Beauty Additions

Having said that there will be less beauty posts this year – here is a beauty post! A few things have been added to my beauty stash over the Christmas period and I thought I'd keep you up to date.

1. Nails Inc x Victoria Beckham

Bill spied a twitter conversation between my friend and I saying how excited we were about the news of VB collaborating with Nails Inc and so I opened up this little parcel on Christmas Day. He also told me that he thought the colours would match the Louboutins he got for my birthday, he's a good egg! The bottles are substantial, the matte finish feels really sophisticated and the brush is perfectly shaped but more importantly, the colours, formula and longevity of the polishes are just fantastic (especially considering my gym training). Bamboo White is a classy nude, perfect for any occasion and Judo Red is the red you've spent all your life looking for but didn't think actually existed.

2. Nuxe Réve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

I've had this before and had run out but as I have PLENTY of other lip balms I didn't want to repurchase. Problem being, this stuff is incredible. I'm going skiing in February and as my lips can get really sore, I just couldn't leave this behind.

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo[+]

YouTubers, Bloggers and friends have been raving about this stuff for a while but I really wasn't all that bothered. However, as you know, the end of last year was quite a stressful time for me and my skin really didn't cope very well so I decided to give it a go. I LOVE this product. Red marks and dark spots are (very, very, VERY nearly) non-existent, pimples haven't had a chance and my skin is brighter and more even.

4. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

I think Bill was looking forward to Christmas Day just so I could open this and finally shut up about it! I don't know why I like it so much, it's really got a hold of me though.

What isn't shown in this photo is the new Real Techniques Expert Face Brush that I picked up yesterday for free, those Boots points are magical things! It's a straight swap for an older Expert Face Brush, I'd had it for about two years (?) but even with regular washing I think it's a good idea to replace the brushes you use every day.

Now you've had a little time to try them, what is your favourite product that was acquired over the holidays?

XO

 

A New Year..

I am back! Thank you for being patient whilst I took a break 🙂

photo source

Some of you may have started the new year with a resolution to get fitter and eat healthier (well done) so I thought I would share with you a few tips on sustainability.

Diet and exercise are important but realistically, it’s about BALANCE.

1. If you enjoy going out and socialising with friends and family, keep doing it. Don’t swap socialising for the gym, you can do both.

2. If you enjoy a particular food, don’t deprive yourself of it – just don’t be silly with it.

3. Following on from above: include treats in your shopping. When all you can think about is chocolate and there’s none in the house, you’ll go out, probably buy a BIG bar and scoff the lot. Allow for so many treats a week and you’ll make them last all week (also a lot easier to keep track of what you’ve had)

4. Keep a diary. Write down what exercise you’ve done, food you’ve eaten and what you’ve drunk. It’s hard to make alterations if you’re not tracking where you’re at.

5. Set little goals. Walk to the shops, learn to do a press up, eat an apple a day etc

6. Don’t beat yourself up. If you pig out one day, don’t feel like you’ve ruined all your hard work, everybody has pig out days. Tomorrow is a different day and you can do it a different way.

7. Team up. Get a gym friend, you’ll motivate each other.

8. Try new things. If there’s a class you’ve wanted to try, give it a go, you may love it but if not, that’s ok. Same with food, your super healthy friend loves quinoa but you’ve never actually tried it? Give it a go and again, it’s ok not to like it.

9. Find workout gear you feel confident and comfortable in. I feel way more motivated putting on fun and colourful leggings/sports bras/tanks than if I were to just wear head-to-toe black. Others may feel more confident in black!

10. Get following some inspiring people on Instagram and Twitter. There are some brilliant YouTubers/bloggers out there too. I’m personally in love with these three: Carly Rowena, Cat Meffan and Lottie Murphy. Check out the girls in the Active in Style Lookbook – also helpful for tip no. 9!

Those are my tips but feel free to include yours in the comments below!

P.S. As in 2014, posts will go up on Monday.

XO

Follow me on: Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin’