Sally Hansen Mega Shine: Test

I was on a long mission to find the best top coat in the market and I have to say I think I may have completed that mission after discovering Sally Hansen's Mega Shine top coat. It can last up to two weeks and is by far the most glossy top coat I have ever come across. It's easy to apply and doesn't feel clumpy. All you need is one coat, one thick coat is best, even though it may take a bit longer to dry I promise you it's all worth it!

I thought the best way to show you just how well it worked was to perform a test. Below are a few photos to show the condition of my nails over a period of two weeks, without any touch ups.

1) No top coat

Here I applied two coats of Ballerina by Barry M which is currently one of my favourite muted pink shades.

2) After one coat of Sally Hansen's Mega Shine:

It left my nails with a nice glossy gel like finish.

3) After a week:

The shine was still there but not as much as before and the edges started to wear away a little.

4) After 10 days:

More wearing of the edges.

 After two weeks:

My nails didn't look too bad considering it had been two weeks and they were not done professionally and still looked presentable.

It is currently sitting at number one on my favourites list of 2016! Is there a better top coat out there? We'll have to wait and find out!

Eczema & Aveeno Cream

Having dry skin or eczema on your face is not a nice feeling and it can make you feel a little down at times, especially when you've got pieces of flaky dry skin hanging off your forehead patiently waiting for the wind to blow them off. As someone who suffers from eczema, I can understand the frustrations in finding a good cream to treat and protect your skin.

I have been using Aveeno cream for a good few years now and thought I'd write a post on why I have enjoyed using it and how it has helped me. Plus, as we are approaching the more colder days of this festive season, some of us will be suffering from the dry skin period so this could all come in handy. Just to be clear, I'm not stating that Aveeno cured my eczema but how it has improved the condition of my skin in order for my eczema to stay under control. 

A little background about my experience... (which I'm going to try and keep nice and short)

I developed the condition in my late teens. I remember I once suddenly had a bad flare up on my face on a Monday morning and slowly developed rashes over my body as well (mostly my back and arms). I thought it was just a silly reaction to something I had eaten. It was worse on my face which was red, puffy, itchy, dry and quite sore. It felt horrible. I never thought it was eczema until I made a trip to the doctors who said it was and told me that it was something that was non-curable but just needed to be controlled by using the right cream.

The doctors recommended aqueous cream and diprobase cream to use on my face and a steroids cream to use during flare ups. I swapped between the creams depending on the condition of my skin and they helped to calm my eczema which was great even though I still had flare ups every now and then. After a few years of using the recommended creams and hoping that my ezcema would just disappear, I felt that the condition of my skin was not improving, that the creams were no longer as effective for my skin as they were before. I didn't want to go back to the doctors so I decided to conduct some research into what ingredients were considered good for eczema prone skin. 

During this process I discovered that aqueous cream was probably what made my eczema worse and thinned my skin because it included an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which is a detergent. This explains why the cream can also be used a soap. I was shocked because I was using it for all those years not knowing that it was harming my skin. My skin was already thin enough; I didn't need it to get any thinner. I was also using it as a soap but immediately stopped. Ever since then, I have always avoided using any face products that contain SLS and that change has made a massive difference. 

After trying out numerous creams, some made my skin feel tight and uncomfortable and others made my condition worse. I then finally came across Aveeno. 

During my research online, I read through numerous reviews, most of which were positive. That was the first time I had heard of the brand and really hoped it was going to help. This may sound a little dramatic but I honestly felt like it was my last hope. I found out that it was sold in Boots so I thought I'd give it a go. It's now my holy-grail product, I honestly do not know what I would do without it and not a day goes by where I don't use it!

What's inside it?

It contains colloidal oatmeal which is finely ground oatmeal (not the breakfast type which was what I initially thought). Colloidal oatmeal is said to be good for soothing sensitive, dry, itchy and eczema prone skin, something which I didn't know until I came across this brand. It contains actives that reduces redness and nutrients that create a protective barrier to restore the skin's moisture.

How does it feel?
It's light yet so hydrating for my skin; it doesn't feel heavy or sticky at all. It's also non-fragranced which is great for those who have super sensitive skin like I do. I remember when I first applied it, I was so used to thick oily creams to keep my skin hydrated but Aveeno felt nothing like that, my skin was happily absorbing it.

