Achieve A Summer Glow All Year Round With Dove♥️

Fake tan is not really an area which I often talk about, mainly because I don't use them as I'm so ghostly pale I'd look stupid with tan (truly blessed being Scottish). On the odd few occasions where I'm dressed up fancy and need a bit of a tan to look less ghostly, I use the Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Body Lotion for fair to medium skin, you know, just for that summer glow.

 I first used this lotion a few years back and I was really impressed by it. It comes out looking like an ordinary lotion due to being white in colour, and this does mean that it's hard to see whether or not you have applied it evenly, which is potentially the only downfall. It has quite a thin consistency but it is not runny in any way at all. There is a strong, distinctive smell, but it is one which is rather pleasant as opposed to the typical fake tan smell (which I despise). After applying, you must give it time to sink into the skin, or else you will feel greasy and sticky; I usually apply in the evenings when going into my jammas so that they are light against my skin. Unlike other fake tans, it doesn't end up all over your clothes, leaving that dreaded orange streaks that everyone hates, especially if you go shopping and try on white clothes (PET HATE!!)

The best part about this tan is that it's a body lotion, meaning that not only will it leave your skin with a natural glow but also moisturise your skin at the same time so it's a win win situation really. For me, my skin really gets on with this lotion and I am able to see the tan beginning to show within 1 to 2 uses. I have the lotion for fair to medium skin, although you can invest in the medium to dark skin lotion here.

This lotion is definitely a fake tan that I will return to many times. It doesn't appear orange toned in the slightest which I know many fake tans can do. It has a pleasant scent, moisturises my skin AND leaves me with a summer glow - who could resist it?!

Will you be swapping your usual fake tan for this one any time soon?

For Those With A Green Thumb♥️*

Ever since Crabtree & Evelyn got in touch with me in February about reviewing their hand creams (you can read the review here), I've been hooked. I was contacted again by them but this time asking if I was interested in trying out their Gardeners Collection. It was a range that I was intrigued by - as it was a gardeners collection, I was curious to the scent of the products. I knew that no matter what they sent me, I'd love the products.

Exfoliating Soap* - Any exfoliator that I've tried have came in a tube or tub, but I was really captivated by the idea of this - it was incorporated into a bar of soap. Never have I ever seen anything quite like it. Recently I had used some of the Dove Gradual Tan Lotion (review coming soon) to sort out my tan lines (I was going wearing a dress so had to even it up) and due to a combination of using some tan and having dry skin, my skin began to flake, so I opted to use this. It helps to exfoliate your skin, removing any dead skin cells (and patchy tan!) effectively. My only issue with this bar is that it's quite harsh, so I only use it once a week or every so often, and for people with sensitive skin, this bar may not be for them, or alternatively, they could use it very rarely. I quite like the concept of this bar because it's not as messy as typical exfoliators and it's certainly quicker to use!

Hand Therapy*  - If you read my review about the hand creams back in February, you will know I adored them. When I saw that it was a hand cream from the Gardeners collection, I was pretty smitten. I knew that my skin would quickly absorb the hand cream due to previous use. The scent is unique, it's one that's quite light and not too overpowering, yet is extremely difficult to pin point exactly - I feel it's one that would smell different to everyone. Much like their other hand creams, only a small blob is required. It's not too heavy or greasy, meaning you could apply it any time of the day and continue with your day as it wouldn't restrict you. Personally, I like to apply it at night before going to bed because it means that it gives it plenty of time overnight to sink into my skin.

All-Purpose Balm* - I'm yet to find an actual use for this balm even though it is an all-purpose one. I find it quite difficult to use unfortunately because it feels quite thick and waxy, but I guess that it's formula is designed like this as it's meant to combat dry skin. Ideally, I use it on my elbows and knees due to them often being neglected as they're the joints, but apart from that, I don't think I'd go out my way to use it elsewhere. With that being said though, if you happen to suffer from small, random patches of dry skin, it may be more ideal. Sorry Crabtree, but this product isn't one for me - if you suffer from dry skin, I think this would be the product for you!

All of the products have the same scent as they're from the same collection. When I was first contacted and realised it was a gardeners collection, I wasn't too sure on whether I'd like the scent or not, but nonetheless, gave the products a bash. At first it seems a little odd, but after a while, you actually grow to like it - it's on the fresh side, something that's quite revitalising and peculiar.

Have you tried anything from their new Gardeners collection?

