2017 Favourites | LIFESTYLE

For many, 2017 was a year full of many of highs and definitely plenty of lows. For me, last year was incredible and one of my favourites yet. 2018 has a lot to live up to! The good times absolutely outweighed the bad (and believe me there were loads of those too) but I am grateful for the hardships that I went through because I have grown and become a stronger woman because of it.

In 2017 myself and Aaron were able to travel to countries we dreamed of going to, I learnt to say yes to any opportunity even if it scared me, I surrounded myself with the best friends any girl could want and I got to see my family again after living 2 years abroad. There is so much to be thankful for.

Let's begin 2018 on a good note and focus on the best of 2017! Here are some of my favourites:

Beauty:

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick

Anything by Charlotte Tilbury is absolutely gorgeous but for me there is one product stands above all and that is her lipsticks! I decided to treat myself and add a few of her shades to my lipstick collection and they did not disappoint. The creamy consistency applies beautifully to your lips, is long lasting, very pigmented and leaves your lips feeling smooth and moisturised. Not to mention the stunning rose gold packaging that any lipstick lover is drawn to!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara

I am not one to get hung up on high end brands especially if a similar product at half the price will do the same job but the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara is another story. The mascara darkens, thickens and adds volume to your lashes whilst not clumping them together like a lot of other brands do. It also does not smudge or create panda eyes throughout the day which no one likes. It is more of a pricey item but is worth it for the best of the best! 

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

This has been a favourite of mine for a few years now but once again NARS has pulled through to becoming a favourite again in 2017! I have honestly never found a foundation like this. It gives my skin natural glowing dewy finish with a buildable coverage. It leaves my skin looking soft and smooth while covering any imperfections I may have, and it lasts all day. NARS Sheer Glow is perfect for those with dry skin whereas the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation gives a more matt finish for those with oily skin.

Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner

For the last few years I have been looking for a liquid eyeliner that doesn't smudge and lasts throughout the day, as everything I had been using in the past tends to rub off after a few hours of applying. After trying drugstore and high end brands I finally found one that does the trick! The Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner stays on throughout the day, is easy to apply, super pigmented and best of all is affordable! In fact, it is so good and reasonably priced that I bought 5 before leaving the UK incase I couldn't find the brand anywhere else!

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

I came across the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser in a goodie bag I was gifted from an event I attended last year. I had never heard of the brand before but I have to admit I have been pleasantly surprised. I am very cautious of what I use on my skin as it can be quite sensitive but one day I thought I would give it a go. It is an extra gentle cleanser that I use I for removing makeup (even waterproof mascara) at the end of the day and my skin feels better for using it. The calming cucumber extracts soothes the skin and adds moisture. I will definitely be re-purchasing this!

The White Company Day Perfume

The White Company is a store full of the most beautiful candles, diffusers and linen which means I can never resist leaving without making a purchase. One of my favourite scents is their 'Day' perfume which I have mentioned before in a previous post. It has a refreshing sweet scent and is light and subtle. It is perfect for work and brings a hint of spring to your wardrobe. 

Health and Fitness:

Kayla Itsines 

I don't know how I only came across Kayla Itsines last year but this woman is incredible and a huge health and fitness inspiration. Her app SWEAT consists of 28 minute HIIT home workouts and meal plans including recipes which she has incorporated into her new book; The Bikini Body and Motivation & Habits Guide. Although it only came out in November, it quickly became a favourite of mine. It has great tips on how to keep motivated and change your habits which is exactly what I am looking to do in 2018. The best part of this book is the tasty recipes which are simple, easy and realistic for everyday use. If you follow Kayla on Instagram you will be able to see the amazing transformations from those that follow her training program. 

Kew Gardens 10k Run

Never in a million years would I have thought I would ever have a running/sports event on my favourites list... but nevertheless here we are! In the beginning on 2017 I found myself becoming lazier and gaining a bit of weight so I decided to sign up for the Kew Gardens 10k run so I would have a fitness goal to work towards. If you are not careful the busy city life can take over meaning you have less time to focus on your health and fitness. Most of my family are runners but it seems I did not get that gene pool, so running 1km let alone 10km was going to be a huge achievement. After 6 months of training I DID IT!! It is such a great feeling completing your goals and this one has health and weight loss benefits too! If you are looking to hit some of those fitness goals in 2018 I'd suggest entering an event - they are fun and help you stick to your training. Plus what better place to run than the stunning Kew Gardens! 

Travel:

Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Croatia had never been a country that I had on my radar - that was until the I got to London in 2016. Many friends of ours had mentioned Dubrovnik as being an amazing summer destination and one to add to our bucket list. By the beginning of 2017 we had given in and booked flights and let me tell you, Croatia lived up to our expectations and more! From the Old Town, to the beach days, to the food, Dubrovnik did not disappoint and is now one of my favourite places in the world! For those who are Game of Thrones fans this is a MUST!

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Since first visiting in 2013, Italy has become one of my favourite countries in the world, so much so that we keep going back! In July 2017 Aaron and I flew into Naples Italy and began our road trip to the Amalfi Coast - not before stopping in Pompeii first! 

