Spring Sunglasses

I started learning to drive in May last year and since then I have worn sunglasses more than I have for the rest of my life! I wear my contact lenses and sunglasses pretty much every time I drive so a good, durable pair that are very comfortable is so important in terms of driving safely and comfortably.

I have one pair of designer sunglasses, my Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses and a pair from Polaroid, both of which I love but these new ones from SmartBuyGlasses are perfect! They are an established online sunglasses, glasses and contact lens retailer for the past ten years featuring designer sunglasses with brands such as Rayban, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Prada and many more.

I was kindly sent my choice of these *Prada Sunglasses (sadly they aren't available anymore online) and they arrived really quickly! I chose the Prada option as I loved the shape of them, the shape is similar to others I have and I know it will suit me. I also love the 'havana' frame colour which to me is a subtle tortoise shell design; the lens is grey. This style is from 2015 which is why they were cheaper than the RRP.

The sunglasses come with a Prada box, cloth, manufacturers information booklet and glasses case. I know what you're thinking...how do you know that they are genuine? On the website they state that authenticity is guaranteed and I have been online reading so many articles about how to check if your Prada sunglasses are genuine and I have checked the style, serial numbers and other points they say to look out for on mine and my sunglasses are definitely genuine.

I have been wearing these sunglasses instead of my others when I drive and they are fantastic! I love the fit (mine are a 53 size, whatever that means) and they are perfect as well as being so so comfortable. I have been wearing glasses since I was about 15 and I always tend to get a headache with them but these don't really give me a headache or any discomfort.

Also the sunglasses feel really durable and well made so I think they are going to last for a while which is great as I do tend to drop my sunglasses all of the time...oops. Considering I wasn't able to try them on before hand, I'm so happy with the style, design and the fit which seems to be made to measure for me!

I would definitely recommend these sunglasses, especially if you are like me and you wear them very often as I do, as they are so comfortable. I'm also really happy with the cute box they came in and the case too which I'll be keeping in the car to protect my sunglasses.

There are so many designer sunglasses to choose from on the SmartBuyGlasses website; there are quite a few pairs that are on my wish list including the gorgeous Rayban Erika sunglasses which I have wanted for so long! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

What do you think of these sunglasses? Have you bought any Prada or designer sunglasses? 

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Polaroid Sunglasses ft. Discounted Sunglasses

I was never really a sunglasses kind of girl, I didn't think they suited me but since trying out different styles of glasses from Firmoo and I won a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses, I've decided that wayfarer style glasses and sunglasses suit me the most - thankfully as sunglasses are so important to prevent wrinkles. Priorities.

I chose the *Polaroid Premium X8408 Sunglasses (£42, RRP £90) in the Black/Grey AR Polarized version. They came in a compact and simple case so it would be great for travelling as it isn't massive like most sunglasses cases. The sunglasses contain ultrasight lenses which provide 100% UV protection and reduces harmful glare.

In my opinion the sunglasses shape is a mix between a cat eye shape and a classic wayfarer shape, as they aren't as rounded or pointed at the top as cat eye sunglasses but they also aren't as boxy as wayfarer style sunglasses. I love the shape, I think they suit my face shape and they fit really well which is surprising as glasses and sunglasses usually look really big on me. They feel relatively lightweight but durable and sturdy. Check out my instagram for a photo of how they look on - heathernixon4.

Overall, I'm loving these sunglasses and I know I will get a lot of use out of them in the spring/summer, even in England and especially while driving. Hopefully we are going on a cruise again this summer for my sisters 21st birthday so fingers crossed I'll get to wear these even more! Here's my mini wish list from Discounted Sunglasses - they have an amazing range of designer sunglasses at amazing prices:

Have you bought any sunglasses from Discounted Sunglasses? What do you think of the pair I chose? 

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RayBan Erika Sunglasses ft. WatchShop.com

Most of my life I've hated sunglasses, I just didn't like them (apart from my polkadot minnie mouse ones I had in primary school as they were amazing!) but since learning to drive last year I wear them constantly and they've become a staple in my handbag and in the car too.

I have a few cheaper pairs and a couple of high end sunglasses too, I love my Marc by Marc Jacobs ones but when the opportunity arose to try some Raybans, I couldn't contain my excitement as I've wanted them for over a year now. They have so many classic styles that look amazing but the sunglasses that I really wanted were the *Rayban Erika Metal Sunglasses (£107, WatchShop.com) which I was very kindly sent a few weeks ago from Watch Shop. WatchShop.com is known for selling gorgeous jewellery and watches but they've recently started selling designer sunglasses.

The Erika style is just gorgeous, it's slightly similar to the wayfarer style but the frame is smaller, thinner and not as bulky, in my opinion. I love the classic style, design and the option I have is the unisex colour/style with black frames and grey graduated lens. The sunglasses come with the cute tan Rayban sunglasses case which isn't as padded as I hoped it would be. It also comes with a lens cleaning cloth and manufactures information note on how to clean, maintain and general information about the sunglasses and the level of protection.

I have been wearing the sunglasses constantly as they're perfect for driving, they feel more secure than when I wear my cheaper plastic sunglasses and even though they are composed of metal, they actually feel comfortable. They offer great UV protection, they are easy to throw in my bag or keep in the car to use when I need them and they go with so many outfits, unlike some of my other sunglasses.

They are my first Raybans and I love them, from the little Rayban logo on the lens to the style of the frames and case. They are surprisingly comfortable, lightweight to an extent and less bulky than my plastic sunglasses with thicker frames. Unlike some larger glasses and sunglasses, these don't tend to give me a headache. There are so many other Rayban sunglasses to choose from on WatchShop.com as well as other designer brands including Versace, Calvin Klein and others.

Do you own a pair of Raybans? Have you purchased from WatchShop.com?

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How To Stay Safe In The Sun ft. Feel Good Contacts

It's starting to feel like summer in the UK but now that I've typed it, it's guaranteed  to rain now so sorry about that. While my favourite season is autumn, I do love certain aspects of the spring and summery months, mainly because all of the flowers are in bloom, I can read in the garden and I can take blog photos at almost anytime! However, there are a few tips that everyone needs to remember to be safe in the sun, yes, even in the UK.

Stay Hydrated

One of my new year goals for the past few years has been to drink more water as admittedly I drink very little but since receiving a few Ion8 bottles I've been able to drink so much more! I've included the bottles in various posts and there'll be another in my upcoming Father's Day gift guide so stay tuned. You should drink around two litres per day but it's very important to do so on sunny days.

SPF

SPF is something that I always forget to use, even on holiday but thankfully there are a few products that contain SPF that I don't have to think about and those include most of my foundations, lip balms and skincare, thankfully. I do have a couple of specific SPF lotions and I since the sunny weather we've been having recently I have actually been using them so hopefully my skin will thank me in the future.

Wear Light Clothing

As with SPF this is a piece of advice that I don't tend to follow as my typical wardrobe consists of black jeans, ankle boots and a jumper or stripy tee which isn't the most summer appropriate option so I definitely have to buy a few more summery tees and dresses. Since the sunny weather started, I've been looking through my wardrobe and it seems as though I have a couple hundred jumpers but only about five t-shirts which might be a problem. Light coloured and loose fabrics are ideal for the spring and summer months in order to stay cool.

Sunglasses

One summer accessory that I use very often are my sunglasses as since I started learning to drive almost two years ago, I have needed them while driving. I have so many sunglasses but I'm always very happy to receive more as they are something I use constantly in all seasons. I was so excited to receive the *Polaroid Black Tortoise Sunglasses (£40 - sale) from Feel Good Contacts!

The sunglasses have polaroid lenses block glare and allow only useful vertical light to reach your eyes, they also block harmful UV light so you are able to see clearly while protecting your eyes and they offer 100% UV protection to reduce eye fatigue, increase comfort, and allow for glare-free vision. The design I have is perfect as they go with so many casual outfits, I love the tortoise shell design and the lenses aren't huge as most sunglasses are (thankfully as those designs just aren't flattering on me).

The great thing about wearing my daily contacts is that I can wear sunglasses freely. The sunglasses are very comfortable to wear and lightweight so they don't tend to give me a headache. As I mentioned, I have quite a few pairs of sunglasses from cheaper high street options to designer sunglasses and these have to be some of the most comfort and most effective! I cannot recommend these sunglasses enough and I'd recommend looking on the Feel Good Contacts site for more options as well as affordable contact lenses.

Use the discount code: FEELGOODTIME to get 10% off!

Do you have any summer sun protection tips or product recommendations? Will you be checking out the sunglasses range of Feel Good Contacts?

*This is a sponsored post

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Gift Idea: Messy Weekend Sunglasses

Before I get into today's post, I want to mention my latest giveaway which is live over on twitter (@ofbeautyand) in which you can win a hamper of Baileys chocolates worth £50. The giveaway ends on the 2nd so you still have time to enter on twitter.

Today's post is focusing on not only a great gift idea but also my new favourite pair of sunglasses, from a brand I hadn't heard of before, Messy Weekend. They're a Copenhagen based company with a great range of sunglasses and snow goggles for both men and women.

*Messy Weekend Copenhagen Hobbes Sunglasses (€55) 

I was very kindly sent a pair of their 'Hobbes' sunglasses in black, although there are other colour options available for all of their styles. I was torn between the 'Hobbes', the 'New Depp' and the 'Hobbes Revo' sunglasses, all of which I love. They have such a great range of styles to choose form as well as traditional and more colourful options.

The 'Hobbes' design is one of their best sellers and it's easy to see why as it seems to be such a universally flattering shape and style that I think will suit everyone. I have the black option which I love (especially with the more warmer toned lenses) but there's also a crystal option too - the army colour was my favourite of the four but it is currently sold out.

Until I started learning to drive a few years ago, I never really wore sunglasses as let's be honest, they aren't entirely necessary in Manchester where we very rarely see the sun but they are very handy when I'm driving. I have a few pairs that I alternate between as I always need a pair in my handbag and in my car so I'm very happy to have another.

I love the simple but flattering design, the black frame combined with the warmer lenses and how comfortable they are. I find that some sunglasses are a little heavy and can leave a mark on the bridge (of it can remove a little of my makeup) of my nose but thankfully I don't have that issue with these. I've been wearing these sunglasses the most recently as they are just so lightweight, comfortable to wear and I love the design.

