HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO MY BLOG!

WOWZERS! Happy birthday to my blog! When I first started this little blog of mine I wasn't sure whether if was going to be a flash in the pan job or whether it would be something with real staying power but here I am a year on and I'm still going at it! I can't believe a year has passed with me posting my musings and actual people ACTUALLY reading them!

When I look at other people's blog's I always end up giving myself a hard time that mine doesn't look as good or is as high end or as interesting but when I look at the posts I have made throughout the year I can already see growth and improvement throughout the year. In content, writing style and photography too. This makes me really happy because you can only measure your success by knowing where you started and acknowledging and embracing the changes, challenges and improvements. By writing this post today, that is exactly what I am doing. Yes, I wish I posted more regularly, yes I wish the layout was more flash, yes I wish I had more Twitter followers and more readers to reach out to and yes I wish I could nail a flat lay. But I accept it is a work in progress, I am not done, I am learning and I will continue to grow and so will this blog. I am proud to be into my second year of being a blog owner. It's a big commitment and a lot of responsibility. Most of which I put on myself for feeling pressure to post. But if I don't post, it's because I've nothing worth sharing just yet. I don't post for any old reason. I hope you appreciate and accept that. Time is a challenge. But stick with me. I want to do more and hopefully this second year will bring more opportunities to reach out and have a chat.

If you have read only this post, last weeks post, or all of them THANK YOU. It means so much. Here's where I started, my very first blog post about a product and brand I absolutely love. My Ultimate Cleanser


Year one done. Steph x

LAURA MERCIER BROW DEFINER

I have been using a budget brow kit for about a year now from Collection and whilst it has been a good starting point for brow shape training, I have been after something a bit more refined for a while and after a shopping trip to Leeds I found a great replacement product from Laura Mercier.

Brows are big business and in the last few years it's been all about making them look shaped, defined and tamed. I have mine waxed and tinted every few months and I'm trying to grow them a bit thicker following the post over plucking days! There are starting to get a tad sparse in areas *cries inside* so I've been looking for an brow upgrade product and here's what I bought.

I popped into SpaceNk and a lady in there showed me the Laura Mercier Brow Definier .She used it herself and applied it to my brows so I could see how it looks and I was immediately impressed.

The Collection palette is a powder brow kit and the main downside I found with this type of brow kit is that you tend to be able to see the powder on your skin underneath the fine brow hairs which I really don't like. I've had the same issue with brow pencils too so these for me are a no go.

The brow definer is a wax gel formulation which attaches to the brow hairs to build colour and definition without having the skin stained look. It clings to each brow hair and holds them in place without that crusty feeling which is brilliant! I picked up the shade warm which is the darkest of the three on offer and it was the sales assistant chose for me so I'm afraid I didn't actually see the two other shades to be able to tell you about them! However I think the warm it a great shade for me, I have fairly dark brow hairs anyway and I think this colour matches well.

I've been using this little brow pot for about two weeks and I have to say I really love using it. I apply it with a Real Techniques slanted brow brush from the core collection set and I use light upward strokes following my brow shape and applying more where the sparser areas are. I have taken some before and after pictures to give you an idea of how the products looks. I'm not into strong brows, I just wanted a defined but still natural look. I've taken some before and after photographs to give you an idea of the look you can achieve with this product, obviously if you want a stronger look you can keep building the colour.

 

 
 

I'm really impressed with this product and I can already tell it's going to be one of those products I'll be repurchasing.

What are your best brow products? Have you tried this one?

Leave me a comment lovely readers!

Steph x

MY WEEK: 3

This week I had a few days off work which was VERY nice and VERY much needed! Working in retail, I am still catching up and coming down from the madness that was Christmas and obviously retail during this time equals not a lot of time off! So this was me catching up! It's been quite a busy one so here's what I got up to.

If you've been following my blog you will know that I am still in the long drawn out process of buying a house and my plan is then to rent my flat out. So I took some time to freshen up the paint in the hallway and start making small improvements to get it ready for renting. I bought my flat from new 7 years ago so it's in really good condition as a result. I remember being shown around it when I was considering it as a future home and it was very much in the early build days and had no walls. Me and my Mum did our best to use our imagination as the sales lady showed us round using phrases like "this will be the bedroom, obviously once the walls have been put up" and then turning to me to ask " what do you think?" Erm. It has no walls. "Yeah it's really nice, very homely" my answer.

