48 Hours in Ibiza with Swimwear 365

Swimwear 365 stock a huge range of swimwear, clothing and accessories - so it's the ideal site for stocking up on Summer goodies if you're going away somewhere hot! Sadly, i have nothing booked, so am entering their insane competition where you can win a 48 hour trip to Ibiza, how exciting! I've never been to Ibiza, and would love to go over for some serious sunbathing, chilling and of course partying.

My 48 hour Ibiza itinerary is as follows; Jump off the plane with my number one girl, my sister, and head to the hotel where we can throw our bags down and get changed into some sassy bikinis and kimonos from Swimwear 365, spray some sun tan lotion on and head out for some sightseeing. We'd start by checking out the traditional town and some of the harbours and marinas, and then have a yummy fresh seafood lunch, finished with some ice cream and sorbet to cool off! After this we'd head to the beach for some swimming, tanning and snorkelling, before getting ready to party the night away drinking cocktails and dancing until sunrise. Day 2 we'd start with a huge breakfast, and lots of fresh water! Then we'd wake up by taking a beach yoga class, and having a fruit smoothie, before travelling to one of the small islands by boat to hopefully see some dolphins and wildlife! We'd also love to go pony trekking, go karting, and would finish off the trip with a few more cocktails and maybe a pool party before it's time to jet back.

I've selected below a few items that would be in my Ibiza suitcase, including a flattering wrap style bikini from 365 Swimwear that would look mega cute with sandals and sunglasses! For nights out i'd wear a simple, bodycon co-ord, and fringed party heels from Jeffrey Campbell. Sun cream, bright nail varnish and lip balm are my beauty essentials for a sunny trip to Ibiza, and the glow stick bracelets are too fun not to take!

Full details about how to enter the competition are here :).
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The Monday Piece - Monki Tee

This week's Monday Piece is on this slogan tee from Monki! I've been browsing the shops online and instore recently, so thought i'd pop up an outfit to include some of my fave new season pieces. The tee is only £12 so a mega bargain, the Acne leather jacket is not so cheap but pound per wear and all that - plus i can never resist their classic style and shape, and i love the silver zips and hardware that would look ideal with the Proenza Schouler cross body bag! I'm all about timeless pieces like the Topshop Leigh jeans, they're easy to wear and great for all year round, and the Casadei heels are super sassy and simple. Some nude, neutral make up would finish off the outfit, the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick needs to be mine, along with sparkly nail varnish :).
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The Monday Piece - Bullring Bloggers Event

This week's Monday Piece is on the amazing Bullring Bloggers Event i attended last week. The Bullring in Birmingham is one of my fave local shopping centres as they have the most awesome selection of shops, including big department stores, like Selfridges and Debenhams, that are a one stop shop for all your fashion and beauty needs! At the event we were treated to Nando's, drinks, blogger cakes and goodies, plus it was a great opportunity to chat with different brands like Karen Millen, Folli Follie, Umberto Giannini and lots of beauty brands too like Clarins, Shu Uemura and Urban Decay. There were lots of products to try and lots to learn, which is always good for someone like me who is a bit of a make up and skincare novice! It's always great seeing the local blogging girls, so i had a great night. We were treated to some fab gifts and samples to test out, so i'll be popping those up in a blog post soon :).
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Hairtrade

A little hair update as I've not done one for a while, featuring a favourite product of mine from Hairtrade, who's online shop is the ideal place to get all your hair essentials. From GHD tools, to hair extensions, and shampoo, the choice is enormous and they have products and accessories suitable for all hair types and styles! They also stock the big brands like Moroccan Oil, Redken and Paul Mitchell, if you're after something a bit more luxurious. I've been using this light spray oil by Wella Salon Professionals for a few months, and had recently ran out so rejoiced when Hairtrade offered to send me another bottle. I find thick oils weigh my hair down and make it quite greasy, so this is a great alternative - you spray the fine mist over your hair, smooth, and comb through and you're good to go. I find it makes my hair shiny, leaves it feeling softer, and makes it smell so good! Enriched with keratin, argan, jojoba and almond oil, the texture is really light, and leaves a non sticky, non greasy finish. Also a little goes a long way, and my previous bottle lasted a good few months, priced at £11.49 I think it's decent value for money, and can be used all year round! I've also been picking up cute scrunchies and bows recently from Claire's Accessories, just what I need to keep my hair out of my face when I'm having a lazy day!
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 *c/o Hairtrade Wella Luxe Oil, here*