Not only do the sunglasses feel comfortable and fit well but they also came nicely packaged and the brand itself has a more environmentally conscious ethos with their 'clean ocean' partnership. For every pair of sunglasses purchased, part of the revenue goes to finance a waste and plastic clean-up program in the Colombian Pacific called 'Origines' which is fantastic.

If that isn't enough, Messy Weekend will be starting their Black Friday sale in a couple of days so head over to their site and sign up to be notified about the sale! If you can't wait that long then you can use the code: IGWEEK30 to get 30% off your order!

What do you think of these sunglasses? Will you be checking out their Black Friday sale? 

*gifted

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Men's Christmas Gift Guide: Part Two 2019

Carrying on from my previous Christmas gift guides is the second part of my Mens Christmas gift guide, you can read the first gift guide for more gift ideas! Don't forget to enter my giveaway on twitter foe your chance to win a Baileys chocolate hamper (worth £50) but you'll have to be quick as the competition ends on the 2nd December with the winner being announced (on twitter and via email) on the 3rd December.

*Baileys Chocolate Mini Delights - Salted Caramel (from £2) 

Let's start with one of the products that will be part of the competition hamper with Baileys and it's their mini delight in the salted caramel flavour. They are milk chocolate truffles filled with salted caramel and baileys. They are available in re-sealable packs but let's be honest, that is pointless, especially during the christmas period when chocolate consumption should be daily. Make sure you enter my giveaway on twitter to win a Baileys chocolate hamper (@ofbeautyand).

*Lir Discovery Collection (£10)

Staying with the chocolate theme as there is no such thing as too much chocolate over the festive season. I love gifting food and chocolate and this set looks like a perfect gift as it contains a range of gorgeous (and more unique) chelates than you might find in a generic chocolate gift set. The discovery collection contains a variety of sixteen chocolates including exotic flavours such as Persian lime and Spanish pistachio. I think chocolate gift sets are ideal for christmas and they're great for friends, teachers or anyone who needs a little treat over christmas. I think the price is fantastic for such a lovely selection and you can find it in selected Morrisons, Tesco and Co-Op stores.

*Messy Weekend Hobbes Sunglasses (€55)

Next up is a product and gift idea that I've already mentioned on my blog previous so I'll keep it short and sweet. I was very kindly sent this gorgeous pair of sunglasses from the danish brand Messy Weekend and I think a pair of their sunglasses would make a great christmas gift. I adore the Hobbes sunglasses I have in black and I cannot recommend them enough. If you use the code: IGWEEK30 you can get 30% off your order, including the Hobbes sunglasses.

*The Personal Barber Premium Shaving Kit (£39.99)

Along with chocolates and other food gifts, I think that grooming or beauty gifts are easy and safe gifts to give and we all know how much I love gifting practical gifts! The Personal Barber has a great range of gift ideas as well as a subscription service. I was kindly sent the 'premium shaving kit' which contains their premium shaving razor, synthetic shaving brush, oatcakes soaps mahogany shaving soap and a set of five razor blades, all of which is packaged in a lovely gift set.

I think the set is a great easy gift for dads, uncles, husbands and grandads as not only does it look like an expensive and luxe set (which is always a good idea at Christmas) but it is a practical gift too and I love to give practical (but beautifully presented) gifts for Christmas. I've been using the safety razor for a week or so now and it's so much more effective to use than the razors marketed towards women so I'll definitely be carrying on using it, even though it is a little terrifying to use! They currently have a Black Friday sale on which features a selection of shaving items but it ends on the 2nd December so go, go, go!

*Cranes Cranberry and Blood Orange Liqueur (£19.99)

Another product I mentioned previously is this delicious liquor from Cranes! I reviewed this liquor and one of their cider gift sets last year but I wanted to mention them again. The cranberry and blood orange liquor is delicious and it looks great too and if I'm honest, beautifully presented and designed christmas gifts are a selling point for me! As well as the liquor, they also have a lovely cider gift set available to buy so check out their website for more information and to potentially purchase.

*Anova Sous Vide Nano (£99)

Last but not least is probably one of the most exciting and unusual gifts I've featured on my blog and it is also a premium gift that would make a food lover very happy this christmas! The Anova Sous Vide Nano is a sous vide cooker which is something that has previously been a method of cooking and equipment that was only available in professional kitchens but now there are various options that can be bought for the home, including the Anova Nano.

The sous vide method of cooking involved placing your ingredients (meat, fish or vegetables) within  sealed bag and placing it in a pot of water along with the Anova Sous Vide Nano and the Nano will heat up and circulate the water to slowly and gently cook the ingredients to the desired temperature and time. This method is mainly used with meat and fish but it can be used to make a variety of meals from butternut squash soup and a range of sauces that are vegan. It's a cooking method I hadn't previously tried but so far I'm very impressed with the Anova Nano, from the design, ease of use and how quiet it is to the app and overall results, although I do need to try it out a little more. I will be posting a full review of the Anova Nano as well as a recipe or two on my blog in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned.

Have you tried any of the items I've featured? 

*Gifted

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*Top spring clothing pieces to take on a weekend away

Image from Merricksart

Now that spring is just around the corner it’s a great time to start planning a weekend getaway. Wherever you plan to go on a weekend getaway, packing the right clothes is vital. You want to have outfit choices but also not be burdened with packing a whole suitcase with half your wardrobe and carrying that away with you. To avoid taking a mass of clothes away with you, here are 5 key pieces that you should think about packing for your weekend getaway.