There isn't really a lot I need to do to it before renting it but I'd like to re paint the bathroom and maybe get a new lounge carpet, a cream carpet does not fair well seven years on. But I'm pleased with my paint job and it's nice to get it ready for someone and for it to be as nice a home to them as it has been to me.

Also this week I went for a walk around a park not too far from me where I used to go so often with my Grandparents and feed the ducks. The weather was a bit grey and dull but I thought it would be nice to have some fresh air and take some blog photo's. I use a Canon 1200D for my blog photo's which I'm still learning how to use and I'm more than sure I don't use it to it's full spec. Note to self; learn how to use all it's features!

 

 I also thought I would give vlogging a go! I keep umming and ahhing about whether to start up a YouTube channel and as I have never recorded myself or had a go at putting together this kind of content, I thought I would give it a try. I headed out with my Canon camera which I tend to take my blog pictures on and then I had my compact camera to try vlogging. I've literally never felt so self conscious in what was actually a pretty empty park! I kept trying to get into areas where no one was around and then quickly whipped my camera out, spoke some rushed words and then shoved my camera back in my pocket and attempted to look like a casual park stroller. I really do take my metaphorical hat off to daily vloggers and those who vlog in busy public areas. I don't know how they manage to be so confident and not bothered by the looks they must get from people who really don't get what they are doing. I know if I saw Alfie Deyes with his camera, on the street, I know he would be vlogging but what must people who have never even heard of it think! Anyway I managed to put some clips together and if it ever makes the internet, you'll be the first to hear about it! Once I'd got into it I did actually really enjoy it and I was laughing at myself thinking 'your bonkers but this is fun!'


I had a lovely trip to a Centre Parcs Aqua Sana spa this week for a twilight evening session. I have been to their spa's many times and they are still one of my favourites. If you've read my bio you will know that I used to work in a spa as a Senior Therapist for 5 years and I love going to them. I feel that with the Aqua Sana's, they have such a good range of rooms, different steam rooms, herbal rooms, sauna and quiet areas. I really do rate their facilities, the only thing I would love them to offer is classes. I think if they had yoga (we know how much I love me some yoga!) Pilates, and Zumba type classes this would make me more interested in going for a full day. I had a nice chilled evening, had dinner there and almost fell asleep three times which was risky as I usually go with a friend but I went on my own this time so I could have ended up having an impromptu sleepover! Side note, I think it's better to go with a friend, I found I was getting annoyed with other pairs talking in some of the rooms which you only really notice when your sat quietly on your own without anyone to talk to! Obviously I couldn't take many photo's but here's a few!

I went to a local antiques fair this week as well. I've never been to one before and I didn't really know what to expect and whether I may not 'fit' the customer profile to these types of things but it was really good and I spotted the Bargain Hunt tv crew filing there whilst I dodged the cameras in my no make up state. I went looking for furniture pieces for the new home, which yes I still do not own yet but partner is home this week then all should get sorted! It was a pretty huge affair, a bit like a massive car boot to be honest. I did find another set of retro style drawers (see week 1) and I have to say I think I preferred them to the ones we've already bought however they were £20 and these ones were £200! They were made by Stag though which is a great furniture brand and really well made. I couldn't get hold of my other half to see what he thought so I ended up leaving them but I'm kinda gutted I've missed out on them. But my logical self is telling my, ' secure the home first'. There are more of these fairs coming up which, fingers crossed, is around the time we should be in so makes more sense to wait! God damn I'm not patient at all and I'm falling out with my logical self right now. Over drawers. Yep. Awesome looking drawers I don't now own. Wahhh. These are the drawers in question (took a pic to send the other half) which do you prefer?

On Friday night I went out with one of my best friends to Zizzi's for dinner and catch ups which was so nice. I haven't seen her properly since the beginning of December so we had a lot to catch up on. I always think it's a great sign of friendship when you haven't seen each other for ages and when you get together you seen to pick up from where you last left off like it was only yesterday. I ate way to much but it was lovely and had we not had to keep buying things to ensure we didn't get asked to leave, I think we could have stayed chatting for much longer!

On the train!

