My Favourite Nail Polishes...

Shout out to Sally Hansen nail polishes!

I'm basically only using these now. I've previously posted on my elegant nails routine, which uses the Sall Hansen nail repair as well. But even without a base or top cost these nail polishes look amazing and seem to last longer than others.

The other major advantage of these is the wide brush - since I've been using them I now hate using the skimpy brushes in other nail polishes. It's so much easier to be neat with these! 

It's also much quicker to apply with the wide brush, and the polish often looks good enough after the first coat if you prefer a subtle look. 

Love them!

Reading Under the Covers

All The Rage by Courtney Summers was slightly reminiscent of Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson (1999). However, there's an extra element of mystery and intrigue that I won't spoil, but it sets this book apart from similar reads.

One of the things I liked about this book were the detailed descriptions - from running on a road, to putting on nail polish. They're very perceptive and well written. 

The book kept me gripped and I was definitely hooked a quarter of the way in. I've yet to read Asking For It by Louise O'Neil but it will be interesting to see how that compares.

Bedtime Beauty Shout Out

I had a manicure done and wow, this precision corrector by Leighton Denny impressed me so much, I had to have one!

Apply your nail polish, and tidy up any mistakes using this applicator - and ta dah! Mistakes vanished!

Bedtime Beauty Shout Out

This day anti-blemish moisturiser from Simple helps to add moisture into your skin without being sticky or clogging your pores - after I started using this I felt like my skin was more nourished without getting greasy.

I'm not sure how much it helped prevent blemishes but as a day moisturiser it was very good, and I figure it can only help prevent breakouts!

Favourite Fragrances

These are my three all time favourite fragrances!

Love Spell from Victoria Secret

This smells so good - comes in a spray and a conveniently sized eau de toilette.

Fleur de Figuier from Roger & Gallet

I can't describe how delicious this smells - you have to experience it for yourself!

Violetta from Penhaligon's

I love the smell of violets. It's so beautiful, and this perfume is one of the best for capturing that incredible scent. Have had lots of compliments on this one!

Bedtime Beauty Shout Out

This lip balm from EOS is brilliant - the egg shape means it's easy to hold and the dome shape of the balm itself means it's easy to apply too.

Bedtime Beauty Tip

If you regularly cut your own fringe, invest in some proper hairdressing scissors - they have a much straighter, cleaner finish and won't damage hair, plus they are easier to hold. 

They're also not that expensive; I bought mine for £5.

My Quick and Easy Make-up!

I got this make up bag from Ted Baker and it's the perfect size for my night-out make up.

Now you might not believe it, but I can fit all of this into it...

Really!

So there are a few things in here I won't cover - I've also got a BB cream from Maybelline, some Barry M eye shadow, and eye shadow brush, but I don't tend to use these that much. So I'll just stick to the foundation routine.

First, the primer.

This is Prime Time by bare Minerals. Sinks into the skin quickly so you can get working on your foundation, plus it's very small so fits easily into the bag.

Next, a green tinted corrector stick.

I've had this a while and there's probably a newer one out there but I only use a small amount each time. The green cancels out any redness caused by blemishes.

Then I apply a liquid concealer. I like the Rimmel match perfection concealer.

Sometimes I top this up with another concealer stick for more coverage. I use the Collection cover up stick to even out the skin.

Next, the foundation.

I love this foundation. I used to use the Maybelline dream matte mousse, which I also like, but this is a really luminous foundation that looks less heavy. I apply it using this:

I got this online on Amazon and it was really cheap. I like the pointy end for applying make up around my eyes and nose, and the rounded end for applying and blending on my cheeks and forehead.

Then I might top up any bits that need concealing with this:

I don't use too much of this, but it does work really well.

Then I use a blusher - this is a matte mousse one from Maybelline:

 

I find the matte finish really good and I like that I can apply it with my finger so I can blend it really well and control how much colour I'm adding to my cheeks.

I apply this crease proof eye shadow base from Loreal because I find it holds any other make up really well.

I curl my eyelashes using this handy and compact eyelash curler. 

I bought this while travelling in Asia - it was really cheap and I love how easy it is to fold up and pop into the bag. 

I then set it all in place with a Maybelline mineral veil powder in 'translucent'. I use a bare Minerals brush, which is a good size to fit into the bag. The only reason I don't use a bare Minerals powder is because I haven't yet found one to match my skin tone!

Lastly, I apply a few dots of this:

The High Beam by benefit adds a little shine to the make up - just enough to highlight your cheek bones.

And that's it! It doesn't take too long. I then apply a lick of eye liner and mascara, and am ready to go!

Bedtime Beauty Shout Out

I like to exfoliate my face regularly as otherwise the dry skin tends to build up quite quickly. 

I've tried lots of exfoliating face wash and honestly, the St Ives apricot scrub is the best. I use it at night before bed and my skin always looks fresh and more even the next day.

