Over the past couple of weeks, I've purchased a fair bit of makeup and it's really reignited my love for finding new beauty products. You all know I'm a creature of habit and will very happily stick to the same makeup routine for months on end but this year I really want to experiment more and try more products from brands I already love and use.  

My Charlotte Tilbury collection is growing slowly but surely, and I'm currently going through a phase where I want to try literally every product from her range. I recently purchased the Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk and I'm already obsessed with it! I've heard great things about her eyeshadows and blushes and I'm also really intrigued by her new Hollywood Contour Wand and Beauty Light Wand which look like the perfect duo for creating a naturally sculpted face. 

I never used to be interested in Bobbi Brown makeup but after having a closer look at the range I've seen quite a few products that I really want to try including the Vitamin Enriched Face Base and Creamy Concealer. I have the Skin Foundation Stick which I really like as an everyday foundation so I think I'll really enjoy these!

Ever since I tried the Marc Jacobs Blush Air Blush in Kink & Kisses I've been dying to try more products from them. I love their high-end, luxe vibe and I'm not usually a sucker for packaging but Marc has it down. I'm currently lusting after the Under(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer and Bronzer Brush. 

I've only tried one product from IT Cosmetics which is their cult Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50 and I still haven't managed to find anything that makes my skin look as flawless and glowing whilst still being natural at the same time. This year I definitely want to try some other bits from them. The Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream sounds amazing! 

What makeup products do you want to try this year?

Maiya

x

• Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Makeup Brands I Want To Try More From In 2018

Over the past couple of weeks, I've purchased a fair bit of makeup and it's really reignited my love for finding new beauty products. You all know I'm a creature of habit and will very happily stick to the same makeup routine for months on end but this year I really want to experiment more and try more products from brands I already love and use.  

My Charlotte Tilbury collection is growing slowly but surely, and I'm currently going through a phase where I want to try literally every product from her range. I recently purchased the Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk and I'm already obsessed with it! I've heard great things about her eyeshadows and blushes and I'm also really intrigued by her new Hollywood Contour Wand and Beauty Light Wand which look like the perfect duo for creating a naturally sculpted face. 

I never used to be interested in Bobbi Brown makeup but after having a closer look at the range I've seen quite a few products that I really want to try including the Vitamin Enriched Face Base and Creamy Concealer. I have the Skin Foundation Stick which I really like as an everyday foundation so I think I'll really enjoy these!

Ever since I tried the Marc Jacobs Blush Air Blush in Kink & Kisses I've been dying to try more products from them. I love their high-end, luxe vibe and I'm not usually a sucker for packaging but Marc has it down. I'm currently lusting after the Under(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer and Bronzer Brush. 

I've only tried one product from IT Cosmetics which is their cult Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50 and I still haven't managed to find anything that makes my skin look as flawless and glowing whilst still being natural at the same time. This year I definitely want to try some other bits from them. The Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream sounds amazing! 

What makeup products do you want to try this year?

Maiya

x

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Most of you will know that I recently took a short break from blogging and social media and although there were a few days when boredom would kick in and the urge to check Instagram was strong, a digital detox was something I'd needed for a really long time. Today I wanted to talk about my experiences being completely technology (well, phone) free, how it's made me fall back in love with blogging and why I think everyone one should try it at least once!

I had been planning to take a break since around September/October but I never got round to setting a date and then one night whilst taking some blog photos, I decided it was finally time to press pause. Around this time blogging didn't feel all that fun and I was focusing so much on the pressure of scheduling and uploading that I wasn't enjoying it anymore and that really bothered me as my blog is my baby and I love it so much. I also put my social media on hold and I can't explain how nice that felt! There were some days when I didn't open the Instagram app at all! I KNOW! 

I also started to feel really unhappy with the content I was putting out and I knew having some time off would help me regroup and come up with some new ideas. My sleeping pattern wasn't great over the Christmas period and it really started to affect my scheduling as I would wake up super late and by the time I'd done all of my normal daily activities, I'd have very little time to take photos or write posts which as you can imagine, was super frustrating! I have a much better pattern now and I've noticed such an improvement in how much work I'm managing to get done. 

