Being Productive While Having A Clear Mind

@corinnekutz

If like so many of us you find yourself spending more time scrolling on social media than on your to-do-list or spontaneously cleaning your bedroom instead of tackling that assignment you have looming over you, then these tips could be for you. 

Mediate

Have a deadline tomorrow & you want me to sit & breathe for fifteen minutes? Yes, I do. Your brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised & practicing mindfulness can help with your brains ability to focus. Not only will you find concentrating easier but you will actually work better too! A simple, yet really effective way you be mindful before your working day is to write in a gratitude journal. You then can read over previous prompts you've filled in & reflect on previous feelings of happiness & gratitude. 

Tackle Big Tasks In The AM 

Now this might not be the case for everyone but I find that I'm able to focus better on tasks I do in the morning therefore I maximise my time in the morning by tackling all my bigger tasks for the day. To help keep focus steady throughout the day I try to take regular breaks & avoid multi-tasking & flagging. A planner where you're able to planner out your day hour by hour while having a place to list tasks is always handy to have too! 

Be Anti-Social 

We live in a world of constant distraction & from time to time a girl got to give herself a chance to stay focused on the task at hand. Close down emails, turn off all notifications & sign out of social accounts. There are also apps out there that you can use where it'll easily block you social media for up to eight hours & give you the opportunity to get to work! 

Hydrate & Fuel 

If you want to improve focus it's really important that you're taking regular breaks, having nutritious foods & keep hydrated. I keep a water bottle at my desk & some nuts handy for a quick snack if I feel my focus & productivity beginning to decline. 

A Dreamy Work Place 

Whether you're working from home or not, your environment plays a huge part in your brains ability to focus. Create a place that inspires you, not one that distracts you. Plug into a focus playlist on Spotify, light an energising candle & add flowers & places you help reduce stress but increase productivity. 

What helps you focus & keep a clear mind? 

B x 

Beauty Tips For Winter

@kalosskincare

Winter always proves to be a difficult time for my skin. For me, it means incrdibly dry & uncomfortable skin. When it comes to theses beauty tips, it;s more than just adding a richer moisturiser to your routine. I do believe that you truly have to find the products that work best for you & your skin along with taking your lifestyle into consideration. For example, do you spend a lot of time outdoor in the cold weather? These are some of the things that help my skin feel more comfortable throughout the colder months.

Hydrate From The Inside Out: Keeping your body hydrated is important all year long but we must pay special attention to this during the colder months. Naturally, duing the winter we tend to not drink nearly as much water as we do in the summer. Water has so many great benefits to the skin & the body. I try to carry my drink bottle around with me or at least to my car if I'm out & about. My drink bottle also sits on my desk when I'm working at home which is a great friendly reminder to keep hydrated.

Dry & Flaky Skin: Cold weather means dry skin. The air is a lot drier in the winter but we're also buried under layers of clothing where our skin doesn't get the chance to breathe. Moisturising your skin is great but what's even better is if you remove any dry, flaky layers of skin first. My go to scrub to use on my body is Lush Cup O' Coffee Face & Body Exfoliating Mask which I'll reach for a couple of times a week & follow up with a rich body butter from the Body Shop for gorgeous hydrated & glowing skin.

Don't Forget Your Hands: Just like my face, my hands get incredibly dry in the winter months. All throughout winter I'm continously using rich hand creams & nail oils to help lock in as much hydration as possible. I keep a handcream at my desk, in my handbag, in my car & beside my bed because I just never kn ow when I'm going to want to add a little hydration my my hands. The Body Shop do some fantastic rich hand creams which is usually what I reach for but at the monment I'm using Wild Ferns Manuka Honey Hand & Nail Conditioning Cream, which I'm throughly enjoying.

Don't Forget The Lips: Chapped dry lips can be another big problem during the winter. A gentle scrub & a good lip balm will usually do the trick for keeping lip soft, smooth & hydrating. Wild Ferns also does a beautiful lip balm called Protective SPF15 Lip Care which is my favourite lip treatment at the moment. As you can tell I'm a little bit of a Wild Ferns fan.

Healthy Diet: A heathly diet is important all year roun d b ut I think we forget how much a healthy diet can contributed to te appearance & condition of our skin. In the winter I like to make sure that my diet is rich is healthy fats like avocados, nuts & seed. It's important to remember that a healthy diet will contributed to nouished & healthy skin.

What are some of the rituals & products to use during the winter months to keep yourself looking & feeling fresh?

B x 

2021: Favourites #03

@arnelhasanovic

I keep saying it, but I can't believe we're already over half way through the year! It's crazy how quickly time ifs flying! This favourites post is quite a simple one filled;led with little bits & pieces but I wanted to share these with you regardless! Let me know what your favourites have been over the past couple of months! 

Notion

Other than the standard organisation apps you get on Apple devices like iCal, Reminders & Notes, Notion is the other digital planning lifesaver have come across. I used it to organise pretty much everything. It holds all the important information I could ever need or refer back to. It took me awhile to set it up in a way I found most beneficial but once I got there it's been an incredible feature to my organisation system. 