A fun blouse

This is a great item to have in your suitcase because of its versatility. You can team it with a variety of other items such as shorts on a hot day or a smart pair of trousers for a more formal occasion. With bright colours, a must for the warmer months why not go for something like Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year – Living Coral!

Multifunctional shoes

Having a pair of shoes that are not only stylish but functional and durable allows you to mix and match them with multiple outfits and ultimately pack fewer shoes. Remonte shoes combine style and functionality meaning you can wear them all day if you’re exploring a new city and then dress them up in the evening for a dinner date.

Black jeans

A staple of any wardrobe all year round, but just because it’s getting warmer doesn’t mean you should put your black jeans away until September. Matching black jeans with something like a fun blouse or doing something as simple as rolling the bottoms up can open up a world of possible outfits. Remember packing light on a weekend getaway means having items that you can wear in different situations. If you're looking for a new pair of jeans, which can be a bit of a nightmare, then check out Trilogy as they have so many styles to choose from including skinny jeans, straight legged jeans, high waisted and everything in between!

Sunglasses

Let’s think positively, it’s going to be sunny while you’re away! You’re going to need a pair of sunglasses with you. This really is an item that should be in your bag all through spring and summer. Sunglasses are often the final piece in completing an outfit, and we've all been in the situation where you get somewhere ready to explore on a gorgeous day and you’ve forgotten your sunglasses. Don’t let that happen on your weekend getaway.

A floral dress 

Flowers are beginning to bloom, and the colours are great, so why not have your statement piece for the weekend reflect the bright colours of the season. Once again this is something that you could wear during the day or on a warm evening out. The light fabrics used are great for the warmer months as well because being comfortable is as important as looking great.

What are you go-to weekend away picks? 

*collaborative post

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Gift Ideas For Young Dads

Image from Victoria Ling via Pinterest

In the UK Father's Day is not far away! Or perhaps you’re feeling generous and want to buy them a gift out of the blue? Either way, I’ve come up with four trendy gift ideas that will please your dad while also ensuring they always look their best! 

Designer Sweatpants 

We wouldn't usually admit it but comfy clothes and pyjamas are what we would all want to wear most of the them. Men love them because they’re nice and comfy, and it just means they can relax. When they’re at home, it doesn’t really matter if they’re wearing sweatpants all the time. But, it’s when they nip out and still wear them that things get problematic. You love them but it can be a bit embarrassing when you go for a quick coffee, and they’re in their raggy old sweatpants. Which is why this gift idea is so great! Instead of them wearing old and unfashionable sweatpants, you can buy them a pair of designer ones that look a lot nicer. You can get some from top brands like Hugo Boss that are nicely styled and designed to give a fitted look rather than be all baggy. Now, they can go out wearing their sweatpants and still look as good and fashionable as ever! 

Beard Grooming Kit 

Some guys look great with beards but what we can all agree on is that an unkempt beard or stubble is just not a good look for most. If you’re gonna rock the beard/stubble look, at least make sure everything is shaped and looking nice and smart. So, a beard grooming kit makes for a really trendy gift idea. It provides the tools to keep their beard nice and shapely at all times. They can look after it, and ensure they rock the bearded look with ease. Likewise, they can use the clippers to shave off their beard extremely quickly, which gets rid of the excuse that they ‘didn’t have enough time to shave'. A grooming kit is useful for dads that have beards and for ones that like to keep things smooth on their face. 

Designer Sunglasses 

I don’t know what it is but some dads just can’t seem to pick out a nice pair that suits their face. Either that or they just don’t bother buying any and ruin all your summer holiday photos by squinting in every picture - it's the dad thing to do. It’s a general rule of fashion that sunglasses make everyone look better. Of course, as someone that’s probably more in-tune to fashion than they are, you’ll know what sunglasses work best for them. So, it’s the perfect excuse to go out and get them a pair as a gift. You’ll find that the general reaction will be something along the lines of ‘I’ve been meaning to get some sunglasses for ages’. They’re one of those things that dads just always forget about which makes them a brilliant gift!

Designer Coat 

If there’s one item of clothing that many dads seem to get wrong all the time, it’s their coat. Dads just can’t seem to pick out good coats. They either choose something that’s very specifically made for a certain type of weather. For example, a big thick parka that’s meant for extreme cold and wetness and my dad tends to wear the exact same coat and jackets all of the time - it's his dad look. Or, they choose something that just doesn’t go well with other clothes. What you need to do is buy them a nice designer coat that’s suitable for various conditions and can be worn with pretty much any other outfit. Black or blue coats are popular for the second reason; they suit pretty much any outfit. Then, you want to look for something that’s waterproof but also quite lightweight so it can be worn when it’s not super cold out then there won't be any more frustrating shopping expeditions where nothing is bought but the same shirt as the others in his wardrobe. 

What do you think of these gift ideas? What do you buy for father's day or birthdays? 

*This is a sponsored post
*Image from Pinterest

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Review: Protest Clothing + Accessories

I was very kindly sent a range of clothing, accessories and swimwear from the outdoor clothing brand, Protest Clothing. Protest clothing was in Holland by a group of snowboarders back in 1993. I received quite a large collection of products to test out and I am super happy with them, honesty as always, check out my disclaimer, here. 

