April Favourites

Nivea Refreshing Toner for normal &combination skin

I’ve used toners in the past that left my skin red and dry, but I find this toner to be gentle and refreshing on my face and also acts as a mild exfoliator. After adding this to my regular skin care routine, I’ve found that my skin has been so much clearer! 

Simple triple action face wash

This is probably the best drugstore face wash I have ever used! I bought this one night doing last minute grocery shopping, because I’d just run out of the wash I was using. I thought it would be alright, but this tube of wonders exceeded my expectations! Since using this I have had very little to no breakouts! Highly rate and recommend this affordable product!

Lacura Purifying Mineral Clay Face Mask

I picked up this little gem from Aldi. Yes that’s right, Aldi. This clay mask claims to extract impurities from the pores and give the skin a deep cleanse. I can’t say that it thoroughly does that, but my skin does feel cleaner after using it. It isn’t as great as some high end tub of Glam Glow but for the super cheap price that it was I am definitely impressed, and will be repurchasing this in the future.

Olay moisturising cream - sensitive skin

This absorbs quickly and really hydrates my skin without leaving it greasy. I’ve found that this Heals dry patches virtually over night. No matter what moisturisers I try I always go back to using this.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum

This edgy perfume is my new favourite scent of all time! I’m obsessed! Scents of coffee, cedar wood, patchouli, orange blossom and vanilla, make for an incredible fragrance. This warm/spicy perfume is more of a winter/night time fragrance, however, it is also slightly floral and sweet, making it suitable for all year round.  

Garnier 2 in 1 express eye-makeup remover

This removes my makeup super quickly and easily. I could have a black Smokey eye, winged liner and 2 coats of black mascara, and this stuff will still remove this mess with a couple of wipes.

Et equilibrium Deep Repair Hair Treatment Masque

This treatment has made my hair feel the softest and healthiest that it has felt in a long time. You can put this in and leave it for a while before washing your hair normally. However, I tend to put this in for a couple minutes after shampooing, rinse it out and finish with normal conditioning. Whatever way you decide to use this just make sure you leave it in for a while– the longer you leave it the better the results.

DIY Vegan Coffee Scrub

Move over Frank, there’s a new all powerful all natural coffee scrub coming your way! My homemade vegan scrub is sure to impress!

Ingredients

½ cup coffee grounds

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)

1 teaspoon green tea leaves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Equal parts pf olive, coconut and castor oils to create desired consistency (you want it to create a mixture with a similar consistency to wet sand).

Mix together and you’re all done!

·      The coffee grounds are high in caffeine, stimulating blood flow to target cellulite, acne, stretch marks, and various skin conditions.

·      Salt is a natural antiseptic, used to reduce inflammation, target skin conditions and imperfections and even treat wounds.

·      Green tea is full of antioxidants and contains antibacterial agents that conquer acne, possesses anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and inflammation, prevents signs of aging and makes complexion moister and supple.

·      The oils in this scrub will moisturise your skin and leave you feeling super smooth!

This scrub works as a great exfoliant, removing dry, flaky skin. Leaving you with super smooth, clear skin all over your body! Use this vegan coffee scrub whenever your skin feels dry or you want to treat yourself to a little pamper. Your skin is sure to thank you!

Bella x

70s Inspired Autumn Fashion

70s style is back in fashion like never before. It has definitely been making an appearance through Summer, and will now be making a statement this Autumn.

Featuring button front denim and suede A-line skirts, bell sleeved shirts, flared trousers, chunky boots and burgundy, mustard and dark blue colours.

Here are some pieces I’ve found that really bring this 70s style to life this season! 