The final thing that helped me realise it was time for a digital detox was after noticing how little time I had in the day to just relax and do something other than blog and scroll through Instagram. I was either on my laptop, sitting at my desk or constantly checking my phone. Don't get me wrong, I'm super happy and lucky to be able to do what I do but even though I work from home, it's still super exhausting being glued to a screen all day. It's definitely taught me the importance of taking regular breaks and learning when to just turn the laptop off and go to bed rather than forcing it and creating something I'm not happy with. 

Having a digital detox really helped me rediscover my passion for blogging and I would highly recommend it to anyone who's feeling a bit unmotivated or fed up. 

Would you consider having a digital detox?

Maiya

x

• Monday, January 29, 2018

Why Everyone Needs A Digital Detox

Most of you will know that I recently took a short break from blogging and social media and although there were a few days when boredom would kick in and the urge to check Instagram was strong, a digital detox was something I'd needed for a really long time. Today I wanted to talk about my experiences being completely technology (well, phone) free, how it's made me fall back in love with blogging and why I think everyone one should try it at least once!

I had been planning to take a break since around September/October but I never got round to setting a date and then one night whilst taking some blog photos, I decided it was finally time to press pause. Around this time blogging didn't feel all that fun and I was focusing so much on the pressure of scheduling and uploading that I wasn't enjoying it anymore and that really bothered me as my blog is my baby and I love it so much. I also put my social media on hold and I can't explain how nice that felt! There were some days when I didn't open the Instagram app at all! I KNOW! 

I also started to feel really unhappy with the content I was putting out and I knew having some time off would help me regroup and come up with some new ideas. My sleeping pattern wasn't great over the Christmas period and it really started to affect my scheduling as I would wake up super late and by the time I'd done all of my normal daily activities, I'd have very little time to take photos or write posts which as you can imagine, was super frustrating! I have a much better pattern now and I've noticed such an improvement in how much work I'm managing to get done. 

The final thing that helped me realise it was time for a digital detox was after noticing how little time I had in the day to just relax and do something other than blog and scroll through Instagram. I was either on my laptop, sitting at my desk or constantly checking my phone. Don't get me wrong, I'm super happy and lucky to be able to do what I do but even though I work from home, it's still super exhausting being glued to a screen all day. It's definitely taught me the importance of taking regular breaks and learning when to just turn the laptop off and go to bed rather than forcing it and creating something I'm not happy with. 

Having a digital detox really helped me rediscover my passion for blogging and I would highly recommend it to anyone who's feeling a bit unmotivated or fed up. 

Would you consider having a digital detox?

Maiya

x

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When I was in my teens my skin was very typical, a bit shiny and congested and every now and then I'd have a massive spot appear right on the tip of my nose. Puberty, aye! But recently both my face and body have become so dry and dehydrated and I'm constantly having to deal with tight, flaky skin that gets very easily irritated. I also have eczema which makes the whole thing ten times worse. Over the Winter period, I've managed to find a small group of products that hydrate and soothe my skin without being too heavy. 

My skincare routine has been pretty consistent over the past few weeks so I haven't really been switching things up, but one product that I have recently started using is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream which is probably the best moisturiser I've ever used! It's a rich yet lightweight cream that leaves the skin feeling super hydrated and nourished. It makes a great base for makeup too! If I'm having a particularly dry day then I'll layer a bit of The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil underneath to really supercharge my skin. 

I've mentioned in previous posts that I'm very fussy when it comes to body products as I seem to react to almost everything but I have found a new shower item that's completely changed my skin. I saw the Sanex Advanced Hydrate 24H Shower Cream on offer in Boots and decided to give it a whirl and despite not having high expectations, this is now one of my Winter staples. It's kind of similar to those in-shower body moisturisers as it has a creamy texture that lathers, leaving you clean but not stripped. Plus, you don't have to worry about applying a body cream afterwards which is perfect for us lazy girls!