Uni Jetstream Pens (0.7 & 0.5)

A bit of an odd one but I'd heard how amazing these pens were to write with & if you know me well you"ll know I love a good, smooth writing pen. My pencil case is know filled with Uni Jetstream Pens in both 0.7 & 0.5 sizes. They're gorgeous to write with & what's I'm always reaching for. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

I've spoken about this mascara recently in a couple of posts but I adore this mascara. It beautifully lengthens lashes while added a touch of volume. It's been my go to mascara since I first started using it! see full review here. 

Revolution Pro Hydrating Matte Primer Serum

Another product I think I've briefly mentioned before but this product was recommended to me by a friend of mine & it did not disappoint. It help;s to keep any unwanted shine away but keeps skin hydrated for a gorgeous makeup application. Not to shabby for a drugstore prime/serum combination. 

Chichi Super BB Cream (Light)

Not a new favourite but I've found myself reaching for a base product that is slightly lighter than my regular foundation. the Chichi Super BB Cream is what I have been reaching for & I've fallen in love all over again. It's such a light product on the skin but gives a light to medium coverage on the skin. It's super natural & hydrating on the face & that's all I could ask for when my skin is having a melt down over this colder wether! 

Ecoya Candles

I've always loves Ecoya candles but I finally lit a small one I've had in my office for at lest a good 18 month. Their Guava & Lychee scent is absolutely stunning & left my room smelling gorgeous. If you're willing too pay a little bit more for your candles then I definitely recommend Ecoya. They haves so many amazing scents & other products as well. They're definitely worth checking out! 

Selena Trevino (Youtube & Instagram)

I can't quite remember how I came across Selena on YouTube but chances are it could've been my 'home' page on YT. Selena is the most beautiful soul! Selena is so real & authentic which reflects in her content. Selena creates lifestyle, health & productivity vlogs as she navigates her way through balancing a 9-5 job & everything else she is passionate about. Definitely check her content out if the seems like something you might be interested in! 

B x 

Simple Winter Makeup | Go To Products

@alysa

Today's post is going to feature all the current go to products that I use to create a really simple winter makeup look. Chances are you've heard me talk about a couple of these products before therefore they're all products I really love using. They're all really beautiful products & I know they're going to make my skin look amazing during the cold, drier months. What are some of the products you've been loving this cold winter season? 

Base

Revolution Pro Hydrating Matte Primer Serum

Chichi Super BB Cream (Light)

Revolution Blot & Bake Banana Powder
Revlon Highlight & Sculpt Kit

Brows
Chichi Brow Pomade
Benefit 24HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel

Eyes/Lashes 
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

B x 

Volumising & Lengthening Mascara's

@anniesprat

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

"Sky High lash impact from every angle! Last Sensational Sky High mascara delivers full volume & limitless length. Exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumise & extend every single last from root to tip. Waterproof mascara formula infused with bamboo extract & fibres for long, full & lightweight lashes, that don't flake or smudge." 

I tired this mascara after it was recommended to me by a friend & it's incredible. I believe it also went viral on TikTok & I can see why. In terms of a lengthening formula, it's one of the best drugstore mascara's I've used in a long time. I've worn it nearly every day since I first tried it! 

Maybelline Total Temptation Waterproof/Washable Mascara 

"Give in to Total Lash Temptation! Build on bold volume to create irresistibly soft, separated & dense lashes coat after coat. Features a creamy & whipped formula infused with coconut extract." 

I've been using this mascara since it first came out & it's only now been replaced by the Lash Sensational Sky High mascara. It creates incredible volume while not creating a clumpy mess of your lashes. Both waterproof & washable formulas are incredible while always achieving a gorgeous volumed lash appearance. I've had multiple tubes of this mascara lying around whether that's in my makeup bag or as back ups! I hope they never get rid of this one because it's a great mascara I always fall back on because I know it has my back in terms of performance. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara

"Kick up the volume & length of each & every lash. Pure, deep colour only adds to the impact. Lashes get instant volume & length."

Now, I haven't tried a whole lot of what I'd consider 'high end' mascaras but this one blew me away. I was given a sample product to try & I fell in love with it immediately. It's not one I reach for all the time purely because I can achieve a very similar look with the mascaras mentioned above but if you're looking to treat yourself or prefer a more 'high end' product, it's definitely worth giving a go! 

B x 

Weekly Routine: A Birds Eye View Of My Working Week

@majortomagency

While I feel like my weeks are always changing & I'm constantly doing a bunch of different things, in terms of a schedule here's a birds-eye-view of my working week. 

A Standard Day 

530AM: Alarm 

530-630AM: AM Rituals - Bed, Breakfast, Coffee, Skincare, Makeup, Get Dressed, Pack Bag 

630-650AM: Commute To Work 

7-830AM: Work

830-9AM: Commute Home From Work 

9-930AM: Quick Home Tidy, Coffee, Emails & Check Planner 

930-12PM: Work Admin/University/Home Admin/Website & Network *Changes Daily* 

12-1230PM: Lunch Break 

1230-215PM: Work Admin/University/Home Admin/Website & Network *Changes Daily*

220-245PM: Commute To Work 

3-6PM: Work 

6-630PM: Commute Home From Work 

630-7PM: Dinner & Tidy Up 

7-8PM: Finish Up At Desk For The Day 

8-845PM: Shower, Skincare & PJs 

845-930PM: PM Rituals - Reading & Journaling 

930-10PM: Fall Asleep 

Monday 

Monday's are my designated days to do everything website related for the week. I try to be ahead of schedule but that isn't always the case. I'll do everything from planning, writing, editing, photos, scheduling & social media during this period of time. 