How has it helped me?
I am still using Aveeno cream on my face every morning and feel that my skin is at its best than it has ever been. I remember even after just a few months of using it, I could tell it made a massive difference in terms of how my skin looked and felt. The cream left my skin feeling soft and hydrated which it hadn't felt in such a long time. My skin no longer felt thin and tight. Even though I still sometimes still get dry patches here and there, overall, my skin feels amazing.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who might be looking for a good moisturiser not just for eczema prone skin but also dry and sensitive skin. I have been using it for roughly three years now and I honestly cannot live without it! It's definitely worth a try!

It's available in two sizes, 100ml (perfect for taking around with you) and 300ml (bargain bottle for long term usage!).

If you have read until this part then thank you! I usually try to avoid writing super long posts as some may find them boring but I wrote this post in hope that it might help someone out there who may also be in a similar situation.

Thanks!

Flower Market: Autumn Edition

Those who know me know that I have a little obsession with hydrangeas. There's just something about that particular type of flower that makes me go a little wild whenever I see it in a shop window or on a flower stall. 

In my latest visit to Columbia Road Flower Market, I captured some of the rich, warm and festive colours of Autumn, which is one of my favourite seasons. I wanted to share with you some of the gorgeous colour transitions, from deep berry pinks to rusty greens and blues which may inspire you to pick up a bunch of hydrangeas when you next pass a flower stall!

Another reason on why they're my favourite flowers is because they can last for AGES! Usually between a week and a half to two weeks which is pretty decent!

Kurt Geiger Saffiano Tote

Hello there!

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but I'm back with a review on a bag by one of my favourite brands, that is Kurt Geiger. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and thought now is the perfect time to write about it as I am able to give you a full review.

Before I start, I'm going to take you back to last summer, when I first set my eyes on it. I was in Portebello Road and decided to pop into their little store and have a quick browse, I honestly didn't go in with a goal of searching for a new bag to purchase, until I came across their Saffiano London Tote range and knew straight away that I wanted one.

After a whole year of debating and waiting for the right time, I decided to go for it and was super excited when I received the email saying it had been despatched!

It is available in a range of classic colours so the next mission was deciding which colour to choose. I was torn between taupe and grey but opted for grey in the end because it was something different, plus, I didn't own anything grey. In the end, I was extremely happy with my choice of colour! It's a gorgeous modern city grey shade which I think works well with the colours that I normally wear which are creamy, peachy, blush and neutral colours. It's definitely a colour that would work throughout the changing seasons.

It is made from saffiano leather which has a nice textured cross hatch finish. It feels high quality and feels durable and is also known to be waterproof which is an extra plus, although I wouldn't recommend going swimming with it, but who would do that?

The minimal gold hardware details look clean and crisp giving the bag a simple yet sophisticated design. There are also gold metal studs at the bottom which stops the bag from fully touching the ground which is great!

It is a very structured bag with two main compartments, a main zip pocket in the middle and a pocket on each side which is great for keeping your bag organised as it makes searching for things a tad bit easier, especially if you're someone who carries a load of super important (in reality, unnecessary) things like I do.

The handles feel nice and sturdy and sits comfortably on the arm or whilst being carried. It comes with an adjustable strap which can be adjusted from both ends so there isn't that awkward part of the strap that flaps out. It's the perfect length and can easily be tucked away into one of the compartments if not in use. The strap is detachable but I like to leave it on because I find it convenient for when I just want to throw it over my shoulder, that's when I'm on a packed train or running away from something like a fox (you never know!).

In terms of weight, I wouldn't say it's super lightweight but it's manageable and not on the heavy side of the weighing scale. I've been trying very hard to not overload my bag with random bits and bobs.

For me, this tote is one of those bags that completes an outfit so no matter what you're wearing, whether it's a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt, this bag will make you look like you're ready for whatever you're set out to do. There's just something special when you find the perfect handbag!

One last thing, it may sound like I'm trying to sell Kurt Geiger's brand but I'm really not. This is all my personal opinion as I have bought a few things from them in the past and just really love the quality and design of their products!

You can purchase the bag from their website if you click here.

You can also check out my post which includes their saffiano mini purse by clicking here.

Enjoy browsing their amazing range of goodness!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

London, or which ever city you're in is a busy place, we've got stuff to do and places to be, whether that's popping to the post office before it closes or simply just editing a photo for Instagram. We don't want to be wasting our precious time waiting for our nail polish to dry right?