Saturday saw me head to Leeds for a spell of shopping.I absolutely love Leeds for shopping they have great shops and most of the places I like are all within easy walking distance. I went with the intention of getting some make up bits and I really wanted to be matched to the new Chanel Les Beige foundation and the new Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow but, it being a Saturday, the counters in Harvey Nic's were so super busy that I couldn't get to see anyone! Epic fail! I did also want to ask about the Nars Sheer glow foundation, I was matched to Santa Fe previously and this is so orange on me. It looked so nice when the lady I saw had applied it but it's definitely not the right colour so if I couldn't see anyone about the new launches I thought I'd get re matched to a more suitable shade of Nars. I popped into a considerably more calm SpaceNk and it turns out that none of the sheer glow colours are right for me! Aren't I awkward. I thought that Deauville might be the best option but the lady there said it would feel too pale so she matched my to Laura Mercier Silk creme mosituring foundation. I decided not to buy it and to see how it wore and after coming home I felt the shade matched really well in rose ivory but I'm not sure I'm that keen on the finish so maybe I'll hold out for a match with the new launches and try them instead. It just seemed to highlight my pores and imperfections. Quite the opposite of what anyone wants from a foundation! Not one for me.


I did have a nice afternoon tea for one at Marks and Spencer cafe which was a welcome sit down and a nice way to refuel! And I had no clue then even did it.

Whilst in Marks and Spencer I came across the new Rosie Huntington-Whitely make up range. The stand had only just been launched and I had got great timing as the ladies there said the products had only just come in that morning! I had a little play with some of the products and checked out the lipstick and eye shadow palettes and I did buy one item (and forgot to go back to grab some more bits I'd liked) but I will save all the details for another post! But I was quite impressed with the style Rosie has gone for for the range and the stand and packaging looked very premium and classy, just like it's creator.

I did also take my compact camera and again tried out some more vlogging! I just need to get myself set up with some editing software and see if I can make anything out of it! It is really fun though. Has anyone got any Windows 10 editing software recommendations?

My fiance is back late on Sunday night which is very exciting although I will probably be asleep! But hopefully once he is back we can get this house train moving once more!

It's felt like quite a busy week for a 'week off' but it's been really nice. I've realised what a loner I am having done most things on my own this week! But it's been nice to potter at my own pace throughout.

How's your week been folks? Any highights? Have you tried any of the foundations I've mentioned? Which are your favs? Suggestions and comments below!

Catch you later, Steph x

PIXI GLOW TONIC

I think it's fair to say that Pixi Glow Tonic has become quite an iconic product. So many bloggers, vloggers and skincare experts seem to use it and rave about it. I knew about this product before I even knew about the brand, so here's a snippet about them. Pixi was created by Petra Strand over ten years ago and is a London based skin and cosmetic company born out of her passion to bring out the natural beauty in all women in a flawless, fuss-free few minutes.
I was really intrigued about this product so I thought I'd give it a go!

It is designed to be used instead of, or as well as, your normal toning product after cleansing. It contains glycolic acid, a naturally derived ingredient from sugar cane, which exfoliates and tones the skin. This is a great ingredient for those skin types which suffer from acne breakouts, pigmentation, open pores and blackheads. It safely and gently removes the outer layer of dead skin cells and contains Aloe Vera to soothe and Ginseng to boost the skin and make it more energized and healthy looking. Sounds good right?

I've been using the natural tonic for a few months now and I alternate it with my usual Liz Earle go to toner a few nights a week and I LOVE it! It makes my skin feel revived and looking far healthier than it used to. I was initially unsure about the aroma but I've got used to it now. I initially used it twice a day morning and night but for me it felt too much so I've reduced it to every few days and I prefer to use it in the evenings so that I get rid of the dead skin cells and allow my skin to renew itelf overnight. By morning, my skin is brighter and so soft.
I like the nature of acid toning and if your not a fan of a beaded, gritty exfoliator, this product does the job without upsetting sensitive skins. I suffer from the dreaded hormonal breakouts and I'm a very good student of Caroline Hirons and she always advises using an acid toner. It gives my skin more of a fresh, healthy appearance and during the colder Winter months, I'm all up for any products that help my skin look like it did go on holiday. Once.

You can buy this product from them directly Pixi and from Cult Beauty.
 
This really is a lovely product and it does deliver. Have you tried it? What did you think?

Until next time, Steph x


This is not a paid for or sponsored post, just my thoughts and opinions.