Tuesday

Tuesday's are more of my catch up days for university. I try not to let things fall through to the following week but if need be, I know I have time during a Tuesday to finish up things from the previous week. I'll also prepare everything I need for lectures & workshops for the week. 

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 

These three days are all pretty university heavy. I'll be participating in lectures & workings, trying to finish up notes, working on readings & assignments. 

This schedule is definitely subject to change due to class changes through semesters at university & my work load at work but for the most part this is what I try to stick to. One thing I'd like to incorporate more into my daily & weekly routine is movement of my body. I know that it's something that's going to make me feel great & have good benefits to my body. For context, I work at a Before/After School & Holiday Programme hence why my work day is split into two periods of time. I'm studying a Bachelors Of Teaching & Learning for Primary aged children which is incredible & I'm loving it. 

B x 

Protecting Your Mental Health When Working From Home

@wearefredi

Over the last 18 months, many of us have found ourselves working in a whole new environment & capacity to what we are use to. While I love working from home, some people will still be struggling. Last month I experienced a couple of weeks where I was really down, unmotivated & overwhelmed with all aspects of life. When home becomes work & work becomes home, it can be extremely difficult to seperate the two. Sometimes it does get a little too much & I wanted to share some of my tips I've picked up over the years I've studied from home for you to consider. Hopefully they'll help improve the quality of your day. 

Keep A Routine 

For me, working at home has become my normal. I finished my final two high school years at home & now I'm studying at University through distance learning. Sometimes it can be really easy to lose track of time or feel the urge to just have an easy day, not get any jobs finished. Sometimes, this is exactly what you need but you also need to develop discipline to avoid potential added stress by not getting things done. Routine is so essential for my mental health & on days I don't keep my routine, I never feel as productive, content or as on top of things as I could be. 

Take Breaks 

Along with keeping a routine, make sure that routine includes breaks throughout the day. Remember, just because you're working from  home doesn't mean you need to be working 24/7! Be just as discipline in allowing yourself downtime as you need to be with getting work done. 

Seek Connection 

If I'm not with people, I'm constantly messaging, emailing & seeking out that connection through other opportunities that are available. 

Eat & Drink 

Set reminders if you need to but when you're taking scheduled breaks make sure you eating & drinking adequate amounts! Nutrition is imperative to concentration, productivity & your mental wellbeing. 

Get Outside

Even if is just in your small backyard, go outside & get some fresh air & sunlight. It'll do wonders for your mood. 

Rest From Screens 

Give yourself a break from screens. Do anything but look at a screen during a designated part of your day. 

B x 

New To My Makeup Bag

@charlottechouette

I have a couple of products that are new to my makeup bag that I thought I might be worth sharing with you. This won't be a super in-depth post because the majority of these products a brand new as in I've never tried them before & a couple of the products I've tried before & pulled from my collection and/or brought again recently. What I will is thought, is give you a description of the product so you're able to gauge whether it's a product you might be interested in doing a bit more research on or try out. 

Revolution Pro Matte Primer 

"Infused with collagen & antioxidants, this all-in-one primer & serum will help to plump the appearance of your complexion, whilst protecting & prepping the skin for flawless makeup application." 

Chichi Super BB Cream 

"This two in one make-up meets skincare tinted cream formula with SPF30 may be worn as a light foundation or as a primer to help conceal blemishes, uneven colouring, fine lines, scarring & other imperfections. It will let your skin breathe whilst radiating a healthy lustre." 

Chichi Super CC Cream 

"This two in one make-up meets skincare tinted cream formula with SPF30 may be worn as a light foundation or as a primer to help reduce the appearance of redness or sallowness, blemishes & other skin imperfections. The silky, light weight texture will let your skin breathe whilst radiating a healthy lustre. Also helps to improve uneven skin tone with its unique light-diffusing pigments." 

Benefit Cosmetics 24HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel 

"This 24 hour clear brow gel shapes & tames brows & locks on makeup so brow don't pull a disappearing act. The custom-folded, dual-sided wand coats hairs from root to tip & the flexible, flake-free formula is easy to apply & quick to dry." 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara 

"Sky High lash impact from every angle! Lash Sensational Sky High mascara delivers full volume & limitless length. Exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumise & extend every single lash from root to tip. Washable mascara formula infused with bamboo extracts & fibers for long, full & lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge." 

B x 

The Problem With Always Wanting More

@benchaccounting

I saw a post a couple of weeks back on Twitter that sparked  the beginning of the thought process for this post. I guess I just wanted to chat about how I feel about living in a culture that is never satisfied & always desires more. Whether it's more money, more clothing, more toys, more followers - the list could go on forever. When thinking a little deeper, a came to the realisation that in many ways, wanting more, defines our entire society. More power, more wealth, more prestige, more reputation. 