As simple as it may sound, that's why quick drying top coats were invented. I've been using one called Insta-Dri by Sally Hansen and compared to the various top coats I have tried, this is by far the best one. Big statement right? Well, I'll tell you why... 

* It dries within seconds (60 seconds to be precise) so it really does work like magic!

* It creates a protective layer over your nails which prevents them from chipping making your manicure last up to a week (bearing in mind that it'll save you money because you won't need to apply nail polish every so often)

* It has a glossy gel-like finish making your nails look professionally done

* What I love most about this product is that it smooths out your nails making any lumps, streaks and any imperfections disappear, so don't worry if you didn't apply your chosen colour perfectly!

* It doesn't feel heavy or thick on your nails and is easy to apply

* Priced at £5.99, I guess that is a fairly reasonable price for something that does exactly what it says on the bottle 

Application: Apply it on your nails a minute or two after applying your chosen nail colour. You just need one thin coat so two-three strokes is usually enough.

This is something I would definitely purchase again so I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND it and yes, I had to capitalise it because if you're a nail polish fanatic like myself, then this is a must have product! 

Spring Favourites

A perfume, book, hand cream, make up remover and a dry shampoo... here are some things I have been loving this spring... 

Daisy Dream Forever, Marc Jacobs

A perfume that is a nice balance between being fruity, sweet and floral is perfect for me. That's exactly what I get with Daisy Dream Forever by Marc Jacobs. This is currently my everyday perfume and I love it. 

The top notes are fruity which include blackberry, grapefruit and pear. The middle notes include jasmine, blue wisteria and lychee which brings out the floral aspect of it. I'm instantly drawn to anything that has lychee in it! Lastly, you've got the base notes which consist of white woods, musks and coconut water. Put everything together equals a lovely bottle of fresh heavenly sweetness! In terms of packaging, the gorgeous blue bottle with the small daisy details completes the theme of dreamy blue skies. It's just perfect for spring!

Batiste, Fresh

What would I do without dry shampoo? It's literally a life saver especially on day three hair! Batiste is my favourite dry shampoo brand and 'Fresh' is my favourite scent. I've tried some of the other scents such as 'blush' and 'eden' but for me this is by far the best one! It doesn't feel heavy and it makes my hair look and smell fresh, like I've literally just washed it. It also gives my hair some texture and volume too. All I do is spray it onto my roots, massage it in and that's it!

Simple Micellar Water

I have really sensitive skin and this micellar water has been doing a great job in leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean from any make up. I simply just dab some onto a cotton pad and wipe away. It doesn't require any rubbing as it dissolves the make up so you can gently wipe it off. It leaves my face feeling soft and fresh. I also bought the cleansing wipes version the other day which I hope will work just as good. 

Soap and Glory Hand Food

I do love a good hand cream that smells delicious and works well. This one by Soap and Glory doesn't disappoint as it smells divine! It has a nice and sugary scent to it. It's not greasy yet light and moisturising and does a great job in keeping my hands nice and soft. What more can I ask for!

The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins

When it comes to books, I do love a good old romantic story but I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone and go for a thriller instead. I need to start by saying that this book has been added to my all-time favourites list. That's how much I enjoyed it. 

I'm not going to reveal the plot here because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who may want to read it but you guessed right; it is about a girl on the train and not about a girl on the bus. Rachel is used to seeing the same things and the same people on the same train everyday. However, things take a drastic turn when she sees something that will change everything. The book is written from three different perspectives which I found made the story even more interesting and addictive. It was definitely a page turner for me.

Some of you may have experienced those nights when you know you should be asleep but you keep saying to yourself 'just one more chapter', and then the next thing you know it's the AM and you can hear the birds tweeting outside! That was me.

The film is coming out this autumn and I'm super excited! I really hope it'll be just as good as the book... but we'll see!

I have one more favourite! 

Music: Sales

I always find it quite refreshing when I discover a band with a different style of music. I recently discovered a band called Sales and have really enjoyed listening to their songs when I want to relax. Their guitar based songs give a really nice, calm and chilled vibe which you can leave playing in the background and get on with whatever you're doing. One of my favourite songs by them is called 'Big Sis'. If you're looking for a chill band, check them out!