We continued on towards the coast and stayed in one of the most beautiful B&Bs just outside of Amalfi called World Center Resort which I would 100% recommend. We spent the few days we had there driving along the coastal roads (slowly and with caution) and stopping in some of the most picturesque towns and villages I have ever seen including Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Minori.  

Driving Tips: Hiring a car on the Amalfi Coast is very stressful, especially as the roads are incredibly narrow and the drivers can be quite unpredictable. Other forms of public transport between the towns are available for example; buses and boats can be more convenient as finding a car park is difficult and can be expensive. 

Israel

Israel is a country I have always wanted to travel to but never imagined I would actually go due to the conflict surrounding the area but we cannot live our lives in fear! So when the opportunity came up for us to visit we took it and I am so glad we did! Tel Aviv is a lively and vibrant city with plenty of nightlife, restaurants and the most beautiful beach. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and with the most incredible history. The Old Town in Jerusalem was one of the most moving and peaceful places I have ever been to and it will always hold a special place in my heart because of its biblical background. More highlights of Israel included Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Ein Gedi, Masada and the Dead Sea. 

Israel will, and I believe will always, remain my favourite country in the world! Look out for a blog post coming up where I explain why.

The Best for Last...

London

It is no secret that London is my all time favourite place in the entire world! Over the last 2 years London has become my home more so than the town I grew up in. Of course there are downsides to living in one of the biggest cities in the world but the pros outway the cons in a big way. I fell in love with London in 2013 when we visited for a holiday and I knew I had to come back. Some of my favourite days were spent biking around on Boris bikes, exploring new parts of the city, having picnics in some of the many parks, drinking in pubs along the river with my friends and walking around and exploring the little side streets that you wouldn't think to look down.

But let's not ignore the fact that it's the people you surround yourself with that make a place a home and I hit the jackpot! I am so grateful for meeting the people I have and I hope those friendships will last a lifetime.

Thanks for reading!

God Bless,

Amber x

Liz Earle Skincare Haul | BEAUTY

Liz Earle is a brand that I have only recently been introduced to since moving to the UK. My skin can be very sensitive which means I am very careful with what I put on my face. I have never been one for massive breakouts which I feel is because I am conscious about what I use on my skin. I try to be as organic and animal friendly as I possibly can but it can be hard to find a brand that is not harsh on the skin and has these values. Liz Earle is a proud organic and cruelty free brand which is something I will always support whether or not the products work for me.

As I am living in London and on a pretty tight budget it can be hard for me to purchase new products but I also realise there is no price tag when it comes to looking after your skin. I have recently purchased a small haul of Liz Earle products to try and as the seasons are changing this is when my skin is most vulnerable.

Cleanse and Polish – Hot Cloth Cleanser

I don’t use a cleanser often as I find that the water on my face makes a huge difference. If I do, I will use the Liz Earle Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I discovered this product a few months ago and fell in love with it! The combination of the cleanser removes the days make up and the hot cloth leaves my skin feeling and looking clean, radiant and soft. After reading all the great reviews and trying the product myself I would 100% recommend this!

Super Skin Moisturiser with Natural Neroli

My skin tends to be very dry but even more especially in the winter and the changing of seasons. Due to this, my skincare routine must always include a rich moisturiser. I use this at the beginning of my day and as it has a very rich formula, I leave this to sink in for a few minutes before applying my foundation. I have found that this moisturiser is perfect for my skin and leaves my face feeling smooth and hydrated for the majority of the day.

Super Skin Eye Cream

Your eyes and the skin around your eyes are extremely delicate and should be treated with care. I have been on the market for a good eye cream for some time now and I came across this. As I am a contact lens wearer I have been looking for a product that is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. I use this morning and night for optimum effect. The Paracress extract lifts and firms the eye area and since using this I have noticed that my dark circles have lessened and the puffiness has been reduced. I am obsessed!

Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

The eyebright soothing eye lotion is a great way to wake up tired eyes if you have a few extra minutes in your morning routine. I apply a small about to 2 cotton pads and place them on my eyes when I wake up. Depending on how much time I have in the morning I will leave the cotton pads over my eyes for a few minutes. I instantly feel refreshed and more awake than I usually would be at 6am (if that is even possible!)! It is gentle enough for contact lens wearers as well.

Super Skin Concentrate for Night

This night time oil is a beautiful way to end your day! It is a bit more on the pricey side but it goes a long way. I apply a small amount onto my face just before I go to bed and my skin feels nourished from the moment I wake up. The gorgeous smell of lavender and chamomile essential oils helps me to enjoy a restful and relaxing sleep.

Thank you for reading.

God Bless,

Amber x

March Favourites | LIFESTYLE

Yet again, another month has been and gone! The days are finally getting longer and the weather is slowly but surely getting warmer. Now that March is over, April is here and summer gradually approaches, I could not be more excited to ditch the extra coat and leave the umbrella at home (hmm maybe not… I am still living in the UK of course!). March was another month of exploring new places and trying new products!