*PR Samples

The Moisturiser I Cannot Do Without♥

Moisturising is one of the most crucial steps in my skincare routine. Despite having oily skin, I still moisturise regardless. I have been through various different moisturisers, some not even for oily skin but hey ho, sometimes they worked well. For ages now, I had been using my beloved Boots essentials cucumber moisturiser but after returning from my holidays, I decided I'd switch things up and try the E45 Moisturising Lotion.

E45 is a skincare brand whose products are created for people who suffer from dry skin. While I may not suffer from dry skin, I suffer from the complete opposite - oily skin. By no means does this mean that I cannot use this moisturiser because at the end of the day, it's going to hydrate and moisturise my skin regardless. This actually works really well with my oily skin - my skin feels extremely soft and doesn't clog up my pores as it's lightweight. I have found that with some moisturisers they can clog up the pores on my nose but fortunately with this one, it doesn't. I've noticed that there isn't any strong scent, and this is due to it being perfume free, meaning it's gentle enough for everyone to use.

After returning from my holidays, I noticed that some of my skin was going that dry, flaky way (especially my arms), so I popped some of this moisturiser on and it honestly helped my skin so much really quickly. Using it overnight helps with the dry patches, healing them. Very rarely from time to time my skin can become quite itchy but I find that this helps to sooth these areas. At the moment, I use it twice a day everyday for a facial moisturiser and I don't think my skin has ever felt and looked as good (apart from the odd few breakouts but this is my own fault for removing a lot of makeup late one night with a wipe - my bad!) but I can genuinely tell you that once I run out of this bottle, I will happily repurchase one again - it's certainly worth the money!

Unlike some moisturisers, this one is not thick, heavy nor greasy, it's lightweight, thin and my skin absorbs it straight away. People always assume that if they have oily skin they shouldn't moisturise because it'll make their skin worse with oil production but this is such a myth - it's still vital to moisturise as your skin needs it! That is why I love this moisturiser so much, trust me, I cannot hype it up enough. Regardless of whether or not you have dry skin, it's amazing - you will be left with velvet smooth skin.

Have you ever tried the E45 range? Share your experiences with me!

Can You Pull An All Nighter?♥*

Urban Decay has numerous famous products, one of those being their All Nighter Setting Spray*. In recent months, UD gave their spray a makeover; from the formula to the appearance of the product. I was one of the lucky bloggers, among many, who were sent out a miniature size of the spray to trial, and to sum it up, I was intrigued to put it to the test.

On any special occasions where I wear foundation (it's a very rare occurrence these days), I always opt for this setting spray. Typically, I use it after powdering my foundation, and it helps to lock it in and ensure that it doesn't slip and slide, and it helps to limit the appearance of a cakey face. Instead, my skin looks flawless and airbrushed. Using before highlight means that when highlight is applied, it appears bright, blinding and beautiful - it's honestly worth trying!

Before trying this out, I read many reviews to find out the general opinion of the product. Some people had used the spray before the foundation - so as a primer - and I decided that it would be a good idea to try it out for myself. Whilst doing so, it felt odd and weird. I don't know if it actually benefits the foundation though, I still felt as though it didn't truly keep my oil at bay. However, it was rather humid that day so this may have caused this. 

I think that between the two different ways you can use this spray, I definitely prefer using it the "traditional" way - the using after foundation way. With this new formula, there is a slight change in the scent - it's certainly stronger and more distinctive, so I don't know how this would work alongside sensitive skin.

Once again, I love this setting spray just as much as their original one. I think that I prefer the aesthetics of this one now than beforehand as it's quirkier and generally looks better. It's one of those products that is ideal for a night out - it's a makeup bag essential in my books!

Have you tried the "new look" all nighter spray? What's your opinion?

*PR Samples

Testing Out Kiko Eyeshadows♥

 I don't own that many Kiko products for some reason. Their packaging draws me in and I've read reviews upon reviews about the products. When I went shopping in the New Year, there were all of the sales, with signs plastered over shop windows with "sale" or "big savings" to entice shoppers in. Kiko were having between 30-70% off on certain items, and they were selling their single shadows for a bargain price of £1.70 - so I instantly grabbed two shades which were catching my attention.

256- One of my all-time favourite gold shades is running low, and it's part of a palette so I had to try and find a similar single shadow. When I saw this little number sitting glaring at me, I'm sure I could hear it calling my name. It's a beautiful, intense, sparkly gold which I adore. It is very similar to the gold in the palette I love so I was pretty chuffed about that. It's like a little pot of gold, and it's pigmentation is out of this world. It looks as though my eyelids are sparkling, and who would complain about that?