The Monday Piece - Father's Day Gift Idea, Bluebeards Revenge

This week's Monday Piece is on Bluebeards Revenge - as Father's Day is this weekend it's time to buy cards and gifts for the men in our lives, whether that's boyfriends, Dads or brothers, it's always nice to treat the guys on Father's Day! Bluebeards Revenge is a male skincare and shaving range designed for men with Desperate Dan style beards who struggle to get a soft, clean finish and for those who want to take the chore style feeling out of shaving. As well as giving an extra close, smooth shave, the paraben free products also help to reduce hair growth, ingrown hairs, lumps and bumps. Glyndwr has been trying out the shaving solution and spray, they smell so refreshing, not too overpowering and work really well together - plus they came in fab packaging which is always a bonus! The range is fairly large, with pre and post shave balms, body sprays and perfumes, razors, brushes and creams - if the selection is a little overwhelming there's also some great gift sets to choose from that are just right for Father's Day. The products can be bought in store from Tesco, Holland and Barrett and GNC, also online at Feel Unique, ASOS and Amazon :).
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*c/o Bluebeards Revenge products, here*

1951 Maison Francaise at The Dressing Room

I hope you are having a good week so far! The ever so trendy ladies over at The Dressing Room sent me this awesome leather purse on a string pouch bag, by 1951 Maison Francaise, to stuff full of things i can't be without if i'm heading out to a Summer event. The soft leather and pouch style means you can fit quite a lot inside - i've included my large Samsung Galaxy Note 2, sunglasses, card holder, perfume, lip liner, concealer, lip balm, blister plasters and a mini moisturiser! Make up touch ups are usually required so i like to carry a few basics with me to do so throughout the day, the perfume keeps me smelling nice and blister plasters are so handy if i'm wearing uncomfy heels.
The detachable chain strap means it can be carried as a clutch, slipped into a larger travel bag, or worn with the chain as a cross body/shoulder bag so it's extra versatile - i love the embossed leather zip pull, and the printed red cotton lining is so pretty! I recommend checking out the full range of 1951 Maison Francaise bags, there's so many colours to choose from, here :).

*c/o The Dressing Room 1951 Maison Francaise bag, here*
 

The Monday Piece - Selfridges Birmingham Beauty Hall

This week's Monday Piece is on the fantastic new Beauty Hall at Selfridges Birmingham. Selfridges have recently launched a huge beauty campaign across their stores, named The Beauty Project, it's all about how people define beauty, what being beautiful is all about, and how to find beauty in everyone! You can find lots of beauty related things going on in your local Selfridges, from talks with professional make up artists, to skin care workshops, google hangouts and limited edition products - you can see the full timetable here.

On Wednesday night we were invited to a party at Selfridges Birmingham, to celebrate the launch of the new Beauty Hall in connection with The Beauty Project. We started with champagne on the balcony, and chatting with other guests, then were led downstairs to a staged area where we were told to wait for an important guest performance! The ladies told us all about The Beauty Hall and how it's the biggest luxury beauty department outside of London - you could instantly tell so much work had gone into it, and the staff were so positive, excited and proud to show it off. The performance then started and we were open mouth shocked when Kelis came out and started singing - dressed in a multicolour dress and big high heels, she looked incredible and sounded amazing! Strutting around the stage and being a general goddess, it was such a special performance - thank you Selfridges!

Following the beautiful Kelis, we were given time to browse the beauty hall and test out the products with some more champagne and yummy food - it's absolutely massive, and very glossy and new - featuring brands including Chanel, Illamasqua, Mac, Charlotte Tilbury and Jo Malone (and many more) it's a beauty lovers paradise. There's a dedicated area to perfume too, where you can find rare, exclusive brands as well as other well known fragrances. The Beauty Hall environment looks and feels so luxurious, plus there are lots of staff on hand to assist with any purchases or treatments. As well as beauty and fragrance, there are also hair and skin care stations, again with lots of exclusive products and treatments!