But the problem with that lifestyle choice, of desiring more, is when we constantly desire more, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we accumulate or achieve, more always exists. 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great to have goals but when more is the goal, we never truely achieve it. More is not sustainable & that's the problem with wanting more. Happiness & contentment will always elude us if we are looking for it in the acquisition of more. 

What if it was a common place to see an end to the pursuit of wanting more, would it be a different story? If human beings eventually arrived at a level of more & suddenly become content, we could all strive to reach that magical level of more that we are all desperate to reach. 

After all this, this is the way I see it. We can continue to pursue more. We can believe there is a better life waiting for us if we just acquire more money, more property, more fame. OR, we can reject the false notion that more is needed to discover happiness. We can find contentment in our circumstances & gratitude for the blessings we already possess. The choice is yours. 

I choose to be content with less. What do you choose? 

B x 

Best Of My Current Skincare Routine

@robertonickson

I will be putting up an in-depth post soon of my entire skincare routine, morning & evening but for the mean time I wanted to put together a post that mentions all the new standout favourites in my routine. The majority of these products fall under two categories, either face masks & eye creams/gels but if you have any recommendations of products for dehydrated skin I'd love to hear about them! 

byNature Brightening Pink Clay Mask w/ Witch Hazel & Kawakawa Extract 

"Minimise pores & restore a more radiant skin tone with the brightening & purifying goodness of natural Pink Clay & Witch Hazel. Gently draws out all the dirt & trapped oils in the skin, combined with nourishing Native New Zealand Kawakawa Extract - renowned for its calming & cleansing effects." 

It's a pretty basic face mask but it does the job really well. I love how smooth & soft my skin is after using this product. It helps to dry up any active blemishes & leaves skin feeling clean but not dehydrated. It's really affordable & great if you're looking to try something new! 

byNature Hydrating Eye Serum w/ Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E 

"This light eye serum melts into the skin helping to soften & firm dull stressed skin, adding a boost of radiance with our nourishing formula. Although the name appears a bit sciency, Hyaluronic Acid is a natural, highly active ingredient that fights dullness, fine lines & uneven tone & texture caused by daily UV exposure, stress & ageing." 

Again, a pretty simple & straightforward product but I find it to be relatively effective. I've found that it has helped soften & hydrate under my eyes which is exactly want I need in an eye cream. I use this product in conjunction with another eye cream which will be motioned below but I don't have any complaints about this product. 

Essano Vitamin C Brightening Eye Gel

"The lightweight gel formula helps to brighten dark circles & visibly smooths the precious skin around the eyes, using Vitamin C sourced from exotic fruits such as Mango, Papaya & Pineapple." 

A really gorgeous lightweight eye gel with a pleasant scent. It's cooling & refreshing under the eyes & I find works really well along side the byNature Hydrating Eye Serum. 

Simple Skincare Protect N Glow Detox & Brighten Clay Mask

"Simple Protect 'n' Glow Detox & Brighten Clay Mask draws out impurities & pollutants like a magnet. Formulated with organic, ginger, natural clays, vitamins C & E, it inspires micro-circulation for revived & revitalised skin. Like all Simple products, it's 100% free from artificial colour & perfume & has no harsh chemical that can upset your skin." 

I'm really loving this product & I'd say currently, it's being used more than the mask I mentioned above. This mask leaves my skin feeling revitalised & fresh but not stripped of hydration. I've used Simple skincare products for awhile now & they impress me every single time. I'm looking forward to adding & trying a few more products from this Protect 'n' Glow range from Simple. 

What are some of the standout skincare products currently in your routine? 

B x 

Feeling Exhausted & Unmotivated? Me Too!

@conunaese

 

For the past couple of weeks I've been feeling extremely exhausted & unmotivated hence why there were no uploads last week but I think the big question is how do we recover from that? How do we bounce back? It can be difficult. We all have these ambitious goals & hefty to-do list but in between all of it, are we making time to look after ourselves? 

We've all learnt the hard way at least once, that you can't perform & deliver your best work when you're tired & stressed. So if you feel that overwhelming exhaustion creep in, try asking yourself these questions. 

When Was The Last Time You Said No To Something? 

Learning to set yourself boundaries & saying no is crucial. You need to protect yourself by taking on a realistic workload & learning how to say no when you're feeling overwhelmed & overworked. It applies to social commitments & personal goals too. It's not just about saying no but you need to do what you feel is right to protect yourself & your energy. 

Am I Getting Enough Sleep? 

It's not just about the amount of sleep you're getting, but the quality of the sleep too. Make your bedroom a stress-free place & don't bring work into the bedroom. Working from home has meant that my office space is within my bedroom. To ensure work is left behind at my desk, I end my day with writing a list of what I need to do the next working day & then make sure everything is tidy & in place for the next day. 

Who Can I Talk To About This? 

That overwhelming exhausted feeling is never great but sometime talking to someone about it can make you feel a lot better. It feels great to be able to offload feelings & work through your thought processes. Sometimes we just need to see things from another perspective. 

These are always the first three things I ask myself when I can feel that overwhelming exhaustion feeling creeping in. These questions don't always give me the exact answers I want but it does help me work through how I'm feeling & the next steps I need to take so that I don't reach a complete burnout. 