243 - I purposely chose a purple because I wanted something out of my comfort zone, and as I don't own a purple, I thought it'd be an ideal opportunity to buy one, especially because they were so cheap. The pigmentation is really good and the texture isn't too powdery, but you must ensure to blend it out or else it may look like you've had a bump up and have ended up with a black eye - not a desirable look at all! Blended to perfection, it can create an interesting eye look.

I have been impressed with these Kiko shadows - I seriously recommend picking some up when they're next on sale, you won't be disappointed, and the shade range is great!

Maybelline Big Shot Mascara♥*

Mascara is a wonderful thing. Honestly. Pop it on and it enhances your eyes immediately. Maybelline mascaras are one of my favourites from the drugstore, mainly because they're so inexpensive yet work amazingly. Recently, Maybelline sent me out one of their new mascaras, their Colossal Big Shot Mascara*, and to sum it up, it's quite frankly fantastic.

I was instantly drawn towards the mascara simply because of it's gold packaging, just like a magpie. The only criticism I have against the packaging is the fact that it gets dirty so easily because of it's colour, and you can see fingerprints on it but I guess you can look beyond this eh! As it's a shiny gold tube, I find that it's really eye catching and is sure to captivate your attention whilst shopping.

The wand is full of bristles that are all different lengths, and this ensures that each and every individual lash is coated with mascara. Due to each bristle varying in size and length, this means that lashes appear to be voluminous as every last lash is included. Personally, I feel that this mascara is more of a voluminous mascara as opposed to a lengthening mascara, however, I have pretty long lashes naturally so for me, it just emphasises my natural lashes. An added bonus is that it gives a curl to your lashes without the need of an eyelash curler, and for me, this just tops off the mascara!

I had taken this mascara on holiday with me and it's only fair to say that after over a weeks worth of use, I fell in love. It's right up my alley. Whilst away, I only wore makeup in the evenings (forget makeup during the day whilst round the pool by the way, far too hot!) but it was still quite humid (around 24 degrees celcius) and I can assure you that not once did it smudge on my eyelid or below my eyes - can you really beat that?

For the price tag (£7.99), I highly, highly recommend this mascara! Of all the reviews I've read about this mascara, it's been nothing but praise for it. Whether you have naturally long, or short eye lashes, this mascara most certainly will provide your lashes with heaps of volume!

Have you tried this mascara?

*PR Samples

Travel Diaries || Benidorm 2017♥

If you thought that I was a little absent from social media, then you're thinking correctly - I was away on holidays to Benidorm with my family for 9 nights (and it was amazing). Unfortunately this year there will be no lookbook (feel as though I'm breaking traditions) but I have something a bit different and quite exciting for you all, a travel diary of my break away.

I actually have been to Benidorm previously so it was absolutely fantastic to visit the place again - I seriously love it and revisiting it just felt so natural and homely. One place I just adore is the beach, it's well and truly beautiful. The sea is clear blue, as is the sky, and the promenade is miles long, connecting the old town Benidorm with the new town. Rarely did I go down to the beach because the sand is roasting hot and messy, but I enjoy walking along it, admiring it's beauty.

Each time we go to Benidorm, we always stay in the new town. This year we decided to hop into a taxi to go to the old town (it was less than 9 euros!) We chose to go on a Sunday, and we soon realised that many shops close on a Sunday, which meant less time for shopping, more time for walking around! I had to take some snaps of course - look how pretty it looks!

We went self-catering, so twice whilst away we took a walk down the town to a lovely restaurant called "Italian Garden". There were so many delicious meals to choose from, of which was quite a hard decision when all you want to do is try out everything! The service was exceptionally quick and the food was outstanding - has to be one of the best meals I ate the whole week!

I had pasta bolognase the first time - how colourful and appetizing does it look? The portion sizes were not huge, and being on holiday, your stomach does shrink so I even struggled to finish it, but it was extremely enjoyable!

The second time I had this dish - it was basically pasta in a creamy cheese sauce mixed with chicken, broccoli and mushrooms. Combining all of these ingredients created an exciting dish which was full of flavour and tasted fantastic!

I never managed to take a photo of this next dish but we went along to a Chinese which was only about 5 minutes away from us (it was called China Garden) and the food was divine, not to mention how lovely the staff were!

Where we stayed had numerous mountains in view, which looked gorgeous! I had to snap up a photo, especially because the sky looks beautiful in contrast to the mountains. Even simple scenery can create a fab photo.