It was such an exciting evening, with surprises and treats to take away, The Beauty Hall at Selfridges Birmingham is not to be missed, and the Beauty Project is running nationwide until June 12th - please do check it out!
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The Monday Piece - Debenhams Intu Merry Hill Event

This week's Monday Piece is on the Debenhams beauty event at Intu Merry Hill I went to on Saturday. Myself and some other Midlands bloggers were invited down to Debenhams at Intu Merry Hill for an afternoon of beauty, skin care and goodies - i started off at Elemis where the knowledgeable assistants taught me about the brand, and gave me some tips on what i can do to improve my skin care routine. All of the products smelled so good, and i loved the fresh feel to everything! Elemis don't test on animals, which i think is amazing and definitely encourages me to buy from the brand.
I then popped over to Elizabeth Arden for a lip workshop - i never really think of pampering my lips and usually give them a once over with some Vaseline and that's it, so was interested to hear about what care we should give our lips and what products are best. I was shown how to exfoliate my lips and how to prep them for products like lipstick/gloss, then gave them a slick of love with the Elizabeth Arden eight hour intensive lip balm which left them sooooo soft and nourished!
Next up was Juicy Couture to sniff out the new fragrances and experiment with the different flavours of Summer, i love Juicy fragrances as they always sit well on my skin, and have a light, flirty scent which i love - the two new Malibu themed fragrances are super fruity, there's a quiz to determine which Juicy girl you are and which fragrance you should pick so that was fun too!
Lastly i headed to Urban Decay to have my make up done - they gave me colourful eyes and a bit of glitter so was feeling quite glam, they also showed off the new bright coloured eye palettes that are so different from the Naked range but ideal for nights out and jazzing up a simple Summer outfit!
All of the ladies and gents were so helpful and i learned so much about beauty and skin care, we were treated to some amazing goodies from the brands and had an amazing afternoon!
Full details about Debenhams Intu Merry Hill can be found, here.
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Francesco Group Bloggers Event

Last Thursday i popped over to Birmingham to The Francesco Group Academy hairdressers for a bloggers evening, and had so much fun! Upon entering i was greeted with drinks and yummy strawberries, and introduced to the team, which was great as i'd got lost in the city wearing inappropriate footwear so couldn't wait to relax and get started - the salon smelt so good and was really smart and well laid out, with fresh flowers and an abundance of high end hair tools. I'd had my hair cut earlier that day, but it was fairly messy and hadn't been washed (lazy girl problems), so was excited when the organisers told me that i could have a treatment of my choice - hooray! I had the talented Melvin styling my hair, he washed it with some amazing smelling products, then gave me their new 'sleek blowdry', then finished the style by straightening my hair and making it super shiny and glossy. I loved it, my hair felt like silk and was the sleekest it's ever been!

We were also given the opportunity to have a colour consultation, something i'd not had before, where we were told what skin type we were (i'm cool), and what colour clothes and accessories work best with our skin tone - it was so interesting and i learned a lot about what colours are good and bad for me, and what hair and make up colours are most suited to us. It was fab to have such a personal experience, and might have opened my eyes to a few more colours other than black! Before leaving i was given some Wella Professional products to try out, including a leave in conditioner, misting spray oil that i now can't live without, and a detangler for my knotty tresses - i've been using the products for the last week and have seen some great results. It was an awesome evening and i definitely recommend Francesco Group salons, if only i could have Melvin every day to work his magic! I've added some pictures below, Chloe had her hair cut and styled, and Hayley had her fringe trimmed, they both looked amazing!
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All Francesco Group details can be found, here.

The Monday Piece - John Frieda Frizz Ease

This week's Monday Piece is on the new range of Frizz Ease products from John Frieda. As i have long, naturally frizzy, unmanageable hair, i'm often looking for new products that will make my hair sleek, smooth and frizz free. I thought it would be an ideal time to try the products too, as we're in that weird weather transition where it's getting more humid and we're experiencing that horrid fuzzy rain that always causes my hair to frizz!

