favourites
Hey everyone,

About 2 months ago, I came to a realisation that my skin was in the worst condition it had been in a while. I had always been pretty good when it came to having a skincare routine, but somehow laziness took over and the only thing touching my skin were makeup wipes at night. I have combination skin, and I don't suffer from acne, but I do get a lot of spots around my mouth and chin area- particularly during that time of the month. I also began to notice dryness around my cheeks and nose. After a look around my skincare drawer and with the addition of some new products, I have finally gotten my skin back on track! Here are some products that have really helped to clear up and improve the general appearance of my skin;

Skincare Saviours (For Combination Skin)

5.06.2015

Hey everyone,

About 2 months ago, I came to a realisation that my skin was in the worst condition it had been in a while. I had always been pretty good when it came to having a skincare routine, but somehow laziness took over and the only thing touching my skin were makeup wipes at night. I have combination skin, and I don't suffer from acne, but I do get a lot of spots around my mouth and chin area- particularly during that time of the month. I also began to notice dryness around my cheeks and nose. After a look around my skincare drawer and with the addition of some new products, I have finally gotten my skin back on track! Here are some products that have really helped to clear up and improve the general appearance of my skin;

Hey everyone,

Time for a new series here on the blog! Rather than doing a monthly favourites post which can get a bit repetitive, I've decided to start a new series called 'Lately I've Been..'- reading, loving or wearing something a lot lately, for example. I'm not sure how reoccurring it shall be but I'm sure you've noticed that my blog 'schedule' has been a bit all over the lazy lately. At the moment I just prefer posting when I have fresh inspiration, and time. Nobody likes a forced article, and posting just for the sake of posting isn't my thing at all! Anyways, let me know in the comments below what you think of this post. I'm always open to trying something different, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Lately I've Been...

•Reading: Tess Of d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. I love getting books for Christmas, and I was delighted to see a Classic in my stocking this year! I briefly mentioned to my mum that I wanted to start reading more pieces of classic literature, and she picked up one that I'd actually never heard of before. I'm only halfway through it (reading old pieces of writing whilst preparing for exams= a slower reading pace than usual..) but I'm loving it so far. I don't want to say too much in case I spoil anything, but if you're a fan of classic books, I'd highly recommend you check it out.

•Listening: to this playlist on Spotify. I only recently discovered the Spotify 'moods' playlists, and I'm hooked. There's literally a playlist for every genre of music, every emotion you may be feeling. I can't stop listening to this playlist in particular as it includes so many of my favourite artists!

•Wearing: a lipstick by Essence* from their 'come to town' collection in the shade '01 is that you, santa?'. It's a beautiful coral-red shade, which is a perfect Spring transition shade in my opinion. It's quite sheer, but multiple layers can be applied for a more dramatic look. And the best part? It'll only burn €2.89 in your pocket. 

•Lighting: the Yankee candle my sister got me for Christmas-'snow in love'. Yankee candles always remind me of Christmas, and it's their Christmas scents that I love the most! My candle collection is an ever-growing one, although they don't last half as long as I wish they would..

•Attempting: to keep organised with my new 2015 diary that I picked up in Tesco at the start of the year. I love cute stationery and the idea of keeping organised is very appealing- whether I'll stick to it or not is another story!

•Watching: any of the BBC masterpiece classics that are available on Netflix. I finished Sense & Sensibility the other day, and I'm not ashamed to say I cried! I've just started watching the four part adaptation of Emma, so I'm excited to see how the story unfolds. Like I said, I don't have a lot for reading lately, so sometimes it's ok to watch the TV show first, right? 

What have you been loving lately?

