Flowers

The end of summer is getting closer by the minute and the autumn weather has already started to settle, however we are still getting a few days of nice sunshine here and there and so I've been clinging to every little ray. Throughout this summer I've noticed I've had a bit of a thing for floral printed dresses. Now generally, I don't obsess over looking like wallpaper, however the three pieces I've been loving don't make me resemble wallpaper at all.

The first one is something that would be appropriate all year round because of the black base and it is something I will continue to wear up until my legs can't stand the cold anymore. It is a basic shift type dress which just hangs on the body. Sometimes this can look really unflattering, however I like the way it fits on me as it is a really good size so doesn't resemble a bag. Also, there is a hole in the back with two straps that cross over which I think adds the perfect amount of detail on top of the vibrant flowers.

The second is one I fell head over heels for when I spotted it in Topshop. I love the cream/yellow colour and the flowers are all so detailed and have a really intricate look to them all whilst adding a pop of colour. It is actually a playsuit which I prefer with this style of clothing because the material at the front crosses over from the waist down leaving a big 'v' down the middle of the chest if the bow at the back isn't tight enough. Therefore if it was a dress I think I'd be worried all the time about exposing myself in one way or another.

The third one is the most girly and vibrant, but I think it's stunning. I plan on wearing this to a wedding later in the year. It has a slight metallic finish to it and the blue flowers tone the vibrancy down a tad. I really like the halter neck and on me it comes to just above the knees so it still classes as appropriate wedding attire. Even though my sole intention was to wear it to a wedding I have worn it out on numerous occasions whilst we've still had the sun and never once has it looked over the top.

I'm going to be wearing these until all the sun disappears. What do you think of floral pieces?

I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Blame It On NARS

Each time NARS bring out a new collection I always swoon over all of the beautiful products and this summer was no different. They brought out three summer gifting kits including cheek palette which had my name written all over. So when I was in Selfridges the other day, I picked it up and I love it. Having already got one of their cheek palettes, I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed with the formulation. 

There are four shades: a slightly peach toned highlighter, casino bronzer (thankfully they didn't include Laguna in this one) and two pink blushers. It includes a mini ita brush also. The brush is amazing and I can definitely see why everyone loves it. 

The packaging of this palette is so fun and vibrant and much better than some of the standard packaging other brands have. It is perfect for travelling as it contains anything you could want for colour on your face and isn't too bulky to be carrying around daily. 

I think NARS always do it right with their limited edition launches and I will always be a sucker for their cheek palettes. Have you tried any?

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Summer Blues

The end of summer is drawing closer so I've been trying to cling onto each moment. One way of doing this has been painting my nails in vibrant pastel colours and I love it. 

The Rimmel Bestival Blue has been on my nails for the past week or two and has requires minimal touch ups. I find Rimmel nail polishes are really good and have a brilliant formula. This polish in particular would have looked fine with just one coat and was opaque enough without the second coat. It has been very long wearing and has a very shiny finish. 

The colour itself is a vibrant pastel blue, but it isn't too in your face. It adds a pop of colour to anything, without clashing. I love it and can imagine I'll be wearing it until the end of summer.

Are there any nail polishes you love at the minute? I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

 

The best perfume ever.

La vie est belle is my favourite fragrance of all time. I've tried and tested a lot of perfumes over the years and nothing compares. First of all, it has very chic packaging and to me, it just screams class. Secondly, it is perfect for summer, although I do wear it all year round. It is slightly sweet, but fruity too. It contains jasmine, vanilla and orange blossom just to name a few and the combination of all the 'ingredients' means there's a balance of floral and fruity, but by no means is it sickly.

It is one of those fragrances which are extremely easy to wear and I feel like it is never overpowering. A little goes a long way with this perfume and it I can still smell it on myself at the end of the day. I really do love this perfume and I'm interested to see if any other of Lancomes perfumes come close.

What perfume is your favourite? I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Top 3 oils.

As someone who loves hydration and that extra bit of silkiness and glossiness, I love using oils. Instead of everything being targeted towards the face, the market has expanded so that there are oils out there for everything: face, body, hair, nails, etc. In today's post, I want to talk about my favourite three.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex
Now this one is more of a serum (but shh), it is something I use when my skin is feeling really lacklustre and dull. I apply it at nighttime and in the morning, I have a radiant glow. It is meant to help reduce the signs of ageing, however I don't quite have wrinkles yet so I can't comment on that aspect. It is one of those where a little goes a long way (thankfully or else I don't think my mum would be very impressed!) and it just sinks into the skin without leaving a greasy film.

Caudalie Divine Oil
I've mentioned this product before, but I really do love it. I've not had it long, but already I feel it's making a difference. I apply this to the tips of my hair and to my skin when I'm having no makeup days and it leaves my skin feeling nourished and hydrating as well as leaving a subtle sheen to the skin. It is extremely moisturising so is perfect to apply after having a shower and it leaves me with silky soft limbs!

Ogx Moroccan Argan Oil
My hair feels incredible after using this! I can't believe I haven't tried it sooner. My hair is very shiny, soft and much easier to brush because of this. Plus it smells incredible. It doesn't leave my hair greasy at all and similarly to the others, a little goes a long way. I can definitely tell that after prolonged use of this my hair will be in great condition.

So there are my top 3 oils, I think they're great and a staple in my routine. What do you think of them? I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x 

Mini Haul

I have done a little bit of shopping over the last week or two - having time on my hands means internet shopping is a very attractive idea.

Firstly I picked up the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. I've been wanting this for a while and it certainly lives up to all the good reviews. It has a thin consistency, but has medium-full coverage as well as being brightening. It works well on both dark circles and blemishes and it's all I've been using at the minute.

The next thing that caught my attention was the REN Express Make Up Remover. I've used REN before so I know that it works really well for my skin. Again, it's a fairly thin consistency, but just makes the make up melt off my face instantaneously. It works really well for both am and pm.

Sticking on the theme of skincare, I bought a small Vichy moisturiser - Aqualia Thermal Light Hydration. This stuff is extremely hydrating and I love that. My skin has been getting dryer over the last 5 years and this has really helped. It sinks straight into my face and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy or like there is product sitting on top of it.

The last thing I picked up was the Caudalie Divine Oil. This stuff is so good! You can use it on your face, body or hair which makes it a really versatile product. It is a very light formula yet intensely nourishing and hydrating and leaves me with a very glowing complexion or soft, silky hair (in a non greasy way) as it's enriched with argan oil. It's made with a lot of natural products which adds to its nourishing and strengthening properties!

I received a sample of the Benefit High Beam. It is a pink luminescent highligher which gives an amazing glow without looking too much. I can definitely see myself picking up the full size in the future.

Have you picked up anything recently? I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Splendour Festival.

Last Saturday (18th July), myself and a couple of friends went to the Splendour Festival in my home town and this year was my fourth year of going. The weather for the day looked extremely promising, unlike last year when it rained all year. It got really nice and warm throughout the day and I managed to come home with a tan!

Chloe had managed to get us a really decent spot, fairly close to the main stage and we arrived so we could see the second act. I enjoyed most of the acts, especially Lawson who were amazing and it was good to just sit and enjoy the music. We ate all day and were spotting the best dancers throughout the park.

I love going as it's a great day spent with great company and full of laughs: will definitely be returning next year. There is such a good atmosphere among everyone and it caters for everyone.

Have you been to festival? I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x