*Protest Bracelet Set: I can't find this set on the website but it is a pack of five bracelets in a range of gorgeous summery, festival colours! The size can be adjusted on most, they are lightweight and easy to wear. I think they would be perfect for a festival!

*Protest Tropical Triangle Bikini (£31.99, sale, UK 12/M): Now I haven't owned a bikini, ever! I am not one for swimming (although I loved at as a child and I can swim well) as I am really body conscious so it is something I would never do now. Although I have to say the design of this bikini is just gorgeous, it is plain and easy to wear but it has gorgeous braided colourful detailing around the edges of the cups and the bikini bottoms. I have tried on the bikini and it fits so well, the straps around the top half are easily adjustable and the cups are padded which is fantastic. From a design and fit point of view I would definitely recommend this bikini set!

*Protest Pink Sunglasses: I also cannot find this product on their website. The sunglasses fit me really well, I love the colour but the sunglasses are more of a cat eye shape which doesn't suit my face shape sadly. They do fit well and they feel really comfortable and lightweight!

*Protest Medium T-Shirt (£10.49, sale, UK 12/M): The green t-shirt isn't available on the website as far as I can see but there are other really nice colours. This basic tee is so cute! It makes me think of Californian beaches and surfing. It is light weight, easy to wear and soft - great for the summer! The fit is great too and I love the design. 

*Protest Purple Beanie Hat: I am all about beanies in the winter and this one will be a staple at that time of the year for me. I love the colour, it is super super soft and has a fleecy lining. It fits well and it will keep me warm and toasty in the winter. 

From the items I have I am very impressed with the quality, design and fit of all of the items! I would definitely recommend Protest Clothing for swimwear, ski/snowboarding clothing and other outdoor clothing/accessories. I have my eye on a few of the tops and tunics, the Fernham tunic looks amazing and perfect for my holiday next month! To check out other items from Protest Clothing, click here (they currently have a sale on). Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you bought anything from Protest Clothing? What do you think of the items I received? 

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Summer Holiday + Staycation Essentials

Photos taken in Florence, Ajaccio and Vatican City 2013

Summer is here and some of you will be going on holiday soon, I won't be going abroad this year *cries* but I wanted to share my summer holiday essentials for holidays in the sun or a staycation! This is a sponsored post. 

My first holiday essential is a decent camera. You can pick up some fantastic cameras at really reasonable price points. I always take so many photos on holiday so having my bridge camera is essential as it’s sturdy and really high quality especially for the price. Bridge cameras are a fantastic option, not just for holidays, as they can in some cases perform as well as a DSLR camera but they aren’t as cumbersome, bulky or as complicated to use. I also always pack an SD card with a large capacity as I don’t want to run out of space! 

My second holiday essential has to be sunglasses, I have only recently started wearing sunglasses as I used to hate them. However, I won a pair from Marc Jacobs (via The Sunglasses Shop) and I’m in love - see photos above. They are so handy and I think they can easily make an outfit. I always keep mine in their original case in my bag so they stay protected and I am less likely to lose them. 

My third essential is an all year product for me which are facial sprays. I love my Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Avene Thermale Spray and more recently my Jurlique Balancing Mist. I use them every time I wear makeup to either give a boost of hydration before foundation or to take away a powdery finish. They are so useful on holiday for sunburn or to just cool down; they are also great for refreshing makeup in the temperamental English summer. 

My final summer holiday essential is my iPad. Ok, maybe it’s not an essential but I have my Kindle app which is great for reading on the plane/train. I also have Notes so I can write down my experiences. I found my iPad really useful over the past couple of years on holiday abroad for photos when I didn't want to get my camera out. Also you never know where you will find a wifi hotspot and be able to connect - ship ports and trains often have wifi, in my experience. 

Another couple of basic holiday essentials that I always keep in my handbag (or going away for a few days in the UK) include: lip balm, hand sanitiser, mini perfume, hay fever tablets/ibuprofen, umbrella and my camera obviously! Oh also hair ties as I hate having my hair down in the heat/sun or when it's windy and drizzly in the UK as it always is. 

What are your summer holiday or staycation essentials? Do you have any packing or travelling tips?

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My Summer Basics

Here are some of my summer basics picks, obviously there are a lot of products I have missed out like SPF (I didn't include SPF because I can react to spf and it can irritate my eczema sometimes). Also I missed out my beloved Caudalie Beauty Elixir and foundation but these are just basics that I use on a daily basis during the summer in England. I might make a holiday/travel basics as I am going away from the beginning of August to the end of August. 

1. Simple Rich Moisturiser: this product is just a staple from me at all times of the year, I don't know what I would do without it! I have been using this facial moisturiser for about three years now and I love it, even during the summer because your skin always needs a moisturiser after cleansing.

2. Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder: I have the shade '01 fair' which is the lightest shade unfortunately because it is still a little bit too dark for me but during the summer when my skin isn't as ghostly pale as it is during the colder months then I can use it. The powder is almost invisible on the skin, it leave the skin matte but not really flat and it doesn't look caky, powdery or heavy at all!

3. Bioderma Sebium Micellaire Solution: I bought two bottles of this (2 X 500ml for €15) in Corsica and I love this stuff! It is the one of normal/combination skin and I have dry skin but it was the only bioderma micellaire water in the Corsican pharmacy I went to and I had been searching around Italy and Corsica for Bioderma! Anyway even through it is for normal/combination skin is works fine for my dry skin, it doesn't strip my skin and it removes makeup like nothing else!

4. Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter: I know that during the summer you don't want to use a thick body butter but this one smells divine, I love it! This body butter is quite light and it doesn't feel heavy and it absorbs quickly too.

5. Free People Mr. Cleaver Sunglasses: I bought these sunglasses about a week ago and I love them. I have fairly sensitive eyes and I wear contacts so sunglasses are a must and these look great! They fit really well, they don't look really big and they are comfortable. They are also in the sale for less than £7!

6. Ciate 'Red Hot Chili' Nail Polish: I bought this polish at the end of last month when it was on sale for £4.50. The shade is just gorgeous, it is a bright chili red which is perfect for summer. It applies like a dream and I can get away with one coat.

7. Twistbands: I love Twistbands, I received mine in a beauty box a while ago (I think it was Jolie Box) and I have been using the since. They don't pull on my hair, they don't give me a headache and they are great for just keep my hair away from my face while I am out and about in the sun. If you can't find Twistbands then H&M and Dorothy Perkins (and some brands in Boots) are making them now!

8. Korres Tinted Lip Balm, Rose: I love Korres products and this one is no exception. The lip balm is great on its own and the fact that it is tinted is great too because in the summer you don't want lots of makeup on or full on lipstick so a tinted lip balm is a great 2 in1 product for summer!

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Clothing Calculator #5

Here is another of my clothing calculator posts where I show you the new clothing/accessories/footwear items that are new online or that I love and how I would style them. This week is all about Next and festival/summer fashion!

All image above are from next.co.uk

1. Next Green Floral Kimono Style Wrap (£25): I saw this on the website and immediately fell in love - I do not own any kimonos but I may have to now - I love the idea of a simple vest top or cami and a light floaty cover up during summer evenings. Maybe this is a bit long for a very petite person like me but I think it looks gorgeous and perfect for summer.

2. Next Slub Vest (£10): You can't go wrong with a white vest top - they go with almost everything and are just wardrobe staples. 

3. Next Black Preppy Sunglasses (£12.50): As I have mentioned in a previous post I have been getting into wearing sunglasses more, I never used to. I love my Primark £1 wayfarers but these look amazing and high quality, good value sunglasses are hard to come by! 

4. Next Denim Uplift Shorts (£32): I love the cute crochet detailing on the sides of the shorts - it makes them look more feminine, summery and a bit more interesting when compared to regular demin shorts that everyone and their mother has!

5. Next Sporty Wedges (£36): I am in LOVE with these wedges! If only I didn't have tiny fairy feet! Who doesn't love wedges, they are really comfy and these look amazing! 

I hope you like this latest clothing calculator post, this one is a bit late because of the bank holiday but stay tuned for more clothing posts and my next clothing calculator post on monday! x

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Dorothy Perkins Haul #1

At the beginning of the month I won a massive Dorothy Perkins competition on Pinterest - I couldn't believe that I won, I was a ringing everyone to tell them (they just said 'let me guess you won another competition). I am very good at winning competitions recently! I won a £250 Dorothy Perkins voucher and I have only spent £100 of it so far, I can't believe how restrained I have been (go me!). I am giving some of the voucher to my sister but there will be another couple of posts on what I buy with the rest of my voucher. Here are my first four buys - 1 dress, 2 tops and 1 pair of sunglasses. 

Outfit one - Dorothy Perkins Petite Stripe Tunic (£24, reduced to £10): This item is still in stock online, I bought it because I do not have anything like it in my wardrobe. It has a shift dress shape so it doesn't have a waistband as all of my other dresses have, it feels slouchy and I LOVE it! I also love the stripes - if you couldn't tell as all of the items in this post are stripy. The faux leather pockets and trim make it look quiet expensive in my opinion. Not everyone likes it though, my sister says it looks like pyjamas! It is made of a thick cotton like material, so comfy. My tights are from *Oroblu and my wedges are from Select (Yoox). 

Outfit two - Blue Stripe Jersey Knit Top (£16): This is not in the sale but I had to get it, I adore breton stripe tops, I think they look so french and chic! The top is quite thin and light so it would be great for spring/summer. I paired it with my Asos Petite Black Jeans, Asos Ankle Boots and my new Dorothy Perkins Tort Hawaii Clarkmaster Sunglasses (£8) which I also bought with my voucher. I am a bit unsure if these sunglasses suit me but I like them! Please excuse how massive my hips look in this photo!

Outfit three - Petite Stripe Jersey Knit (£18): This top was also not in the sale and it is almost sold out online, as I am writing this. I love stripes, I think I have an addiction...I love the grey/white marled kind of effect and it is a super soft jumper. It is fairly light and breathable so it would be great for spring. I paired it with my Dorothy Perkins Petite Jeans and my La Redoute Boots. 

What do you think of my outfits and new buys? Have you bought anything from Dorothy Perkins recently?

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*Style Tips For Autumn

Image from A Clothes Horse

Autumn is here and with it, a whole new range of colours and styles. From earthy shades to crimson reds, this season comes filled with tones that will spice up your wardrobe, so you can forget about days getting colder or windier. Here’s a look at what to wear in autumn, from hair and clothes to accessories and shoes.