I also have a couple of add-ons which I use on more specific areas. The first is the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream which I apply every night in a thick layer to ensure soft, silky hands the next morning. I've almost finished mine and I think I'm going to try the Almond version next! The second product is the Pure Potions Skin Salvation Moisturising Ointment which I've raved about multiple times before. It's an all-natural balm that I apply to any stubborn patches of dry skin or eczema for instant comfort and moisture. I can't be without it!

What are your top Winter skincare picks? 

Maiya

x

• Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Winter Skincare Picks

When I was in my teens my skin was very typical, a bit shiny and congested and every now and then I'd have a massive spot appear right on the tip of my nose. Puberty, aye! But recently both my face and body have become so dry and dehydrated and I'm constantly having to deal with tight, flaky skin that gets very easily irritated. I also have eczema which makes the whole thing ten times worse. Over the Winter period, I've managed to find a small group of products that hydrate and soothe my skin without being too heavy. 

My skincare routine has been pretty consistent over the past few weeks so I haven't really been switching things up, but one product that I have recently started using is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream which is probably the best moisturiser I've ever used! It's a rich yet lightweight cream that leaves the skin feeling super hydrated and nourished. It makes a great base for makeup too! If I'm having a particularly dry day then I'll layer a bit of The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil underneath to really supercharge my skin. 

I've mentioned in previous posts that I'm very fussy when it comes to body products as I seem to react to almost everything but I have found a new shower item that's completely changed my skin. I saw the Sanex Advanced Hydrate 24H Shower Cream on offer in Boots and decided to give it a whirl and despite not having high expectations, this is now one of my Winter staples. It's kind of similar to those in-shower body moisturisers as it has a creamy texture that lathers, leaving you clean but not stripped. Plus, you don't have to worry about applying a body cream afterwards which is perfect for us lazy girls!

I also have a couple of add-ons which I use on more specific areas. The first is the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream which I apply every night in a thick layer to ensure soft, silky hands the next morning. I've almost finished mine and I think I'm going to try the Almond version next! The second product is the Pure Potions Skin Salvation Moisturising Ointment which I've raved about multiple times before. It's an all-natural balm that I apply to any stubborn patches of dry skin or eczema for instant comfort and moisture. I can't be without it!

What are your top Winter skincare picks? 

Maiya

x

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Cleansing balms are my thing and I always get excited when I find a new one to try. I love everything about them from their rich, luxurious texture to the way they clean the skin without making me feel greasy or like I'm going to wake up with a bunch of spots. I also love that there's something for everyone and today I'm going to show you three that I think everybody should try. 

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm | £13.95
I know I've raved about this a hundred times before but I couldn't do a post about cleansing balms and not mention it! Whenever my skin is in need of a good massage, this is what I reach for. It has a gorgeous texture and just the right amount of slip. It's packed full of amazing oils and it always leaves my skin feeling nourished and plump. One thing to bear in mind with this cleanser is that it doesn't emulsify so you do need a flannel/cloth to remove it and there will be a light layer of moisture on the skin afterwards. For those of you who are wondering, yes this does actually smell like chocolate orange and yes it is to die for! 

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm | £17.50
This is one of those really hyped up cleansers and for good reason. It's a beautiful soft cleansing balm which you can use for either a first or second cleanse. It's formulated with Sweet Almond Oil and Echium Oil which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. I prefer to use this as a makeup remover and I just massage it into the skin, add a bit of water to emulsify, and remove it with a hot flannel. I also love that it comes in a tube as it means I don't have to worry about trying to fit a massive pot in my bag when I'm travelling. I would highly recommend checking this out if you're looking for something easy and affordable! 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm | £39
This is what I would call the Rolls Royce of cleansing balms. It's the first one I ever tried and it's still my favourite to this day. No matter what condition my skin is in, this always makes it 100x better. You would think that a balm would leave the skin feeling greasy but it actually does an amazing job of cleaning the skin and unclogging my pores. It also makes my skin feel incredibly smooth and soft which helps my makeup go on flawlessly. I will always have a backup and to those who want to try it but are a bit hesitant because of the price, just go for it! You won't regret it!