I feel as though I have lots of other photos but don't want to bombard you with too many (or make you jealous hehe!) But honestly, if you haven't been to Benidorm, I highly recommend it - it's full of life and is dirt cheap! Not to mention how warm it is - I went late May/early June and I was swelting!

Where have you visited lately?

Newtons Lab Skincare♥*

Skincare has been of great importance to me lately. I have been taking more care of my skin by wearing no makeup, letting my skin breath, drinking more water and incorporating more products into my skincare routine. By doing this, I've seen a vast improvement in my skin - it appears clearer, brighter and feels much better. Into my new skin care routine, I've been using Newtons Lab T-Zone Skincare* range.

Cleansing Cream Wash* - I was in need of a new facial wash of some sort so when this arrived I was so glad! It smells of tea tree, and for me, I really like this because it agrees with my skin and always leaves it feeling refreshed. I remove the product with a wet face cloth and then splash my face with some water. My skin instantly appears smoother and also looks clean and healthy. I haven't experienced any breakouts using this so it's a winner for my skin.

Nose Pore Strips* - I quite like using these nose strips. They help to remove any gunk and dirt that's within your pores (ewww) and unblocks the pores again. After removing the strip, my nose feels so clean and smooth, and you can see the dirt on the strip (it's minging but ever so satisfying!) My only fault with this is that I wish it removed dirt from further within the pores. Overall, I like these strips, and they have a tea tree scent which is ideal for oily skin.

Charcoal Wipes* - I didn't know how I'd feel about these because wipes aren't something I use as they don't get on very well with my skin. I was intrigued as these were charcoal, yet smelt like tea tree. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan - it's nothing against the wipes, it's just because as I said, wipes and I don't get along. If you wear foundation and don't have overly sensitive skin then perhaps they'd be more ideal for you.

Spot Zapping Cream* - I feel I haven't been able to use this little tube to it's full potential. My skin has been really clear lately (touch wood) and I've not had that many breakouts, maybe the odd couple in my hairline so I've zapped (ha) some of this onto them. It helps to dry them out a bit in an attempt to clear them up. I do think that for it's inexpensive price tag that the product is pretty decent.

As a wide range of Newtons Lab skincare products are designed for oily skin, I really enjoy using it because it's a brand which specialises in specific skin types, one which caters for people like me who have oily skin. All in all, it's a great, bargain skin brand. I've seen a few of their products which have caught my eye and I would like to branch out into trying them next.

*PR Samples

Unspoken About Eyeshadows♥

I love eyeshadow and there is absolutely no denying it. There's just so many stunning shades and the number of looks you can create are endless. As much as I'm always on the hunt for eyeshadow palettes (nothing better than owning 1000 different natural eyeshadow palettes), I do own a few single shadows, three of which are from No7.

Single shadows, blah de blah. I'm more of a palette girl - I think it's easier for daily use as you have all the colours you need together in one palette. However, there are some hidden shadow gems. I own three No7 eyeshadows, and aren't they just stunning? As annoying it may be to have individuals, they are lovely to use but blend smoothly.

The shade from Navy Trio comes in handy, for me anyway. I wouldn't recommend it all over the lid because there's not much colour to do so, however, it is fantastic for highlighting! It is a great colour to use in your inner corner and/or under your brow bone. It is quite shimmery and brightens your eye area. I find it's one of those shades which I find myself reaching for just to highlight with. It really finishes off a whole eye look.

The shade from Cappuccino Trio has to be my favourite out of the three I own. It's a beautiful, creamy brown-golden shade which can be wore in the crease OR all over the lid. If you know me, then you'll know I love gold eyeshadow, so you can bet I use this a lot. It is on the pigmented side, but can be built up to a more intense look. I find it's the perfect shade to add a little "something" to your completed look, whether that may be just across the whole lid for a wash of colour or into the crease for depth.

My final shade which is fairly new is the top shade from Tea Party Trio. It's completely different to anything else I own; singles or palette. I find it's a gorgeous colour which is ideal as a crease colour - it adds a lot of depth to your eye. It blends seamlessly too, and is rather pigmented. When it's blended on top of a transition shade, the blending is looks flawless, and there's more colour pay off. I think I love it because it's quite cool toned, and it's uniqueness makes me opt for it more often.

I feel that nobody ever raves nor talks about No.7 single shadows, the most known ones around the beauty world have got to be Makeup Geek or Mac. These retail at £7.00 each here and I'm now contemplating buying more!