I apply the rosapene night cream by Trilogy afterwards, and I think this helps lock in moisture and sloth the skin after the exfoliation.

Bedtime Beauty Tip

Now maybe it's just me, but I hate when I need to pack my shoes in with my other clothes - I don't like to risk getting them dirty.

You could wrap up your shoes in a plastic bag, but this drawstring shoe bag from Cath Kidston is so much nicer! I've been able to fit all my shoes in these, including heels.

I suggest buying different patterns so you can keep track of which shoes are in which!

Elegant everyday nail polish

My go to everyday nail polish routine is to use the Nail Rehab polish by Sally Hansen (just one layer or maybe two), followed by another couple of layers (depending on your preference) of Sally Hansen's Arm Candy nail polish.

If you only apply a couple of layers this takes next to no time to do - it's fast drying and can last up to five days chip free. It's a super subtle, chic look that can go with any outfit.

Bedtime Beauty Shout Out

This is the best diffuser I've ever had - hands down. You can instantly smell it when you walk into the room, but it isn't overpowering.

This one is mango and Passion flower scented - so yummy!

The best news? It won't break the bank. This is Sainsburys own brand and costs £7.

Bedtime Beauty Tip

Lots of cables lying around? Constantly mixing them up, or losing them?

I like to pack neatly and try and keep my cables tidy, so I use a (pencil!) case from Cath Kidston - it's the perfect size for an evenly folded charging cable and takes up next to no room in my luggage!

Natural sleep remedies!

I've tried lots of natural sleep remedies as I have always suffered from insomnia - it's so frustrating when you're lying there, tired, desperate to sleep, but your mind just won't let you.

So I've tried a few things and thought I'd share them with you.

Sleep plus pillow spray by This Works

This was a nice smell although it faded quite quickly, or perhaps I got used to it quickly. I also worried about spraying it on my pillow in case it made it sticky - it didn't but I wouldn't want the residue to build up every night.

Did it help me fall asleep? 

I think the smell is very calming. It definitely helps you to relax.

Slumber gel by Cotswold Lavender

I really like this and it comes in a generous pot. I put some on around my temples and the gel is very soothing. Again I wouldn't want to put too much on in case it got on my pillow.

Did it help me sleep?

I think it does, I found myself falling asleep with no problems.

Cruisin' for a snoozin' by anatomicals

This I keep by my bed and have used when I really can't sleep. It doesn't say what you're meant to do with it, I assume  put it on your temples but personally I put it directly under my nose and I find that works best.

It is quite solid and you have to really push your finger into it to get anything out. However it doesn't feel sticky on the skin and I don't worry about it on my pillow.

Did it help me fall asleep?

I do think it did help. I do tend to use it when I can't get to sleep as well which I think is a good test.

Of course it's probably all psychological - but I'll take whatever help I can get!

Bedtime Beauty Shout Out

I love this Burts Bees almond and milk hand cream. 

It smells amaaaazing and sinks into the skin quickly. It feels like a luxury product.

5 super cute totes

With the new 5p plastic bag charge, find your perfect cotton or canvas alternative with these 5 adorable totes!

1. Mint Velvet 'hold on to me' tote

£8.00

http://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/canvas-tote-bag/bags-&-small-leather-goods/mint-v/fcp-product/3860

2. Cath Kidston 'Spray Flowers' foldaway tote

£15.00

http://www.nichollscrickhowell.com/cath-kidston-spray-flowers-foldaway-tote-p31582?gclid=CIuP_9mawMgCFYmRGwodUfIIbQ

3. Liberty 'Theodora' tote

£24.95

http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Theodora-Liberty-Print-UK-Tote-Bag/125356

4. Alphabet bags 'It's what's inside that counts' tote

£15.00

https://www.alphabetbags.com/shopall/bags/hazelnichollswhatsinside.htm

5. The Lost Lanes 'Rock Paper Scissors' tote

£10.00

https://www.thelostlanes.com/rock-paper-scissors-screen-printed-cotton-tote-bag.html

Reading Under The Covers

Loved Only Ever Yours by the brilliant O'Neill, winner of the Bookseller YA book prize. A frightening vision of a future where a woman's worth revolves around her looks, that is terrifyingly close to home. It's a brave, original idea, with perfectly flawed characters. I can't wait to read her next book, Asking For It.

Bedtime Beauty Shout Out

Right now, this is the only cream/moisturiser I'm using - I love this Rosapene Night Cream by Trilogy.

The label says its 100% natural, and I can definitely tell - it smells amazing but not perfumed, and it sinks instantly into my skin.

I have very sensitive skin and always worry about putting new things on my face, but had no adverse reaction to this at all and actually my skin got clearer!

I would definitely recommend this night cream, once you try it, you'll be hooked!