 Which cleansing balms should I try next?

Maiya

x

• Monday, January 22, 2018

Three To Try | Cleansing Balms

Cleansing balms are my thing and I always get excited when I find a new one to try. I love everything about them from their rich, luxurious texture to the way they clean the skin without making me feel greasy or like I'm going to wake up with a bunch of spots. I also love that there's something for everyone and today I'm going to show you three that I think everybody should try. 

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm | £13.95
I know I've raved about this a hundred times before but I couldn't do a post about cleansing balms and not mention it! Whenever my skin is in need of a good massage, this is what I reach for. It has a gorgeous texture and just the right amount of slip. It's packed full of amazing oils and it always leaves my skin feeling nourished and plump. One thing to bear in mind with this cleanser is that it doesn't emulsify so you do need a flannel/cloth to remove it and there will be a light layer of moisture on the skin afterwards. For those of you who are wondering, yes this does actually smell like chocolate orange and yes it is to die for! 

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm | £17.50
This is one of those really hyped up cleansers and for good reason. It's a beautiful soft cleansing balm which you can use for either a first or second cleanse. It's formulated with Sweet Almond Oil and Echium Oil which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. I prefer to use this as a makeup remover and I just massage it into the skin, add a bit of water to emulsify, and remove it with a hot flannel. I also love that it comes in a tube as it means I don't have to worry about trying to fit a massive pot in my bag when I'm travelling. I would highly recommend checking this out if you're looking for something easy and affordable! 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm | £39
This is what I would call the Rolls Royce of cleansing balms. It's the first one I ever tried and it's still my favourite to this day. No matter what condition my skin is in, this always makes it 100x better. You would think that a balm would leave the skin feeling greasy but it actually does an amazing job of cleaning the skin and unclogging my pores. It also makes my skin feel incredibly smooth and soft which helps my makeup go on flawlessly. I will always have a backup and to those who want to try it but are a bit hesitant because of the price, just go for it! You won't regret it!

 Which cleansing balms should I try next?

Maiya

x

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The beauty industry is literally flooding with products right now and I couldn't be happier as I love trying different brands and discovering new favourites. Over the past couple of weeks, I've made quite a few beauty purchases and I'm super excited to show you all of the products that have made their way into my collection. 

There are a few new bits from The Ordinary in my stash including the High-Adherence Silicone Primer* which is raved about by pretty much every blogger I know! I've already used it a few times and usually I'm not a fan of silicone products but this is amazing for smoothing out the skin and blurring pores without feeling weird or greasy. I also have the Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone* and 100% Plant-Derived Squalane* which I'm super excited to try! 

A couple weeks ago I mentioned on my Instagram that I was looking for a new moisturiser and the gorgeous Jess of The Beauty Sanctuary Blog mentioned that the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream was her favourite moisturiser of all time. I decided to give it a go and I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the best moisturiser I've ever used! It hydrates and soothes the skin without leaving it feeling greasy or tacky. It's seriously amazing! I also picked up the Origins Ginzeng Ultra-Hydrating Energy Boosting Cream which is the new, slightly richer version of the original. The final skincare items I've added to my beauty stash are the Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack and Moisturising Moon Mask. I can't wait to give these a go!

Charlotte Tilbury is a brand I really want to try more of this year and last weekend I decided to treat myself to the Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk. It's a beautiful nude, pinky/brown shade that helps you cheat your way to naturally fuller lips. I'm so happy to have it in my collection! There's been so much hype around the new Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealers that I couldn't resist picking one up! It comes in 18 shades and claims to be lightweight, full coverage and offers a matte finish that won't settle in fine lines or accentuate pores. I've definitely got high hopes for this!

And finally, I have two new products from Grow Gorgeous that I just had to share with you. The first is their Scalp Detox* which is a pre-wash treatment that uses Pomegranate Enzymes and Castor Oil Beads to gently exfoliate the scalp and remove any impurities that might be blocking the hair follicles. How cool does that sound? The second is Back Into The Roots*, a ten-minute mask that stimulates the scalp and lifts the roots to create a thicker, fuller appearance. I have super fine hair that always looks really flat so I'm hoping this will give me some extra volume and oomph! 

