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Monday, 23 January 2017

Products to beat January



January is one of the worst months. I mean they've even named 16th January as 'Blue Monday,' the saddest day of the year.

I've picked up some products that I've been using non-stop in recent months that have helped pick me up when hit with that January feeling. They've helped brighten and rejuvenate my skin and hair after being exposed to all weather types.


B U R T S  B E E S - Original and Pink Grapefruit 

I am obsessed and have been for a while now with Burts Bees, especially their lip balm. It nourishes and leaves my lips feeling soft and notiably reduces the dryness. I find the original also leaves a tingling feeling after application, which has left my lips looking slightly fuller. The pink grapefruit flavour smells divine, the strong smell isn't overpowering but doesn't fade as soon as you've applied. 

Burts Bees is my favourite brand of lip balm, after trying a few different brands I find these last the longest, smell amazing and there is such a variety of flavours to try. Most impotantly they are all 100% natural flavourings. 

Buy Burts Bees from Boots and FeelUnique 




O R I G I N S - Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask 

I have to admit I am not an avid skincare collector. I'm actually quite lazy when it comes to looking after my skin, which I'm definitely hoping to improve. Looking after your skin is so important as we're exposed to so much during our day to day routine and lifestyle. I seeked something that was going to give my skin some well derserved TLC and attention. I wanted a facemask for those chilled Sunday evenings, and was recommended this charcoal based mask from one of the Origins team in Boots.

Charcoal is a natual element which helps clear and unclog pores making them less visable, leaving the skin feeling fresh. Something that stood out for me was the fact that it can help reduce the unwanted oil from the skin leaving it feeling smooth. So I one hundred percent suggest this mask to anyone with oily skin, as it noticibly reduced the oil.

Before applying I'll wet a cloth with hot water to get my face damp to open pores. I'll then apply a generous amount to the skin. After application I'll relax in the bath or in bed with a book, while I wait for the mask to dry completely. Before wetting the cloth again with hot water to remove the mask, gently, as to not pull the skin. To finish I'll splash cold water on my face to close pores. 

Buy Origins from Boots, FeelUnique and House of Fraser (The 100ml bottle is shown in the photo above, which lasts a good few months depending on usage. I normally use this every Sunday.)



Z A R A - Pear & White Flower Fragrance

Zara isn't normally my first call when seeking out a new scent. However, I'm so happy I found this as it smells so amazing, not too overpowering but lasts all day with a few top ups during the day.

 It's fresh and floral, a definite dupe for Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche but without the designer price tag. At only £15.99 for the larger one and £3.99 for the small travel size bottle, so its perfect for everyday use.

Somthing that I love about the travel size is that it has a roller applicator, which is quick and easy to apply, so there is no chance of spilling it or it leaking in your handbag.

Buy Zara Fragrances either in store or online


L 'O R E A L  P A R I S -  Elvive Fibrology Air Root- Lifting Dry Shampoo

This is perfect handbag size. I'm constantly touching and playing with my hair, which is one of the main reasons for the build up of grease. So for this to fit in my handbag is so handy when I need to freshen up my roots and add a bit of volume throughout the day.

Fibrology air is a new formula which is clear and light, helping to uplift and give volume to hair that feels flat and weighed down. In the range is a shampoo and conditioner (which is a clear liquid) and the dry shampoo, pictured above.

I've not tried the shampoo and conditioner yet but I'm intrigued as to see if it works and helps my hair appear weightless. Another reason to try these products is that they smell so fresh and lovely, it's not fruity and too girly which I find most are.

L'oreal Paris brought out Elvive Fibrology to help give volume and give the hair that thickness and lush look. Something that my hair begins to lack throughout the day. I feel like this product definitely freshens up my hair and gives it more volume but it doesn't last and I apply a few top ups throughout.

Buy L'oreal at all high street drug stores Boots and Superdrug

Find out more


These products have definitely helped me update my hair and skin care routine. With most being on the go products that can be applied quickly and easily to freshen up.

Samantha x
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Wednesday, 18 January 2017

Wild Prints and Winter Walks


Animal print is a trend I've kept well away from in the past...but I can no longer ignore it, as every year it creeps on to my Instagram feed. 

So this year I've been swayed and inspired to experiement. I've paired these two coats with a simple black knitted dress as to not take any attention away from the print. 

