A Winter Beauty Survival Kit

I am someone who does love a bit of cosy weather. There is something so lovely about getting rugged up whilst watching a film and sipping on cup of tea. I do love winter; however, for some hell-sent reason, I don't really feel or look my best. My skin starts to feel patchy, my lips are always chapped and my hair becomes dry. Basically, I have been playing around with a bunch of skincare, haircare and body care products that have made me feel somewhat lively during this cold weather and I hope they'd also be of some benefit to you!

To start off with reducing my horrendous dry and patchy skin this winter, I have scoured plenty of facial moisturisers and the Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser, has been the perfect day and night saviour to combat dehydrated skin. I have been using this product for years and it never fails to let me down. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream is also really good because it is water based and contains no harsh chemicals so it supports glowing, radiant and healthy skin.

Facial sprays are incredible all year round but are even more handy when the weather is cooler because you can do a quick spritz throughout the day to keep your skin feeling hydrated. I love both these facial sprays; the Mario Badescu Facial Spray contains aloe, herbs and rosewater and truly has boosted and reenergised my skin (also a great make up setting spray). The La Roche-Posay Eau Thermale is simply a spring water that soothes the skin with no added chemicals or ingredients. 

The Skyn Iceland Hydro Cooling Firming Eye Gels has been a recent discovery that I previously mentioned in a blog post. I have been really starting to take care of my under-eye area and I have noticed a reduction in darkness and puffiness since I have been using them. They are also very cooling and are great at waking up tired eyes.

I have lost count of how many tubes, tubs and pots of lip balm I have gone through this year alone. After trailing so many, Lanolips has definitely been a winner. The 'multipurpose super-balm' in particular, is my favourite because it can be used to moisturise other parts of the body, but works wonders on the lips. It is soothing and has kept my lips feeling soft and hydrated.

The perfect sidekick to go with my Lanolips balm, is this Lush lip scrub. I feel like lip scrubs are under appreciated, but extremely necessary. I love this scrub because (1) it smells of sweet chocolate and (2) it leaves my lips feeling so soft. Removing dead skin is evidently going to make your lips feel so much better and you do not have to go out and purchase one. Simply, mix up a bit of sugar and coconut oil and scrub away! 

An obsession with soft hands has stemmed from my mother, who always carries around tube of hand lotion everywhere she goes. This cold weather has done nothing but ruined my hands; cracks and red bumps just to name a few (my love for winter is slowly fading as the post progresses). This hand cream by QV has been of assistance and I love it. It is a pretty boring moisturiser with no scent or wow factor packaging, however, it is nourishing, hydrating and does the job. To all my dry hand sufferers, get on this!

Hair care is something that I often neglect for some unknown reason. I have bleached and dyed my hair numerous times so I have enjoyed staying simple and using natural coconut oil as a hair mask. I tend to have oily roots so I just concentrate the coconut oil on the ends of my hair for at least once a week. I try to leave the product in for as long as I can before rinsing it out. I have noticed that my hair feels and appears a lot softer since implementing this technique so I would highly recommend trying this out.

I hope at least one person benefits from this post.

Love always,

Sara xo

What I loved in June.

I finally waved goodbye to my first semester of university that ended by completing last minute assignments and sitting a long and boring exam earlier this month. I have enjoyed relaxing in my warm bed whilst munching on salty popcorn and on some nights staying out way past my bed time, sipping a few too many cocktails and devouring plenty of Italian food. My sister got engaged, I worked some exhausting shifts at work and sang happy birthday to friends. I have really understood the importance of surrounding myself with positive and like-minded souls this past month but that's for another post. As always, I have splurged on some new beauty goods and at the same time developed some unusual but exciting habits that I have ranted on about...

The Rimmel London Lasting Finish Breathable foundation has been a part of my everyday make up routine as of recent. I am usually a tinted moisturiser kind of girl but coming into winter, I wanted something with a little more coverage but doesn't feel like you're wearing anything on the skin. This foundation ticked all those boxes; it provides a build-able coverage and has a long lasting power. My favourite part is the doe-foot applicator.

I have revisited the old liquid liner look this winter and I am kind of living for it. The Stila Stay All Day Micro Tip Liquid Eye Liner has made winged liner so easy. If you're an intense cry laugher like me, then I think you'll enjoy this one because it is waterproof and lasts all day. If you're looking for an intense black and sharp liner look then I think you've found your soul mate. 

This is a weird one but colouring books have been introduced into my everyday life this past month. Not sure why, but I have found it very therapeutic and relaxing. Self care is so important to me and I tend to be quite the stressful person, so this has helped keep my mental health at bay. Even just from drawing with a few colourful pens on a blank piece of paper, I have noticed a difference. 

The love and joy of Pride month compelled me to watch Love Simon. I have wanted to watch the film for a while and finally got around to it on one cosy evening and I have been completely obsessed since. It was one of the sweetest and most heart warming movies I have ever seen, exploring so many relevant topics involving the LGBTQ+ community and of course the typical high school drama that I am sure many can relate to.

The Incredibles 2 hit the big screen after fourteen years or something ridiculous. I adored every second of it, especially how relevant the creators made the film. Without spoiling too much, I loved how they highlighted the power of women when Elastigirl takes over and of course seeing infamous Edna Mode back in action. It was nostalgic and brought up some great childhood memories.

Shawn Mendes released his third album that has been on repeat every single day. My favourite songs on the album right now are 'Like To Be You,' 'Lost In Japan' and 'Nervous.' Every lyric is so beautifully written and I cannot get the songs out of my head. Speaking of new albums, 5 Seconds of Summer came out with some absolute tunes that I have enjoyed listening to.

It is exciting, yet daunting that half the year has passed.
A question to you is, have you kept up your new years resolutions? because I haven't quite.
Best wishes for July.

Love always,

Sara xo