B x 

Current Fav Nude Lipsticks

@damirspanic

I'm a sucker for a nude lippy & I'll be the first to admit that I own way to many but they're so easy to wear & look good with everything! My collection of nude lipstick & glosses seems to be ever growing so why not share my current favourites with you? 

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Matte - 655 Daringly Nude

Maybelline Colour Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - 639 Nude Perfection
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm - Whole Lotta Honey 
The Body Shop Matte Liquid Lip - 032 Windsor Rose
Mecca Max A-Lipster Liquid Lip - Birthday Suit

What are some of you favourite nude lipsticks? Am I missing something from my collection? 

B x 

Top Tips For Working From Home

@andrewneel

Working from home feels perfect until your favourite show flashes on TV & you've lost tracker of time. It's opening your laptop in bed & realising you fell asleep & have a little time left. Working from home is comfortable but how can you stay focused & productive from all the distractions that working from home has? 

I have been working/studying from home on & off for multiple years now so I feel that I very much know what works for me & what doesn't but with that being said, things are changing on a regular basis. Here are my top five tips that I've curated that will help you stay productive & finish all your work. 

Set A Comfortable Workspace 

Yes, it's great to stay in bed & be wrapped up in your blankets all day but in reality, you aren't going to achieve much that way. To have the feeling of wanting to start the task so it can be done, you need to set a comfortable space. Organise a space in your house to be set up as an office. Have an organised desk, comfortable chair & light that doesn't hurt your eyes. Designate the space you've created as an office only for work activities. If you are in this area, you are only to be working therefore the people in your house will also have the proper expectations. They will know that you are working & you shouldn't be distracted. 

Make A Schedule & Set Deadlines 

When working at home, you're on your own. No one will come to check on what you are doing. You are essentially your own boss. You are in control of your own work & this is why some get lost track of their work leading to an unproductive day. If you want to work from the comfort of your own home & still have a productive work day, you should aim to make a schedule & stick to it. Plan a daily schedule & create your short-term & long-term goals. Start with a list of tasks you need to accomplish by the end of the day. Setting a schedule & deadlines provides yourself a decent guideline for what needs to get done. 

Take Schedule Breaks 

While you already have your schedule, it's important you also have break time scheduled. Just because we are working from home doesn't mean we don't deserve breaks. Go for a walk, grab something to eat or have some coffee. Relax your mind so it can then contribute fully to the productive day you want to achieve. Breaks are said to improve your health & well-being & can increase your creativity but also productivity. 

Keep Away From Social Media

Social media can distract you from working. If your work doesn't involve using social media or connecting with people on social media, try keep away from all social media accounts. Rest assure, checking your accounts every time a notification pop up will result in continuous scrolling until you didn't notice that you already ran out of time to do your work. I thing I have found very helpful is to have all notifications turned off or sometimes I'll pop on 'do not disturb' which means I also won't receive any notifications including phone calls & messages which is great for when I'm in meetings. 

Try Working From Somewhere Else

This is one of my favourite things about working from home & that is the ability to work from essentially anywhere. If you're comfortable working at a local coffee shop then go for it! You could also try the library for a quiet place to work. I find that getting out of the house every now & then can help freshen up your mind & help generate new creative ideas. Working somewhere else can also be of benefit if you're finding working from home a struggle. Sometimes I find it's a change of scenery is exactly what I need to get the ball rolling again. 

Working from home isn't always easy & naturally, some days are more productive than others. I think it's about finding what works for you & find ways to work around what doesn't work for you. Working from home is a great experience & it's taught me a lot about myself. 

B x 

2021: Favourites #02

@socialcut

Not a huge lot of favourites over the past couple of months but nonetheless I did want to share the products that I have been loving! 

Products 

Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner 

"Our alcohol-free mist toner blends chamomile & rosewater to help soothe, purify & cool tired skin. And did we mention it is the ultimate multi use product? It can be used before & after cleansing, in the office as a 3PM pick me up, after makeup application to give you a dewy complexion or just anytime your skin is feeling stressed or overheated." See full review here. 

By Nature Hydrating Eye Serum

"This light eye serum melts into the skin helping to soften & firm dull stressed skin, adding a boost of radiance with out nourishing & hydrating formula."

By Nature Brightening Clay Mask with Pink Clay, Witch Hazel & Kawakawa Extract 

"Minimise pores and restore a more radiant skin tone with the brightening & purifying goodness of natural pink clay and witch hazel. Gently draws out all the dirt & oils trapped in the skin, combined with nourishing native New Zealand kawakawa extract which is renowned for its cleansing and calming effects." 

The Body Shop Shea Hand Cream 

"This caring shea daily hand cream helps soften & protect hands with light, nutty moisture. The instantly absorbing formula is ideal for on-the-go hydration. This product is non-greasy & a wonderfully light gel-cream formula."

The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Manicure Cream

"This effective daily hand cream cares for nails as well as hands. It contains two manicurist's essentials, sweet almond oil and pantheon. This product moisturises, softens, conditions nails & has a sweet almond scent." 