Have you tried any of these products lately? 

Maiya

x

• Sunday, January 21, 2018

New-In To My Beauty Stash

The beauty industry is literally flooding with products right now and I couldn't be happier as I love trying different brands and discovering new favourites. Over the past couple of weeks, I've made quite a few beauty purchases and I'm super excited to show you all of the products that have made their way into my collection. 

There are a few new bits from The Ordinary in my stash including the High-Adherence Silicone Primer* which is raved about by pretty much every blogger I know! I've already used it a few times and usually I'm not a fan of silicone products but this is amazing for smoothing out the skin and blurring pores without feeling weird or greasy. I also have the Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone* and 100% Plant-Derived Squalane* which I'm super excited to try! 

A couple weeks ago I mentioned on my Instagram that I was looking for a new moisturiser and the gorgeous Jess of The Beauty Sanctuary Blog mentioned that the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream was her favourite moisturiser of all time. I decided to give it a go and I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the best moisturiser I've ever used! It hydrates and soothes the skin without leaving it feeling greasy or tacky. It's seriously amazing! I also picked up the Origins Ginzeng Ultra-Hydrating Energy Boosting Cream which is the new, slightly richer version of the original. The final skincare items I've added to my beauty stash are the Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack and Moisturising Moon Mask. I can't wait to give these a go!

Charlotte Tilbury is a brand I really want to try more of this year and last weekend I decided to treat myself to the Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk. It's a beautiful nude, pinky/brown shade that helps you cheat your way to naturally fuller lips. I'm so happy to have it in my collection! There's been so much hype around the new Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealers that I couldn't resist picking one up! It comes in 18 shades and claims to be lightweight, full coverage and offers a matte finish that won't settle in fine lines or accentuate pores. I've definitely got high hopes for this!

And finally, I have two new products from Grow Gorgeous that I just had to share with you. The first is their Scalp Detox* which is a pre-wash treatment that uses Pomegranate Enzymes and Castor Oil Beads to gently exfoliate the scalp and remove any impurities that might be blocking the hair follicles. How cool does that sound? The second is Back Into The Roots*, a ten-minute mask that stimulates the scalp and lifts the roots to create a thicker, fuller appearance. I have super fine hair that always looks really flat so I'm hoping this will give me some extra volume and oomph! 

Have you tried any of these products lately? 

Maiya

x

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Over the past few weeks, my makeup routine has been so minimal, I can do my whole face in less than ten minutes! I don't tend to wear much makeup in the week as I'm mostly at home but on the weekends I like to look a bit more polished and put together. I've managed to narrow down my routine to just five products and today I thought I would share them with you. 

I like to keep my base really light on the weekends and for me, the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair ticks all the boxes. It covers redness, adds a beautiful dewy glow and evens out my skin without looking like I'm wearing foundation. It's a bit of a miracle product! Normally I would skip concealer but recently I've had quite a few blemishes that the CC Cream won't cover so I've been going in with the Glossier Stretch Concealer in Light which has a creamy texture that smooths over spots and dark circles really well. 

Mascara is a must for me and the one I'm currently loving is the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara as it gives me amazing volume and length without being clumpy. I've really been into wearing eyeshadow recently and MAC Soba is my current go-to shade. It's a gorgeous muted, warm brown which gives that effortless, moody vibe that I'm obsessed with. The final product in my routine is the Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk which I apply to my cheeks for a natural, rosy glow. It's the ultimate lazy girl blush!

Are any of these products in your makeup routine?

Maiya

x

• Friday, January 19, 2018

My 5 Product Face | Weekend Edition

Over the past few weeks, my makeup routine has been so minimal, I can do my whole face in less than ten minutes! I don't tend to wear much makeup in the week as I'm mostly at home but on the weekends I like to look a bit more polished and put together. I've managed to narrow down my routine to just five products and today I thought I would share them with you. 