Frizz Ease has been around for a while and was one of the first products i started using on my hair, so was looking forward to trying the new range. The shampoo and conditioner are both fab, they have a light scent and left my hair feeling soft and light, with no residue. Following this i used the styling spray, claiming to keep my hair straight for up to 3 days i was unsure how it would turn out but it was amazing - it left me with much fewer flyaways and kept my hair straight and sleek - the formula is heat activated so is designed to work along side blow dryers and hair straighteners, as these are the tools i usually use it's ideal for me! To finish of the sleek style i applied the polishing serum, which smells SO good and left my hair super shiny and soft. I can't wait to continue using these products and definitely recommend them if your long hair needs taming :).
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*c/o LOOK Magazine and John Frieda Frizz Ease products, available here*

Hairtrade

I'm fairly lazy when it comes to hair and skin care, as i usually stick to what i know and try to keep it simple, so i can get up and ready as fast as possible and get on with my day. I've made a mood board full of no nonsense hair and beauty items from Hairtrade that work and are easy to use for girls like me who don't have lots of time in the mornings and evenings! I started with the cute lounging around outfit and eye mask as i thought it was cute and girly, if i'm chilling out at home i like to be comfy so this is just right for that. Tangle Teezers are ideal for my long hair as it knots and mattes ridiculously easily, i definitely recommend getting one if you don't already have one -  i also use hair oils to keep my hair smooth, shiny and more manageable. I've always wanted a pair of GHD hair straighteners, the new pastel colours are so pretty so i think i might have to take the plunge and invest in some! A decent moisturiser is an important part of my regime as i have weird combination skin, so something like Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream is a great all round product for morning and night time. A slick of lip balm and a spray of perfume keep me smelling nice, and of course lots of water to keep my body and skin hydrated!
Do you have any favourite products?
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*Night time top here, shorts here*
*All beauty products available here*

 

Spring Hair and Beauty Ideas

I'm loving all the new season pastel colours that are popping up at the moment, especially light blues, pinks and purples. I don't wear too much make up as i like to keep it quite natural, so the nude Nars blush would be ideal for a natural glow. The kitty head band is so cute and would look great with a shimmery, pink lip. If you're after a new look for your hair, Paul's Hair World has a vast range of  highest quality Brazilian hair extensions as well as sleep in rollers, hair brushes and products. It's important not to forget the little things, hair extensions clips are essential for keeping everything in place! I've been looking for a new make up bag for ages and spotted this Marc Jacobs case online, the soft fabric and printed design is just the right shape and size for all of my make up essentials!
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*Sponsored post

Summer Beauty Essentials with Lloyds Pharmacy

Today is a little Summer beauty and skincare post in association with Lloyds Pharmacy. Although Lloyds are well known for being a general pharmacy and healthcare provider, they also have a huge selection of beauty and skincare products. I was given a budget of £50 to select some Summer Essentials, i didn't realise how much there was to choose from - higher end brands including La Roche-Posay, Korres and VICHY and everyday high street brands like Rimmel and Max Factor. If you're a reader of my blog you'll probably know that i don't wear much make up, i like to keep it simple, fresh and nude - so i picked some neutral, light products, ideal for Summer and the warmer weather.

Here's what i picked;

Eau Thermal Avene - A soothing and cooling mist spray, can be used on irritated/sensitive/sunburned skin, so refreshing and a good all round can of goodness.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Fluid - I've been using this light moisturiser to even out my complexion and smooth the surface of my skin. It's also good for reducing redness on my cheeks and around my nose.

NYC Metro Quartet Eyeshadow - I use light eyeshadows as i've got quite small eyes, so it's nice to have them light and bright during Summer. The nude colours are well pigmented and the different shades make the eyeshadow blendable too.

Korres Jasmine Lip Butter -  I'd heard so much about this lip balm so couldn't wait to try it, it really is so buttery and soft, with a light scent and slightly tinted this neutral shade is so nice to use on the lips to create a juicy finish.

Rimmel Volume Flash Mascara - A product i always go back to, Rimmel mascaras are so good for the price, this one is super black and builds really well, it also washes off easily.

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer - I've always been prone to a few blemishes, so a concealor is an essential of mine, the coverage isn't too heavy and sits on the skin well, i also use it to hide dark under eye circles. The brush applicator is also much easier to apply and blend than a stick concealors i've used in the past.

Korres Mint Tea Shower Gel - This smells so fresh and yummy, it layers the skin with a moisturising barrier so works as both a cleansing shower gel and body moisturiser.