Lush Candy Rain Conditioner

"Nut for the fainthearted, Candy Rain is abundant with moisturising nuts. Buttery cashew cream, coconut cream and rich brazil nut milk glide down & coat each strand, moisturising & protecting for glossy hair. Topped off with a sweet tonka & cocoa absolute fragrance, Candy Rain is big comforting cuddle in a bottle." 

Designer Nails Cuticle Oils 

"Contains almond oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil plus the designated scent." Salted caramel is my personal favourite!

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

"Mattifies & refines pores & leaves a natural, seamless finish. Ideal for normal to oily skin, our exclusive formula with micro-powders controls shine & blurs pores." 

Content Creators 

@chrisklemens

Instagram & YouTube 

@emmasrectangle

Instagram & YouTube

@ravenreads

Instagram & YouTube 

B x

5 Ways To Maintain Your Energy Throughout The Day

@talesbyjen

As someone who is always tired & struggles to find energy throughout the day I wanted to share a few ways you can keep your energy levels up that don't require huge amounts of caffeine, you'll be glad to know. Naturally energy waves throughout the day but I find these things help sustain my energy all day. 

Sleep An Optimal Amount Of Time 

If you haven't had enough sleep, you will be much less likely to have energy that will last. Often when we are out of a routine with our sleep, we struggle with routine throughout the day. Having at least 7-9 hours each night should make you feel refreshed & will help tiredness being the cause of lack of energy. 

Watch What You Eat 

Your energy levels are far more dependable on food that you probably realise. Consuming high-energy, sugary food may seem like that best option at the time, but you're more likely to receive a sugar crash & as a result, won't feel energetic for long. Even something as simple as swapping white bread for wholemeal can help & allow you to be filled with energy that will release slower, making it last longer. 

Hydrate The Smart Way 

I recently found out that just like when we are hungry, our energy levels drop when we are in a need of a drink. More often that not, when we are tired we reach straight for the caffeine but the may not always be necessary. When your body is lacking water you experience fatigue & your body struggles to provide you with the energy you need. It's important to stay wise to the benefits of drinking enough water throughout the day & I think there are probably more benefits than we originally realise. 

Boost Serotonin Levels 

You would think working out would zap all energy out of you but it actually does the complete opposite. Regular exercise can positively impact serotonin levels. Regular exercise, as simple as a walk around the block, raises serotonin therefore boosts your mood & overall sense of well-being. It can also help improve your appetite & sleep cycle. 

Gratitude List 

It's been said that grateful people sleep better, who would've thought. Studies show that writing in a gratitude journal helps to improve sleep & overall well-being. Spend just 15 minutes before bed jotting down a few grateful sentiments & you may just sleep better & longer. 

B x 

Product Review: Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner

@sukin

I'm not going to lie, for a long time I didn't have any form of toner within my skincare routine but I've found this product change the game for me completely! There were two key things that first originally drew me into this product & those were that it came in a spray bottle & it claimed to be hydrating. My skin really goes through it throughout the year. For the most part my skin is dry & I'm always searching for new hydrating products to try out. When I came across the Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner I was very excited to give it a go. 

"Our alcohol-free mist toner blends chamomile & rosewater to help soothe, purify & cool tired skin. And did we mention it is the ultimate multi use product? It can be used before & after cleansing, in the office as a 3PM pick me up, after makeup application to give you a dewy complexion or just anytime your skin is feeling stressed or overheated. You can also keep in the refrigerator to instantly refresh skin on hots days. It's also amazing at blending concealer under the eyes with a beauty sponge!" 

I think I have now re-purchased this product 3 or 4 times & I plan to continue to have it within my skincare routine for the foreseeable future! I love that it's a really flexible product with how it can be used, has a really calming scent that isn't to overwhelming & feels really light on the skin. This product has been a really great touch to add into my skincare routine & I'm throughly pleased with how it's working with my skin! 

B x 

Are You Afraid To Do Things Alone?

@thoughtcatalog

It's a bit of a food for thought post today & it's a conversation I'm regularly having with those in my life. I'm very much interested in the mentality that much of us hold, a mentality that I once held, that lead me to be afraid to do things & experience life alone. I very much resonate with this post 'Don't Be Afraid To Do Things Alone' written by Mitzi J Hernandez.

"I'm a solo adventurer, I'm a loner. I am the woman you see alone at a coffee shop drinking tea and reading a book. I am the one who takes herself out on dates & sit-downs at restaurants by herself, without shame. I am the woman who attends concerts without feeling awkward about being there alone. I sing my heart out & have a hell of a good time." 

I've been thinking more & more about this recently & the older I've gotten, the more I've realised that doing things alone is simply wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I love being around people, my friends & family but I also love being alone, doing the things that make me happy. I feel there is such a big social stigma that leads us to believe doing things alone makes us a loser, lonely or that we're being anti-social. I just think there's a lot to be learnt through doing things alone. I don't know, read Mitzi post & let me know what you think. Do you do the things that make you happy alone sometimes? 

B x 

Everyday Minimal Makeup

@dianaruseva

It's a quick & simple post today so here is a wee list of all the makeup products that I typically reach for a daily basis to achieve a very simple & minimal makeup look. 