I like to keep my base really light on the weekends and for me, the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair ticks all the boxes. It covers redness, adds a beautiful dewy glow and evens out my skin without looking like I'm wearing foundation. It's a bit of a miracle product! Normally I would skip concealer but recently I've had quite a few blemishes that the CC Cream won't cover so I've been going in with the Glossier Stretch Concealer in Light which has a creamy texture that smooths over spots and dark circles really well. 

Mascara is a must for me and the one I'm currently loving is the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara as it gives me amazing volume and length without being clumpy. I've really been into wearing eyeshadow recently and MAC Soba is my current go-to shade. It's a gorgeous muted, warm brown which gives that effortless, moody vibe that I'm obsessed with. The final product in my routine is the Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk which I apply to my cheeks for a natural, rosy glow. It's the ultimate lazy girl blush!

Are any of these products in your makeup routine?

Maiya

x

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Indeed Labs has been one of my favourite skincare brands for just over three years and they're also the brand I turn to when my skin is feeling aggravated or sensitive. I've been testing out their new Hydration Booster* on and off for about four months and I can't believe what a difference it's made! If you've been suffering from dehydrated skin this Winter, you're going to love this!

The booster comes in a gorgeous frosted bottle with a pipette and retails at £16.99 for 30ml. 

Boosters are a great way to target specific skincare concerns and this one, in particular, is designed to treat dehydrated skin. It uses Hyaluronic Acid to retain water, Aquaxyl to strengthen cell barriers and Hydraprotectol SM PH to add superficial hydration to the outer layers of the skin. It also contains Glycerin and Niacinamide which are two of my favourite skincare ingredients.

After cleansing and toning, I like to apply 2-3 drops to my skin and follow up with a light moisturiser. You can also mix it in with your other skincare products to give them a boost. It has a beautiful serum-like texture and it leaves the skin feeling super soft and plump. I tend to use it in the evenings but you can also use it in the morning. Since I started using this I've definitely noticed an improvement in my skin. It feels so smooth and hydrated and my overall complexion looks a lot healthier. A little goes a long way with this and even though I've had it for 4 months, I still have about three-quarters of the bottle left! This has helped my skin so much over the past few months and I would highly recommend it to anyone with dry/dehydrated skin!

Have you tried any of the Indeed Laboratories Boosters?

Maiya

x

• Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Indeed Laboratories Hydration Booster | Review

Indeed Labs has been one of my favourite skincare brands for just over three years and they're also the brand I turn to when my skin is feeling aggravated or sensitive. I've been testing out their new Hydration Booster* on and off for about four months and I can't believe what a difference it's made! If you've been suffering from dehydrated skin this Winter, you're going to love this!

The booster comes in a gorgeous frosted bottle with a pipette and retails at £16.99 for 30ml. 

Boosters are a great way to target specific skincare concerns and this one, in particular, is designed to treat dehydrated skin. It uses Hyaluronic Acid to retain water, Aquaxyl to strengthen cell barriers and Hydraprotectol SM PH to add superficial hydration to the outer layers of the skin. It also contains Glycerin and Niacinamide which are two of my favourite skincare ingredients.

After cleansing and toning, I like to apply 2-3 drops to my skin and follow up with a light moisturiser. You can also mix it in with your other skincare products to give them a boost. It has a beautiful serum-like texture and it leaves the skin feeling super soft and plump. I tend to use it in the evenings but you can also use it in the morning. Since I started using this I've definitely noticed an improvement in my skin. It feels so smooth and hydrated and my overall complexion looks a lot healthier. A little goes a long way with this and even though I've had it for 4 months, I still have about three-quarters of the bottle left! This has helped my skin so much over the past few months and I would highly recommend it to anyone with dry/dehydrated skin!

Have you tried any of the Indeed Laboratories Boosters?

Maiya

x

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Most of you will know that I'm a big advocate of planning and completing tasks but setting yearly goals for myself isn't something I've ever really done. I had quite a busy year last year and it's only when I think back that I realise actually how much my blog has advanced and how many amazing opportunities came my way. I'm so excited to see what 2018 has in store for me and today I thought I would share with you some of the goals I'm hoping to reach over the coming months. 