Hairstyles

You might have noticed that 2017, for the most part, was the year of bob hairstyles that ranged from Taylor Swift’s or Alexa Chung’s. Either way, until 2018, bobs will definitely still be the favourite choice and you can even try to make yours edgier! But if you’re more into long hairstyles and even managed to keep yours nourished during the summer while you tried out a full Ursula Andress style (from the unforgettable beach scene in "Dr. No" with Sean Connery) then autumn is the perfect time to show off your mane. Chiara Ferragni, for instance, just might be your ideal inspiration to wear it up or down and make this classic look fun. Long or short, fall is a great time to show off healthy hair, so make sure you use the right products to keep it properly hydrated as it is also during this time of year that we tend to lose more of it, so look after your mane!

Red is the new brown

As far as colours go, you might have noticed that many shops have filled their display windows with red sweaters and dresses; so yes, this is the “it” tone of this season. Related to the colours we tend to think of in autumn (amber, burgundy and tawny shades) and yet more vibrant, this tone is the perfect uplifting choice for this season. You might have even noticed an unlikely combination across social media of pink and red outfits. Take note of how these two go together because you might end up pairing them up yourself. Autumn is also a time to think about layers and getting that suede jacket you’ve been longing for might be the smartest move as it looks good with pretty much anything. I"m currently looking for the perfect red coat for the colder months.

Shoes, sunglasses & bags

When it comes to accessories for this autumn, go for heeled boots which are always in style and perfect for this weather. Clutches seem to be going strong this season, as well as shoulder bags with check prints or faux fur and the always comfortable and practical backpack. Try reddish tones for all these to match your outfits. Sunglasses are also great this fall, especially glamorous, frameless ones as well as cat-eyed shades, which never fail. Try to get the ones that best suit the shape of your face shape.

With red as the basic tone, this autumn is bright with possibility. Although it might be getting chilly, there are still some sunny days around the corner, so check out this post to get a further insight on layering. In any case, it is time put your bikini and summer dresses away until next year and bring out the chunky knits, ankle boots, scarves and coats!

*This post was written in collaboration with Tamara Izko
*Image from Pinterest

Do you have any autumn styling tips? What are your must have accessories/clothes for autumn? 

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Random Buys!

Here is just a couple of random accessories/makeup/footwear buys from the last few weeks - from Primark and Amazon.

1. Primark Studded Pumps (£6/8): I can't remember exactly how much these shoes were - they were either £6 or £8, I think they were £6. They are my sisters are they look like my far more expensive Zara studded pumps/flats. My Zara shoes were about £25 and these are obviously cheaper - they do look very similar from a distance but these Primark ones have studs and sparkly flat embellishments too. 

2. Primark Aztec Printed Snood (£4): I love Primark for their cheap scarves and snoods especially. This one feels quite expensive, it is made from a really soft/smooth/comfy material and it it quite heavy and well made. It falls really nicely and because it is a neutral light grey colour, it goes with a lot of outfits. 

3. Primark RayBan Style Sunglasses (£1): I picked these up because 1. they look great and 2. they were only £1 - how could I not get them?! The lenses/frame is a lot smaller than most primark sunglasses which tend to be massive and just don't look right on me. These are great though - you can see what they look like on, on my OOTD post (link here). 

4. Bourjois Radiance Healthy Mix Foundation (£9.99): I bought this from Amazon UK in the lightest shade '51 light vanilla'. I love Bourjois foundations on the whole - I LOVE their brush on foundation which I can't find anymore. I have only tried this foundation a couple of times and so far I am not impressed - sure it gives good coverage, the shade is great and it doesn't irritate my skin. But for me this foundation is not radiant or glowy or hydrating - I find this emphasises dryness and it doesn't make my skin look hydrated or glowing or radiant which is quite disappointing. Full review will be posted when I have tried it out more. 

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Clothing Calculator #4

Here is another clothing calculator post - this is a series of posts in which I create an outfit with the new products online this week. I have missed the past two clothing calculator post because of bank holidays etc. 

1. Topshop Stripe Bardot Crop Top (£12): I love anything with this french style stripe pattern! I really need more things with this white and bright blue stripe on in my wardrobe! This is a crop top which I am not a fan of but it would be great during summer (if we ever get it in England). I also think it would be great with high waisted things - skirt, jeans etc. 

2. Topshop Pink Chiffon Square Scarf (£14): I adore scarves and snoods and this is no exception. I love the colour, it is great for summer and to add a pop of colour (I hate that expression) as I mainly wear black/white/navy/grey. 

3. Topshop Moto Cornflower Blue Hotpants (£22): I have a few pairs of shorts/hot pants from Topshop - I find they last a really long time and they look great. The bright blue colour of these shorts just screams summer and hot weather. Love them! I think they would be great with tights too (low denier tights).

4. Topshop Festival Brow Sunglasses (£16): I have recently got into wearing sunglasses more, as it is getting a little bit sunnier occasionally in England. I will have another look in Primark soon to see if they have any similar to these. 

5. Topshop Woo-hoo 2part Flatforms (£45): Finally some gorgeous flatforms/sandals - love the summer vibe and zara-like design of these shoes. 