Foundation & Concealer 

Maybelline Matte & Poreless Foundation 

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer 

Powder, Bronzer & Highlight 

Revlon Sculpt & Highlight Palette 

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Brows & Lashes 

Chichi Brow Pomade 

Wet n Wild Mega Clear Brow Mascara 

Maybelline Total Temptation Waterproof Mascara 

Lips

Maybelline Matte Lipstick, 665 Lust For Blush

B x 

Standout Haircare Products

@ohmylush

As someone with a natural curl that get's a bit dry & unruly more often than not, I thought I'd share some of my current standout haircare favourites that I'm really enjoying & more than that, my hair is really loving. 

Lush Rehab Shampoo

"Been putting your hair though a lot? Help easy some of the damage with Rehab. Olive oil adds strength the hair, while fresh pineapple & papaya juice means this clarifying shampoo cleanses oil & enhances shine." After using Rehab shampoo my scalp & hair feel so beautifully refreshed, the fragrance is fresh but subtle & just a small amount provides such a rich lather! I really wish I had come across Rehab earlier! 

Lush Candy Rain Conditioner 

"Don't let bad hair days rain on your parade, this nutty conditioner is loaded with ingredients to soften, smooth & detangle your hair for a sleek, moisturised finish." Candy Rain conditioner leaves my hair so smooth & soft. I love that this product has an abundant of moisturising properties which helps protect hair for stronger strands. As someone with curly hair that tangles way to quickly, Candy Rain is the perfect conditioner to help detangle hair as well! It really is the perfect conditioner for my hair, I'm in love. 

Garnier Fructis Hair Food Hydrating Aloe Vera Hair Mask & Smoothing Macadamia Hair Mask

Garnier have a great range of hair masks for all hair types but what I think I love about them most is their multiple use factor. They can be used as a hair mask, intense conditioner or a leave in treatment. These hair masks consist of a formula that is 98% naturally derived, 98% biodegradable & vegan, with no silicones, no parabens & no artificial colourants. Each individual mask is specialise depending on hair type & scent. My favourites are the Aloe Vera & Macadamia masks as they're for dry & unruly hair types similar to mine. Highly recommend checking out these hair masks, they're for sure some of my favourites! 

If anyone has tried any decent curl creams I'd love your recommendations! I'm on the hunt for something incredible! 

B x 

Your Weekend Read, Watch & Listen List

@fabiolapeñalba

I think the last time I did one of these posts was a couple of the months back, at the beginning of February. I've been consuming a few more bits & pieces since then & thought it was time for a bit of an update. 

Reading 

Recently I've delved into Rupi Kaur's amazing poetry. I now have all three of her books, Milk & Honey, The Sun & Her Flowers & her newest release Home Body. Rupi is an incredible 21 year old poet, artist and performer. Rupi writes & illustrates her books & she does such a wonderful job. I honestly couldn't recommend her stuff enough! In terms of novels, I've been wanting to read 'The Fifth Letter' by Nicola Moriarty for the longest time. At the time of writing this I'm about to go away for a long weekend so fingers crossed I'll get some time to jump full force into it! 

Watching 

I've been watching a few different things recently. Netflix has an awesome series called 'Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel'. I love watching these kinds of series so this was right up my alley & it was a very interesting watch. I also binge watched Season Four of 13 Reasons Why & if you've seen the last reason you'll understand when I say a cried like a baby in one of the last episodes. On YouTube I've just come across @ravenreads & her content is amazing! You'll love her as much as I do especially if you're into more of the spooky & creepy ghost stories. 

Listening 

I'm still catching up on The Double Cleanses Podcast which is hosted by James & Robert Welsh. James & Robert also have YouTube channels which are filled with heaps of makeup & skincare tips & tricks. Another podcast that was recommended to me recently was The Skinny Confidential: Him & Her hosted by Lauryn Evarts & Michael Bosstick. They have heaps & I mean heaps so awesome content to go through & I'm excited to explore & listen to their podcast a bit more. 

What have you been reading, watching & listening to lately? 

B x

Six Tips For A Healthy Headspace

@brookecagle

Taking steps to maintain your mental health & wellbeing helps you live life in a positive & meaningful way but it also helps you to bounce back when times do get tough. I am always referring back to this wee list of tips when I'm feelings overwhelmed & like life is getting to be a bit much. 

Set Yourself A Small Goal 

Set a goal or task that you want to achieve for the day. It can be something small like making your bed, going for a walk or calling a friend. Try some new hobbies & keep doing the things you love as best you can. 

Learn Skills For A Tough Time 

It might be helpful to learn new coping skills to maintain & improve wellbeing. You could try journaling your thoughts & feelings, practice some breathing exercises, explore mental health apps or website, create a new routine or take a digital detox. 

Create Connections 

When we can't physically connect with friends & loved ones, there are so many other ways to stay connected. Try calling a friend or video chatting with a family member. Online is always a good way to make connections with those you may not be able to physically. 

Eat Well 

Minimise unhealthy snacks & caffeine. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables & drink plenty of water! 

Stay Active

You could try doing an online fitness class, a yoga session or even a challenge of some kind with you friends. It's important to remember something is better than nothing & it all benefits your mental health! 