Add More Personal & Lifestyle Content To My Blog | I really enjoy reading lifestyle and fashion posts and I'm hoping to start uploading non-beauty related content at least twice a month. If you have anything, in particular, you would like to see please let me know!

Reach 5k On Instagram & 1k On Twitter | These aren't incredibly important but it would be really nice to grow my following and meet some more lovely people through social media. 

Take Better Blog Photos | I love looking at beautiful photos on other people's blogs and it's really made me want to up my game and find a photography style that I'm happy with. 

Travel To A New Country | Hubby and I absolutely love travelling and this year we're hoping to take a trip to somewhere new. Our top picks at the moment are Italy, Paris and Scotland. 

Pass My Driving Test | This is probably going to be the first goal I tick off my list as I've been learning for a little while. I passed my theory test a couple months ago (yay!), so it shouldn't be long now! I'm so excited! 

What are your goals for 2018?

Maiya

x

• Sunday, January 14, 2018

Goals For 2018

Most of you will know that I'm a big advocate of planning and completing tasks but setting yearly goals for myself isn't something I've ever really done. I had quite a busy year last year and it's only when I think back that I realise actually how much my blog has advanced and how many amazing opportunities came my way. I'm so excited to see what 2018 has in store for me and today I thought I would share with you some of the goals I'm hoping to reach over the coming months. 

Add More Personal & Lifestyle Content To My Blog | I really enjoy reading lifestyle and fashion posts and I'm hoping to start uploading non-beauty related content at least twice a month. If you have anything, in particular, you would like to see please let me know!

Reach 5k On Instagram & 1k On Twitter | These aren't incredibly important but it would be really nice to grow my following and meet some more lovely people through social media. 

Take Better Blog Photos | I love looking at beautiful photos on other people's blogs and it's really made me want to up my game and find a photography style that I'm happy with. 

Travel To A New Country | Hubby and I absolutely love travelling and this year we're hoping to take a trip to somewhere new. Our top picks at the moment are Italy, Paris and Scotland. 

Pass My Driving Test | This is probably going to be the first goal I tick off my list as I've been learning for a little while. I passed my theory test a couple months ago (yay!), so it shouldn't be long now! I'm so excited! 

What are your goals for 2018?

Maiya

x

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I'm not someone who usually has to worry about blemishes but recently my skin has been sprouting them all over the place! Fortunately, I've managed to reduce some of the redness and keep any new spots from brewing and today I thought I would show you some of the products I'm currently using to keep my skin blemish free. 

When my skin starts breaking out I like to switch to a gentle cream cleanser and the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is perfect because it cleans the skin without being heavy or stipping. It's also really soothing which is great if you have any spots that are really sore. Face masks are a must when my skin is acting out and I've been loving the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Blemish Clay Mask as it leaves my skin feeling purified and refreshed. It's a great one to try if you have sensitive skin! I've also been using the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Pads to gently exfoliate and give my skin a nice healthy glow. 

In the evenings I love using facial oils instead of a traditional moisturiser as I find they help balance the skin and bring any new spots to the surface. My current favourite is The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil as it's super hydrating and is great for fading pigmentation and scaring. I never used to believe in spot treatments until I tried the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. It's made with Calamine and Salicylic Acid and it does an amazing job of reducing the size of your breakouts without irritating the surrounding skin. It's a must-have for everyone!

What are your go-to products for getting rid of blemishes?

Maiya

x

• Thursday, January 11, 2018

5 Products For Blemish Prone Skin

I'm not someone who usually has to worry about blemishes but recently my skin has been sprouting them all over the place! Fortunately, I've managed to reduce some of the redness and keep any new spots from brewing and today I thought I would show you some of the products I'm currently using to keep my skin blemish free. 