-Rachel x

Lately I've Been... #1

1.20.2015

Hey everyone,

Time for a new series here on the blog! Rather than doing a monthly favourites post which can get a bit repetitive, I've decided to start a new series called 'Lately I've Been..'- reading, loving or wearing something a lot lately, for example. I'm not sure how reoccurring it shall be but I'm sure you've noticed that my blog 'schedule' has been a bit all over the lazy lately. At the moment I just prefer posting when I have fresh inspiration, and time. Nobody likes a forced article, and posting just for the sake of posting isn't my thing at all! Anyways, let me know in the comments below what you think of this post. I'm always open to trying something different, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Lately I've Been...

•Reading: Tess Of d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. I love getting books for Christmas, and I was delighted to see a Classic in my stocking this year! I briefly mentioned to my mum that I wanted to start reading more pieces of classic literature, and she picked up one that I'd actually never heard of before. I'm only halfway through it (reading old pieces of writing whilst preparing for exams= a slower reading pace than usual..) but I'm loving it so far. I don't want to say too much in case I spoil anything, but if you're a fan of classic books, I'd highly recommend you check it out.

•Listening: to this playlist on Spotify. I only recently discovered the Spotify 'moods' playlists, and I'm hooked. There's literally a playlist for every genre of music, every emotion you may be feeling. I can't stop listening to this playlist in particular as it includes so many of my favourite artists!

•Wearing: a lipstick by Essence* from their 'come to town' collection in the shade '01 is that you, santa?'. It's a beautiful coral-red shade, which is a perfect Spring transition shade in my opinion. It's quite sheer, but multiple layers can be applied for a more dramatic look. And the best part? It'll only burn €2.89 in your pocket. 

•Lighting: the Yankee candle my sister got me for Christmas-'snow in love'. Yankee candles always remind me of Christmas, and it's their Christmas scents that I love the most! My candle collection is an ever-growing one, although they don't last half as long as I wish they would..

•Attempting: to keep organised with my new 2015 diary that I picked up in Tesco at the start of the year. I love cute stationery and the idea of keeping organised is very appealing- whether I'll stick to it or not is another story!

•Watching: any of the BBC masterpiece classics that are available on Netflix. I finished Sense & Sensibility the other day, and I'm not ashamed to say I cried! I've just started watching the four part adaptation of Emma, so I'm excited to see how the story unfolds. Like I said, I don't have a lot for reading lately, so sometimes it's ok to watch the TV show first, right? 

What have you been loving lately?

-Rachel x
clockwise l-r; Vichy capital soleil spf 50, Mary Kay powder 'lace', Vichy eau thermale, The Selection series by Kiera Cass, 5 Seconds Of Summer self titled album, Nyx liquid illuminator

Hey everyone,

Although I accidentally skipped doing a May favourites post (oops!), June has come to an end and I'm here today to discuss what I've been loving this month. June has been quite a long month, what with my sister being in hospital, but the weather has been beautiful and  I've most definitely enjoyed lying around doing nothing all day. Without further ado, here are my monthly favourites!

Beauty;
• Vichy Capital Soleil Hydrating Milk [spf 50]; Now that the days are warmer and th sun is beating down even harder, a good SPF is essential. I have quite sensitive pale skin which is prone to heat rash and burning- not a good look! After doing some research I settled on this one by Vichy, because I love their products and loved how this one both UVA &UVB protection. (around) €19 

• Vichy Thermal Spa Water*; Although  I admit this isn't a necessity or a very practical product, but wow is it soothing! This is basically like spraying water on your face, but perfect for when you need a quick refresher during the day. I'll definitely be bringing this to a musical festival. €9.99

• Mary Kay Sheer Dimensions Powder 'lace'*; I reviewed this product here so I won't get into too much detail, but this blush is just so pretty on the skin and compliments my contouring beautifully.  Sometimes I feel a bit overdone using a blush after contouring and highlighting, but not with this little gem! €26

• NYX Liquid Illuminator 'sunbeam'; NYX have only recently launched in Ireland, and although it's proving hard to find, I managed to pick up one item (I was too overwhelmed to buy more!). I've been on the lookout for a cheap liquid highlighter for a while now, so this was definitely a good choice. I love applying this to the top of my cheekbones or mixing it in with my foundation for a lovely glow. (around) €9


Book Of The Month;
I've read quite a good few books this month but The Selection series by Kiera Cass has definitely stood out for me! I've photographed The Elite above, the second book in the series (The Selection is the first), and I've yet to read the final book in trilogy, The One. I definitely have high hopes, as the second book almost made me cry! Without giving too much away, it's like The Hunger Games mixed with a beauty pageant- sounds a bit naff, right? I promise you, the books are very enthralling and leave you wanting more. 