I've been really enjoying these products, i've pictured my face below using the Summer Essentials Products. What are your Summer Beauty Essentials?

*c/o Lloyds Pharmacy products, here*

Summer hair tips

Today is a hair post, and how to keep your hair in good condition during the warmer and humid weather. Obviously I have fairly long natural hair, and it's not that easy to maintain, so here are my tips to maintain healthy hair, and growth tips too!

- Keep hair fresh and clean by washing every other day, if it gets a little greasy in between washes use a dry shampoo on the roots
- I shampoo twice, and then leave conditioner on for a few minutes whilst showering, i use the VO5 Nourish Me Truly range as it keeps my hair moisturised and frizz free, the humidity at this time of year can result in crazy massive hair but this is something i try to avoid!
- I do blow dry but try not to use heated hair tools too often, my hair is finer at the ends due to the length so try not to over frazzle it!
- Serums and oils are great to use when hair is slightly damp, a little goes a long way as it's good for smoothing flyaways and keeping the finish sleek. Headmasters serums and Macademia oils are really good
- Hair growth is individual and not everyone's hair grows as much as others, but limiting heat and keeping hair in good condition helps growth. I cut my own hair with normal scissors, and snip the very ends of every 2 months or so - but going to a hairdresser is more adviseable! Try not to over style hair, i tend to stay away from sticky products, and hairspray too
- If your natural hair doesn't grow as quick as you would like it too, you can always experiment with a great selection of human hair wigs and hair extensions, long luscious locks are available to everyone!
- Wigs and extensions are also good if you want a temporary change from your normal style or colour, you can shop different styles online at at Pauls Hair World - i love the idea of trying something instead of a permanent drastic change!

Do you have any tips for keeping hair sleek in Summer?
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*sponsored post, all words and opinions my own

Nspa skin review

A little skin care post today. I was sent this nspa kit recently that includes a three step facial cleanse routine, and a three step body/shower routine. I'm the first to admit that my skin isn't great...I lead quite a healthy lifestyle but unfortunately I've never had clear, fresh looking skin that I've always wanted, and to be hest I don't think I ever will have amazing skin. However I do believe that I can make it slightly better and there are products that can help my skin. I usually use a basic face wash, and an oil controlling moisturiser, twice a day, as well as toning just before bed, I do try to keep it simple as I find it works best for me - but of course everyones skin has different requirements.

Onto the kit; it came in a little nspa wash bag which is fab, I can keep all the products neatly together and it's also good for going away/to the gym or whatever. Nspa create luxury spa products that you can use in your own home, with an affordable price tag.
Each product is labelled 1, 2, 3 so it's an easy to follow routine (great for skin care novices like me). 1 is a melting cleansing gel, and is used as a normal face wash, rub onto dry skin, lather with water and rinse off - it removed my make up well, and got rid of all the daily rubbish that builds up on my face over the day/night. 2 is a hot cloth cloth cleanser that also doubles up as an exfoliator, it should be used with a muslin cloth to wipe away the product after applying. I only use this a few times a week as muslin cloths tend to bring me out in spots, so it's great as an exfoliating wash. 3 is an illuminating beauty serum that can be worn alone or under make up, it leaves a glowing sheen and feels light on the skin. I've also been using it as my general moisturiser and its done a great job so far at keeping my skin nourished!

The shower/bath products are similar, just in a larger form as they're used on the whole body. 1 is a simple shower and body wash, it builds up into a lovely thck lather and has a delicate scent - again the skin on my body isn't good either so I avoid anything with a heavy, strong smell. 2 is a body polish, something I've never used before, its rubbed onto damp, clean skin - I really liked this bit, it left my skin really smooth and definitely brightened it too. 3 is a body lotion, I'm a bit naughty and don't moisturise my body...ever...apart from using sudocrem on my arms, so I did only use a teeny tiny bit at a time on my legs and tummy - again, the scent was light and it didn't leave a thick residue, and did a good job at moisturising my skin.

I really enjoyed using the nspa products, and although it didn't cure my awful skin, its something I'll continue to use as I like the scent, the cleansing effects, and the how soft it left my skin. Also, these products are an absolute steal with prices starting at around £3! I hope you found my skin care review helpful :).
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*c/o nspa products, here*