When my skin starts breaking out I like to switch to a gentle cream cleanser and the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is perfect because it cleans the skin without being heavy or stipping. It's also really soothing which is great if you have any spots that are really sore. Face masks are a must when my skin is acting out and I've been loving the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Blemish Clay Mask as it leaves my skin feeling purified and refreshed. It's a great one to try if you have sensitive skin! I've also been using the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Pads to gently exfoliate and give my skin a nice healthy glow. 

In the evenings I love using facial oils instead of a traditional moisturiser as I find they help balance the skin and bring any new spots to the surface. My current favourite is The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil as it's super hydrating and is great for fading pigmentation and scaring. I never used to believe in spot treatments until I tried the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. It's made with Calamine and Salicylic Acid and it does an amazing job of reducing the size of your breakouts without irritating the surrounding skin. It's a must-have for everyone!

What are your go-to products for getting rid of blemishes?

Maiya

x

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2017 was such a good year for discovering new products and today I thought I would share with you my top beauty finds from the past twelve months. 

Skincare will always be my favourite beauty category and I found some real gems last year. The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil* has been my favourite cleanser for months and it's still my go-to when I need to break down a full face of makeup. I also fell in love with the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser which is great in the mornings. I'm a sucker for face masks and one, in particular, I couldn't stop using was the Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque. It's packed with natural ingredients and it does a great job of purifying the skin without leaving it stripped. I have to give a quick mention to the Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum as it's one of the only products that instantly calms and moisturises my skin. It's also an absolute bargain at £2.69! 

The Ordinary was one of the most popular beauty brands in 2017 and quite a few of their products have become staples in my routine including the Advanced Retinoid 2% and 30% AHA + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. My final skincare favourite is the Glossier Balm Dot Com in Birthday Cake. It smells incredible and leaves my lips feeling super soft and hydrated. 

I'm very fussy when it comes to my base but one I instantly fell in love with was The Ordinary Serum Foundation. It gives me amazing coverage but still looks natural on the skin. Glossier was my go-to brand for makeup in 2017 and their Haloscope in Quarts, Boy Brow in Brown and Generation G in Cake are just some of my top picks. I also found a new mascara love in the L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll Mascara which is amazing if you want seriously voluminous lashes. My last two favourites are the Primark Primer Water and MAC Eyeshadow in Soba. I use both of these products every time I do my makeup and I don't think I'll be stopping anytime soon!  

So there you have my top beauty discoveries of 2017. Did any of these products make it into your yearly favourites?

Maiya

x

• Monday, January 08, 2018

Best Beauty Discoveries Of 2017

2017 was such a good year for discovering new products and today I thought I would share with you my top beauty finds from the past twelve months. 

Skincare will always be my favourite beauty category and I found some real gems last year. The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil* has been my favourite cleanser for months and it's still my go-to when I need to break down a full face of makeup. I also fell in love with the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser which is great in the mornings. I'm a sucker for face masks and one, in particular, I couldn't stop using was the Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque. It's packed with natural ingredients and it does a great job of purifying the skin without leaving it stripped. I have to give a quick mention to the Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum as it's one of the only products that instantly calms and moisturises my skin. It's also an absolute bargain at £2.69! 

The Ordinary was one of the most popular beauty brands in 2017 and quite a few of their products have become staples in my routine including the Advanced Retinoid 2% and 30% AHA + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. My final skincare favourite is the Glossier Balm Dot Com in Birthday Cake. It smells incredible and leaves my lips feeling super soft and hydrated. 

I'm very fussy when it comes to my base but one I instantly fell in love with was The Ordinary Serum Foundation. It gives me amazing coverage but still looks natural on the skin. Glossier was my go-to brand for makeup in 2017 and their Haloscope in Quarts, Boy Brow in Brown and Generation G in Cake are just some of my top picks. I also found a new mascara love in the L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll Mascara which is amazing if you want seriously voluminous lashes. My last two favourites are the Primark Primer Water and MAC Eyeshadow in Soba. I use both of these products every time I do my makeup and I don't think I'll be stopping anytime soon!  

So there you have my top beauty discoveries of 2017. Did any of these products make it into your yearly favourites?

Maiya

x

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