I also think if you paired the coat seen in the first photo with a pair of blue denim jeans, and black tee it would look perfect for a morning stroll to grab a coffee...or add a bit of red lipstick to go from day to night. 

Leopard print is more verstile than I first thought and also a lot easier to wear, it's definitely bold and it took me a while to get used to seeing myself in it but I love it. 

I've wanted to style this bag with an outfit ever since I found it in Zara. A few months ago I fell in love with Chloe bags...especially the Faye collection, and this is a more affordable dupe with the simple detailing of the gold ring and tassle. A perfect classic. 


Outfit | Print one Zara, Print two New Look, Dress AllSaints, Boots Topshop (Similar), Bag Zara


Samantha x

Thursday, 17 November 2016

Haircare Faves : Korres



When I find a haircare product that I consistently fall in love with, it's worth writing about. 

Does anyone else love trying out new shampoo's and conditioners? Before finding this gem I had a few half used bottles hanging out in my shower, just begging me to use them. With their flashy packaging and empty promises of giving me the perfect hair. I've never been loyal to a haircare brand.

Until I found Korres. It was on holiday in Greece when the hotel stocked the mini's in the bathroom that I fell in love. The packaging is simple and somewhat scientific and there are no gimmicks about this brand. They are extremely ethical with no plant waste and the production of natural formulas.

My favourite is designed to help dry/damaged hair...which for a lover of curling irons is a winner. The scent is Almond and Linseed which is an odd combination that seems to work, the end result is a fresh clean scent with undertones of sweetness coming through. A scent that lasts as well! Some haircare I find smells nice in the bottle but disappears throughout the day. Another thing that lasts is the actual product, I've had the same bottles for just over a month and I still have half left... and that's not a reflection on how often I wash my hair because I wash it everyday (again another bad hair habit!).. so it really doesn't have any negatives.

I've been using this for around a month now and my hair has never looked healthier along with a mandatory cut I have continued to use curling irons nearly every day and it doesn't seem to look bad (it has previously)...so I will continue to rely on Korres, and can't wait to try their skincare, because it's worked miracles for my hair so hopefully the same goes for my skin! 


Where to buy Korres Haircare : Waitrose  John Lewis  ASOS 

Find out more about Korres : Click Here

Samantha x

Tuesday, 15 November 2016

Neutral Colour Palette feat. the PERFECT BOOTS


Does anyone else default to black once temperatures hit single digits? 

I know I do.. not that there is anything wrong with that. Black is one of the easiest colours to wear without any second thought. Add a splash of nude and grey and you've got yourself the perfect winter colour palette. 

This outfit oozes comfort with the mid length coat and heeled boot elevating this look to being sophisticated. These AllSaints boots are a staple to anyones wardrobe; simple, chic and versitle, they can be worn all year round. In the winter months pair them with black jeans and in the warmer months a dress and bare legs for more of a party look. 

The perfect outfit to meet for breakfast or to go shopping in. 

Outfit | Scarf, Jumper, Coat (similar) - all from Zara, Bag (Similar) ASOS, Jeans and Boots AllSaints

Samantha x

Friday, 1 July 2016

Modernising School Uniform




I have only recently been able to say that I do miss school, after just finishing uni a few weeks ago... the stresses of third year are over and now the pressure is on for me to find that big graduate job, or else I have to endure those awkward pitiful comments from family friends, like "I'm sure you'll find something" or the worst one "I know you'll do well in whatever you do." 

So to honour the fact I am no longer in education, I'm gonna dress like I'm still at school, but with more of a grown up twist. I'm sure no one was allowed to show any mid drift at school. 

When putting this outfit together jelly shoes were the ultimate throwback, taking me back to primary school where the only thing that mattered was knowing the lyrics to S Club 7. The black and white combo was a must but by adding the cropped denim jacket I prevented it from looking like I was a lost waitress. 

I really love the midi style of floaty skirts, I think they look effortless and are so comfy, I find if I wear a shorter skirt I become more self conscious. As well as being just perfect for both Winter and Summer, pair with a oversized jumper and boots for Winter and as I've done here, sandals and a crop top for Summer! 

Outfit | Jacket, Top, Skirt, Shoes, Sunglasses, Bag (All Similar)

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