 

All About Eve, Button-Down A-line Skirt

Theiconic.com

$69.95

Dorothy Perkins, Premium Tan Button Suede Skirt 

Theiconic.com

$80

Suedette Zip Skirt 

Theiconic.com

$69.95

Stylish Plunging Neck Long Sleeve Solid Colour Pleated Women's Mini Dress

Rosegal.com

$15.54

Basic Denim Jacket 

Zara

$49.90 USD

The Denim Shacket 

Cotton 

$49.95

Coat with Peter Pan collar 

Zara

$149 USD

Sara Suedette Biker Jacket 

Cotton On 

$79.95

Roxie Pleat Front Tailored Culottes

Boohoo.com

$36

 

Lavinia Tie Waist Wide Leg Trouser 

Boohoo.com 

$40

The Lilah Crop Top 

Princess Polly 

$45

Young Folks Top 

Princess Polly 

$40

Kerrie Lace Up Sleeve Blouse 

Boohoo.com 

$36

Moira Bell Sleeve Tie Back Top 

Boohoo.com 

$24

Lopez Top 

Bardot 

$89.95

Sleeveless High Neck Knit 

Myer 

$69.95

Sleeveless Eyelet Detail Tie Front Top 

Miss Shop 

$39.95

Billini Taupe Shea Boots

Princess Polly 

$100

Therapy Black Bandera Boots

Princess Polly 

$80

Billini Burnt Tan Lara Boots 

Princess Polly 

$140

Lipstick Tan Ashlee Boots 

Princess Polly 

$80

Fringed Bucket Bag 

$20

Miss Shop 

Belt Trim Fedora 

$20 

Miss Shop

My Tips for Combating a Bad Day

We all have down days. Those days when you don’t feel like doing anything and just generally feel negative… Which sucks! So I thought I’d share a few tips that I use to help those dark days get a little brighter :)

Have a bath

There’s nothing nicer than having a long soak in a tub full of bubbles at the end of a long day. Make your bath a calming sanctuary, create some bubbles, light a few candles and play some chill music to set the mood. You can really go to town with this! Whether you’re a bath person or not, treat yourself to a bit of a pamper session and scrub away the bad vibes!

Listen to Music

I always find it fun to dance like no one is watching and sing like no one can hear me. Play tracks that are upbeat and fun, something you can sing along, have a boogie and enjoy yourself to!

Meditate

I’ve been getting into meditation and mindfulness every now and then for about a year now, and I find it a great way to clear my mind and take some time out for myself. If you’re not sure what meditation means, it's about focusing on the present. It allows you to stop stressing about what could happen or what did happen, and live in the now. I find that by trying to do this on my own, my mind starts to wander and before I know it I’m stressing again. So I’ve been using calm.com which I have as an app on my phone. This is a guided meditation, where you can listen to and focus on a voice that tells you what to do. This app allows you to set your mood, choose the type of session you want, and even choose your time limit. So even if you need to be out the door in 2 minutes, you can squeeze in a little mindfulness.

Get Some Fresh Air

I can guarantee you that stepping outside and taking a deep breath of fresh air will help you to de-stress and feel refreshed. Lie in the sunshine for a while, walk your dog or play with your pets. Just make time to get out of your office/house/stressful situation and enjoy the outdoors.

Exercise

It's no secret that exercise is incredible for your body. If you exercise regularly you’ll see and feel amazing benefits. Doing physical activity will give you something different to focus on and put your energy into. Plus, it is said that exercise will boost your mood, alertness, concentration and even your optimism to look on the bright side.

Create Something

Anything that is simple and repetitive and requires your full attention can have a calming, meditative quality. So colour in, bake, draw or even build something. These activities feel therapeutic and you’ll feel pleased when looking at your finished product!  

Make a To-do List

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks you have to complete, create a to-do list and tick things off as you do them. Not only is this a way to prioritise and stay on top of what needs to be done, but you’ll feel rewarded every time you tick something off!

Get a good night’s sleep

There’s no doubt that a restful sleep is beneficial for your mind and body. If you sleep well you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day ahead! Avoid using technology an hour before going to bed; the light from a phone, computer etc. will strain you eyes and tell your brain to stay awake. Try reading a book or meditating before heading off to sleep.

Take Time Out For Yourself

Do something that you enjoy. Whether this is watching a movie, surfing the internet, painting etc. Whatever it is, take some time to do what makes you happy. You need to give yourself breaks and rest, so have some fun doing what makes you feel great!

I hope that wherever you are, you are feeling great. And if not I’m hoping these tips will brighten up your day :) Bella x

Top Autumn Essie Nail Polishes

Carry On 

 

Very Structured 

 

Power Clutch 

 

Glamour Purse 

 

Bahama Mama

 

Sand Tropez 

 

Smokin' Hot 

 

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