Album Of The Month;
Ok, I admit it- I've fallen head over heels for 5 Seconds Of Summer (or 5SOS). Not to be mistaken for a boyband, these 4 Australians really know to make a good album, and their self titled debut album has been on repeat for me. Last month I waited around to meet them (it didn't happen-boo!) but I did get a glimpe of them coming out of their car, and they're most definitely as attractive in person. They've written all but one of their songs themselves, and play their own instruments, so this album definitely a big yes from me! 

What have you been loving this month? Will you be trying any of these out?
post signature
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.

June Favourites 2014

7.01.2014

clockwise l-r; Vichy capital soleil spf 50, Mary Kay powder 'lace', Vichy eau thermale, The Selection series by Kiera Cass, 5 Seconds Of Summer self titled album, Nyx liquid illuminator

Hey everyone,

Although I accidentally skipped doing a May favourites post (oops!), June has come to an end and I'm here today to discuss what I've been loving this month. June has been quite a long month, what with my sister being in hospital, but the weather has been beautiful and  I've most definitely enjoyed lying around doing nothing all day. Without further ado, here are my monthly favourites!

Beauty;
• Vichy Capital Soleil Hydrating Milk [spf 50]; Now that the days are warmer and th sun is beating down even harder, a good SPF is essential. I have quite sensitive pale skin which is prone to heat rash and burning- not a good look! After doing some research I settled on this one by Vichy, because I love their products and loved how this one both UVA &UVB protection. (around) €19 

• Vichy Thermal Spa Water*; Although  I admit this isn't a necessity or a very practical product, but wow is it soothing! This is basically like spraying water on your face, but perfect for when you need a quick refresher during the day. I'll definitely be bringing this to a musical festival. €9.99

• Mary Kay Sheer Dimensions Powder 'lace'*; I reviewed this product here so I won't get into too much detail, but this blush is just so pretty on the skin and compliments my contouring beautifully.  Sometimes I feel a bit overdone using a blush after contouring and highlighting, but not with this little gem! €26

• NYX Liquid Illuminator 'sunbeam'; NYX have only recently launched in Ireland, and although it's proving hard to find, I managed to pick up one item (I was too overwhelmed to buy more!). I've been on the lookout for a cheap liquid highlighter for a while now, so this was definitely a good choice. I love applying this to the top of my cheekbones or mixing it in with my foundation for a lovely glow. (around) €9


Book Of The Month;
I've read quite a good few books this month but The Selection series by Kiera Cass has definitely stood out for me! I've photographed The Elite above, the second book in the series (The Selection is the first), and I've yet to read the final book in trilogy, The One. I definitely have high hopes, as the second book almost made me cry! Without giving too much away, it's like The Hunger Games mixed with a beauty pageant- sounds a bit naff, right? I promise you, the books are very enthralling and leave you wanting more. 

Album Of The Month;
Ok, I admit it- I've fallen head over heels for 5 Seconds Of Summer (or 5SOS). Not to be mistaken for a boyband, these 4 Australians really know to make a good album, and their self titled debut album has been on repeat for me. Last month I waited around to meet them (it didn't happen-boo!) but I did get a glimpe of them coming out of their car, and they're most definitely as attractive in person. They've written all but one of their songs themselves, and play their own instruments, so this album definitely a big yes from me! 

What have you been loving this month? Will you be trying any of these out?
post signature
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.

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