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When I start using something new and it actually works I get extremely excited. If its cheap then all the better. If its pricey I try and weigh up the cost per benefit. Well recently I have fallen in love with quite a few new things and I didn’t want to wait until my next seasonal beauty post so welcome to my monthly beauty update.

The Unexpected Website

Don’t be put off by the images on their instagram account (genius but gruesome) – this website is a makeup professionals secret. They mainly cater for films but this means they only stock the best brands that are used in the pro industry – you know whats on their site has been tried and tested by industry experts. Brands to check out include Stylpro, Make Up For Ever, Ben Nye, Bdellium, TMA bags and Beauty Blender.

www.The Makeup Armoury .com

The Foundations

I’ve been very unfaithful with foundations recently. I used to always use Chanel Vitalumiere then decided it was too sheer as my skin has got older. I swung over to Estee Lauder double wear and then decided my skin was too dry I look a little caked in it. Then I tried some from Laura Mercier which I liked but didn’t fall in love with (their concealer is my favourite though). Then I found and loved two in one month.

The first is budget friendly – Max Factor Radiant Lift foundation. It lasts all day and has a soft glow finish. if you have things you want to cover its been designed for you to build it up so I use more on my chin and around my nose.

Shop here on Boots.com

The second is by NARS – Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. Again it lasts and I love the just enough dew finish.

The lip colour

This is a gorgeous gel-balm that turns into an oil. It only comes in three shades but my favourite is 1-cool. Which surprised me as I usually always go for a pink.

The Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C

I have mentioned these a few times on stories and they’re not cheap but my skin has changed dramatically since using them together. The Vitamin C I have used for quite some time now – on my second bottle. But I have just added their Hyaluronic acid to my routine and I am seriously impressed. You do get what you pay for with this brand. If you’re unsure a quick google will show you it works – the reviews are raving.

The Cleansing Balm

So I finished my final bottle of the face wash I swore cured my hormonal acne. It was Peter Thomas Roth and they for some reason changed the packaging AND the formula and the new wash didn’t agree with my skin. I managed to buy about five of the old bottles from the US over a year ago and have been working through them slowly knowing soon I’d be out. So it was a big decision for me on what I used next. I went with a brand I know and trust – Elemis. This cleansing balm is heaven to use… it feels so luxurious and and gets all my makeup and dirt off with ease. My skin actually glows after I have used it. I am obsessed!

Any questions shoot away… thank you so much for reading.

Ax

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I had a bit of a love affair back in 2015… spent quite a lot of time dreaming about it… spending time online with them… and eventually shelling out a load of money to be with them. In case you haven’t already guessed it’s Free People, the gorgeous, womens fashion brand that heralds boho free spirit style – and celebrates the female form with their seriously gorgeous feminine designs.

Back in 2015 I bought many an item, and two long maxi dresses from their ‘Jetset Diaries’ range were the last – loved wearing them so much but then somehow they fell off my radar. The recent purchase of my cream embroidered midi-dress has definitely re-sparked the fire. So I wanted to indulge myself and hopefully you by delving back into the brand and doing a little edit of my favourite dresses online now… just click on the pictures to shop… I hope you enjoy….

 

 

 

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When it comes to holiday dressing I tend to stick to a tight colour palette of about five colours. It makes creating a smaller capsule wardrobe so much easier, everything tends to go with everything. Less clashing prints, more subtle (but stylish) neutrals.  Although saying that – you always need a few boho colour injections to really feel the Summer. So I have pulled together my basic checklist for holiday packing… the basics, the accessories, the shoes and the ‘I have a large luggage allowance’ extras. Hope it helps…

 

White vest – I take two or three

Black vest – classic basic

White denim skirt – a Summer classic

Blue denim shorts – pull over your swimwear or pair with a vest for when you’re out and about

White shirt – to throw on at the pool and the beach

Jumpsuit – dress it up and down for day and evening

Bikini – something boho and neutral

 

Swimsuit – a classic one piece

Loose fitting dress – to throw on in the day time

‘Special’ dress – for dinners and dates

Gold – anything and everything gold – necklaces, earrings, anklets and bracelets. Go for 9ct rather than plated and you can wear swimming, on the beach etc. Mine are by Auree Jewellery, Rachel Balfour, Etsy vintage sellers, local second hand shops, H Samuel and Lucia Hall.

A large basket style bag – I use mine as hand luggage and then the family beach bag

A small basket style bag – perfect for evenings

Nude flats – anything that makes your tanned legs look longer

Sunglasses – classic black beauties

 

Thank you for reading… Ax

 

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Denim in pretty much any form is always my go-to. You don’t need to iron it for one so living on my floor-drobe is not a problem… but its also just easy. Its classic, not trying to hard, style. In the Summer its always been my denim shorts and my Levis reconstructed vintage blue mini. This Summer I bought myself a little white denim skirt and I am so glad I did – I’ve worn it so much. With shirts, vests, t-shirts, heels, trainers, slides.

Before I started wearing it the thought of a white denim mini just gives me flash backs to Britney Spears circa 2001. But its been modernised for the now… there’s something a little more smart about it – something that feels a bit more pulled together compared the casual feel of classic blue denim. It’s great with a Summer glow, and will work Spring, Summer and Autumn with the styling tips below. If you own one pull it out… if you don’t – my edit is below.

5 ways…

With an unbuttoned shirt. (Time to show off that tan).

With a blazer and flats. (Ignore the fact these are blue denim – you get the idea).

With a chunky knit. (Perfect for chillier Spring and Autumn days).

With a white tee. (Absolute classic look – oversized or fitted).

 

Keep it neutral. (Including your accessories… and add lashings of gold jewellery).

 

 

Thank you for reading,

Ax

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I love falling in love with a new brand at I have just fallen in love with a French brand with boutiques in Paris, New York and LA…. (Please open in London). It’s not a new brand (launched in the UK back in 2015) and you’ve probably seen it everywhere already (huge Instagram following)…. but when I saw the swimwear and the beautiful chic lingerie I had to share it with you.

And the brands name – Sezane.

Just look at these pieces. I want to wear every single bikini and swimsuit and spend my life in those bras.

I’ve linked all of my favourite pieces from the collections below. Actually obsessed!

 

 

Thank you for reading…

Ax

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