radicals and holds onto them until you wash your hair. It's almost like a magnet for impurities! There's also Aloe and Sea Kelp which infuse the hair with vitamins and minerals. 

All of the collection is formulated without parabens, silicones, gluten and colourants and is safe for colour treated hair. I think this is genius as it means you don't have to find a separate shampoo and conditioner for your colour which I know can be a right pain in the arse! There are 7 fragrances to choose from which include: Coconut Milk, Argan Oil, Golden Moringa Oil, White Grapefruit & Mosa Mint, Cucumber & Green Tea, Rosemary & Herbs and White Strawberry & Sweet Mint. 

My hair is fine, straight and overall pretty healthy but it does get greasy on the top and dry at the ends so I knew I wanted to try something that was going to clean and condition my hair without leaving a residue. There are two variants which are targeted towards normal/fine hair and I decided to go for the White Strawberry & Sweet Mint Shampoo & Conditioner* as it was the sweeter option. (If you've ever tried the Strawberry and Lime Trident Splash Chewing Gum, it basically smells like that!) 
I've already started using them both and I have to say that so far, I'm really impressed! The shampoo lathers up nicely and leaves my hair feeling clean but not stripped and the conditioner makes the mid lengths and ends of my hair feel super soft and nourished. Hubby's also been using the shampoo and he loves it, and not just because it smells like sweets!

I think they're onto a winner with this range and I would highly recommend checking it out for yourself! 

Maiya

x

This post contains PR/Gifted items. All opinions are 100% my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

• Monday, July 03, 2017

Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Launch Event + First Impressions

Herbal Essences is a brand that I've used for years and years and I'm not ashamed to admit that I literally jumped up and down when I was invited to the launch event for their new Bio Renew collection. This line is all about going back to basics and combining science and nature to create a shampoo and conditioner duo for every hair type. I know it sounds simple but there's actually quite a bit more to it! I got to learn a lot about this range and the science behind it and I'm so excited to show some pictures from the event and the gorgeous products I got to take home with me!

The collection is built around a special blend of three key ingredients which work together to clean, hydrate and nourish the hair. The main ingredient in this blend is Histidine, an antioxidant and amino acid which works by trapping things such as free radicals and holds onto them until you wash your hair. It's almost like a magnet for impurities! There's also Aloe and Sea Kelp which infuse the hair with vitamins and minerals. 

All of the collection is formulated without parabens, silicones, gluten and colourants and is safe for colour treated hair. I think this is genius as it means you don't have to find a separate shampoo and conditioner for your colour which I know can be a right pain in the arse! There are 7 fragrances to choose from which include: Coconut Milk, Argan Oil, Golden Moringa Oil, White Grapefruit & Mosa Mint, Cucumber & Green Tea, Rosemary & Herbs and White Strawberry & Sweet Mint. 

My hair is fine, straight and overall pretty healthy but it does get greasy on the top and dry at the ends so I knew I wanted to try something that was going to clean and condition my hair without leaving a residue. There are two variants which are targeted towards normal/fine hair and I decided to go for the White Strawberry & Sweet Mint Shampoo & Conditioner* as it was the sweeter option. (If you've ever tried the Strawberry and Lime Trident Splash Chewing Gum, it basically smells like that!) 
I've already started using them both and I have to say that so far, I'm really impressed! The shampoo lathers up nicely and leaves my hair feeling clean but not stripped and the conditioner makes the mid lengths and ends of my hair feel super soft and nourished. Hubby's also been using the shampoo and he loves it, and not just because it smells like sweets!

I think they're onto a winner with this range and I would highly recommend checking it out for yourself! 

Maiya

x

This post contains PR/Gifted items. All opinions are 100% my own. Read my full disclaimer here.

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