I hope you like this latest clothing calculator post - stay tuned for haul posts and the seven deadly sins beauty tag coming soon! x

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Summer Festival + Travel Essentials #1

I am lucky this year in that I'm visiting some lovely cities around the UK including Chester, Southampton and London and well as a cruise around the western coast of Norway, which I can't wait for so I've been going through my beauty stash looking for travel products as I like to be overly prepared and organised, probably too organised.

To help with my travel beauty needs, I was very kindly sent a load of products from chemist.co.uk, so thank you! They have a range of pre-prepared festival and travel kits that are fantastic as they contain lots of items you'll need in one package. I picked the *festival pack one (£7.99) which contains deodorant wipes, lip balm, plasters, vitamin C tablets and dry shampoo, all of which are perfect items for a festival, weekend away or camping. Now onto all of the other items:

Toiletries

There are some items we all have to take on holiday or to a festival including deodorant, the deodorant that I always use is the *Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant (£4.58) which is so effective. I also have the *Quickies Deodorant Wipes (£1.35) which will come in so handy as during the summer it isn't nice feeling too hot and sweaty and just using wipes can help if you're not able to have a full shower - they would be perfect for camping.

Hair removal is another essential and I love the *Gillette Simply Venus 2 Disposable Razors (£3.32), I've gone through a few packs of these and they are fantastic disposable razors that are lightweight, effective and I never cut myself with them! I also use the *Nair Facial Wax Strips (£1.65) for my eyebrows as they are easy to cut up, they are effective and they are so cheap - they are the cheapest mini wax strips I've found and they are well worth checking out especially as they are so easy to travel with as well as being very discreet.

Lastly for toiletries, toothpaste. I have sensitive teeth so I always need a sensitive toothpaste and the *Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Black Sensitive Toothpaste (£4.25) is fantastic. Yes, a black toothpaste is quite gimmicky but I find it does help to slightly whiten my teeth and it helps with sensitivity so it's a great two in one toothpaste. 

Multivitamins & Tablets

I am a vegetarian and occasional vegan so multivitamins are a daily essential for me but when it comes to packing for the summer holidays or festivals where space is limited, it's always best to find multi-use or two in one products to save space. The *Centrum Vitamints (£5.99) are a combination of a breath mint and multivitamin tablet, why hasn't someone made them before now! They are chewable mints (without gelatine) and they are perfect as a two in one product to not only keep your breathe fresh but boost your vitamin intake too. Also in the festival pack there were some *Dextro Energy Orange and Vitamin C (69p) which are great energy boosters and they're so inexpensive!

Painkillers such as *paracetamol (49p) are essentials too as I do get lots of headaches, especially during the summer as I'm wearing sunglasses more and because of the stress of travelling. The *Disprin Direct Chewable Aspirin (£1.99) are also great, portable and easy option for headaches, migraines and period pain relief.

Lastly, for tablets are the *Phenergan Tablets (£3.99) which are tablets for hayfever relief and travel sickness so if you have both then these are definitely worth a try. I have tried so many hayfever tablets and products but I haven't tried these before and so far so good!

Haircare

Next up, haircare! My hair is usually fine with any shampoo or conditioner but since bleaching the ends of my hair, I have to be a bit more selective and the *Touch Of Silver Colour Care Shampoo (£1.86, 200ml) has been helping to keep my hair a bit less brassy which is amazing and it's so cheap!

Dry shampoos are also an essential, particularly during the hot summer months and while on holiday! I adore the Colab dry shampoos but I wanted to get a mini *Batiste Dry Shampoo (£1.40, 50ml) which is a easier size to travel with compared to the large Colab bottles.

Emergency Items

Whether you're going camping, aboard on holiday or to a festival (even just on a road trip), it's always a good idea to have some emergency items on hand such as a first aid kit, painkillers, *heat patches (£1.90) and of course, plasters! I have a couple of packs of the *Savlon Fabric Plasters (£1.99) which contains 40 plasters per box. I go through SO many plasters on holiday as shoes always cause my ankles to bleed so they are definitely an essential for me! Mini scissors, tweezers and nail files are also items to add to your makeup bag!

Skincare 

Lastly, onto skincare and one item that divides the beauty and blogging community - wipes! Some people hate wipes and others rely on them and I'm in the middle. For my heavy halloween makeup looks, I'll go through lots of wipes and I use wipes on holiday but of the rest of the time I'll use my regular skincare products and go through my full routine as I don't think wipes get the job done as completely and effectively as a full skincare routine. Although they are great for holidays and festivals. I like the *Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes (£1.94) and the *Nivea 3 in 1 Cleansing Wipes (£2.75) as they are pretty good and they're so inexpensive.

SPF is an essential during the summer months, even in the UK so I find the best way to get my SPF protection is through my skincare. The *Nivea Sensitive Day Cream (£4.99, 50ml) is not only a fantastic and gentle moisturiser for my eczema prone skin but it also contains SPF15. One area most people overlook when it comes to SPF is lip balm, the *Flava Craze Lip Balms by Chapstick (£2.86) contain SPF 10-15 which is fantastic and such an easy way to get some UVA/UVB protection.

Thanks so much to the lovely people at chemist.co.uk! Definitely check out their website if you are looking for essentials, toiletries, skincare and travel helpers as the prices are fantastic and they festival packs are great as a pre-packaged kit.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your summer travel or festival essentials? 

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