Get Enough Sleep 

Trying to stick to a sleep routine can be really hard something but if you can, try wake up & go to bed around the same time. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each not & try turning switching off from electronics 30-60 minutes before bed. 

What are some of the steps you take to keeping a healthy headspace? 

B x 

Travel Away With Me | Makeup & Skincare

@stilclassics

I thought because I'm going away for the long weekend I'd take this opportunity to share with you all what I take away with me when it comes to skincare & makeup. A lot of the makeup I take away with me is what you'd also find in my makeup bag on a daily basis as well. I prefer to keep my skincare as simple as possible while I'm away but there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to a face mask too. 

Makeup 

Primer, Foundation & Concealer 

Maybelline Master Prime Pore Minimising Primer 

Maybelline Matte & Poreless Foundation - 120

Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Foundation - Ivory 

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 

Powder, Bronzer & Highlight 

Revlon Sculpt & Highlight Palette 

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium Matte Bronzer

Mecca Max Skin Halo Diamond Dust - White Gold 

Mecca Max Sunlit Skin Bronzer - Medium 

Brows, Eyes & Lashes 

Chichi Brow Pomade - Warm Brown 

Wet n Wild Mega Clear Brow & Lash Mascara 

Maybelline Total Temptation Waterproof Mascara

Lips 

Maybelline Matte Lipstick - Darling Nude 655 & Lust For Blush 665 

Skincare

Cleanser & Exfoliator 

Garnier Organics Lemon Grass Detox Gel Wash 

Lush Ultrabland Cleanser 

Lush Cup O' Coffee Face & Body Mask 

Moisturiser, Toner & Oils 

Nivea Soft Hand, Body & Face Moisturising Cream

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors w/ HA 

The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Hemi-Squalane Facial Oil 

Sukin Chamomile & Rosewater Hydrating Mist Toner 

Eye Creams & Face Masks 

Essano Vitamin C Brightening Eye Gel 

Evolu Triple Action Oil Control Clay Mask

Makeup Remover 

Simple Kind To Skin Serum Infused Eye Makeup Remover 

B x 

Favourite Lush Products | Limited Edition Easter Range

@justkeepsoaking

Here we are again talking about Lush & some of my favourite products. This time, these products are from their Limited Edition Easter range! I have made a mistake & this post should've really gone up a lot sooner so that you could get your hands of ALL of these goodies so I apologise for that but I'll make sure to leave the link for Lush's online store where you can pick up anything they still have left it stock! 

Again, Lush has not disappointed! Not only did everything smell delightful but the presentation was also incredible! Lush always do such a great job with all their products, hence why I'm such a huge fan. Let me know if you were able to get your hands on any of their beautiful Easter products & what your favourite was! These were my favourites. 

Golden Egg Bath Bomb: Orange & Bergamot

Humpty Dumpty Bath Bomb: Honey I Washed The Kids 

Flamingo Egg Bath Bomb: Cotton Candy

Singing Daffodil Bubble Blower: Floral & Ylang Ylang

Follow The Little White Rabbit Bath Bomb: Fresh & Fruity 

Eggy Wegg Bath Bomb: Minty, Citrus 

B x 

Study Tips I've Found Helpful While Attending University

@stilclassics

I'm currently in the middle of my sixth week back at University for the year & I wanted to share some of my favourite study tips I've accumulated over my serval years so schooling. Not only is studying essential for passing school & University, but later in life you'll find studying is crucial to staying ahead of your career. Whether you're learning a new language, adding new skills under your belt or trying to become trained in First Aid, the way you study is important. I wish I knew back when I was at High School that studying doesn't have to be mad sessions, cramming last minute information until 3AM. These life-saving tips can be applied no matter what level of education you're in & hopefully they'll be just as beneficial to you as they have been to me! 

Read & Re-Write Information You Receive 

Most of us passively read & highlight the information that sits in from of us, right? Meaning that it's not being absorbed into the brain. The best way to start changing this habit would be to re-write the important information into a notebook. But, write it in your own words. If you're able to take a piece of information & put it into your own words, words that you understand, your brain is more likely to remember it! 

Take Notes By Hand 

Always write you notes by hand. Yes, you can type fast but writing connects your thought processes with the information your processing. Writing creates a deeper understanding of the work, which helps it stick in your mind. What I prefer to do, is take notes on my computer because naturally I am much faster at typing & then when I get home, I'll re-write information from the lecture into a notebook. 

Teach Someone What You Know 

I've found a really good way to help retain information is to teach someone else. For example, if you're learning a new language, take five minutes to teach family or friends what you know. If you have an exam coming up, trying teaching someone else the topic. 

Make Time To Test Yourself 

As part of my study schedule, I make time regularly to test myself on my knowledge on certain topics. It's fine if you don't know the answers to particular questions because this shows you where you have gaps & what you need to study to make up for it. 

Mind Maps Of Connecting Information 

If there are gaps in your memory, one thing I've found helpful is to connect information together by using a mind map. I do this on a large piece of paper, using plenty of coloured pens to group pieces of information that related to a single topic. I've found the more visual I make it, the more likely I am to remember the associated concept. 

What are some of your favourite studying tips? 

B x