These are my March Favourites:

The White Company “Day” Perfume:

The White Company is full of the most beautiful candles and diffuser sets so I can never resist leaving without purchasing something. I cannot explain how incredible this perfume smells! It has a refreshing sweet scent and is light and subtle. It is perfect for work and brings a hint of spring to your wardrobe.

OPI Nail Polish - Elephantastic Pink:

This colour screams SPRING! It is an absolutely gorgeous shade of pink and is perfect for those wanting to add a bit more colour to their outfit. It stays on during the week without chipping and not to mention looks great. For those who aren’t afraid of a little colour, this is ideal!

Lancôme Bi-Facial Cleanser:

I am very new to the cleanser game. I know, I know, I should have been using one! I have to admit, this was a great investment. Looking after your skin, eyes and face is extremely important. I use this to remove my eye makeup at the end of the day. With a cotton pad, it gently removes any makeup including water proof mascara. This is also gentle enough for contact lens wearers. I would highly recommend.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Night Gel:

Along with looking after your skin, moisturising is very important as well. It is especially important for those with dry skin like me. I have begun using the new Garnier Moisture Bomb Night Gel after hearing and learning all about it at the Glamour Beauty Festival I attended last month. It feels great on and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky. The serum melts on your skin leaving you feeling refreshed.

Laura Mercier Lip Gloss - Pink Pop:

I have never been a lip gloss type of girl but how could I resist when it looks this gorgeous?! The colour is very pigmented and super vibrant. It is perfect for every day wear or if you are heading for a night out.

Benefit “They’re real!” Mascara:

This is an incredible mascara that lifts and adds volume to your lashes. My favourite part about it is the brush. It has a specially designed tip which lets you reach to the inner corner making your lashes stand out even more.

Jane the Virgin (TV Show):

I jumped at the chance to watch this show when I saw it had become available on Netflix and I quickly became obsessed! The story line draws you in and leaves you wanting more at the end of each episode. The show is based around a catholic girl, Jane, who has vowed to remain a virgin until marriage but then gets accidentally artificially inseminated and becomes pregnant. The story follows her and her family as well as her love life. Not only is the story romantic, there is also drama, murders and loads of funny moments.

Living in London and living on a budget can be very tough. I am sure that a lot of people can relate to this. I know that it will become harder to purchase new products each month so I thought I would start a segment where I mention some of my favourite FREE things to do, see and hear.

Song of the Month: DNCE – Cake by the Ocean

This is a super fun and funky tune that I cannot help but want to sing and dance along to!

Book of the Month: Khloe Kardashian – Strong Looks Better Naked

Strong Looks Better Naked is an incredible book that Khloe Kardashian has written. It is all about her journey and struggles with her weight and fitness. It is full of motivational stories and advice, as well as recipes and quotes to keep you wanting to work at your health and well-being.

Movie of the Month: How To Be Single

This movie starring Rebel Wilson and Dakota Johnson was absolutely hilarious! The story follows Alice and Robin on the pursuit of the single lifestyle. I laughed, cried and really loved the deeper meaning to this film. It is the perfect movie for a girl’s night in!

If you have any suggestions on what book I should read this month then please leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading.

Amber x

Skincare Routine for Clear Skin | BEAUTY

Clear and flawless skin is something everyone longs to have. The good news is there are ways to achieving this without having to pile on the foundation! I am very blessed to generally have pimple free skin. But that doesn’t mean it is perfect, in fact it’s far from it! My face can be very sensitive so this week I chose to venture out and try some new products. Here are my secrets to clear skin.

My secret is really simple! I try to use as little on my face as possible. I wash my face with water and a facecloth in the shower to get off as much makeup as I can. I will then use a face wipe and gently wipe my face for any excess makeup that the water may have missed. I choose a face wipe that acts as a cleanser as well and one that is gentle on the skin.

Cleanser:

I don’t use a cleanser often as I find that the water on my face makes a huge difference. If I do, I will use the Liz Earle Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. The hot cloth cleanser quickly removes make up and leaves my skin clean and incredibly soft. This really does make a difference and my skin feels much cleaner after use.

Eye Makeup Remover:

I tend to opt for something that is gentle on the eyes. I have recently begun using the Lancôme Bi-Facial Cleanser which is an eye makeup remover. It is great for all skin types, is perfect for sensitive eyes and for contact lens wearers. Can we also talk about how beautiful the blue formula is!!

I also like the Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover which is very cost effective and is great for the price. If you are on a budget and need a cheaper alternative to Lancôme I would highly recommend this!

Moisturiser:

I have very dry skin, especially in winter so moisturising properly is SUPER important.

I love and have always loved the Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream which is what I use as a base each day. It is light on the skin, quickly absorbed and keeps my face smooth and soft throughout the whole day.

After I have removed my makeup at night I use the Nivea Night Cream which is a much thicker moisturiser. This provides more intense moisture to my skin and after leaving it on overnight, I wake up to my face feeling much smoother and softer.

I learnt all about the new Garnier Moisture Bomb last week at the Glamour Beauty Festival. I know how important it is to keep you and your skin hydrated so I wanted to try this out. I have been using the Garnier Moisture Bomb Night Gel-Cream which is super light weight and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or oily after use.

Lips:

My lips are always in need of hydration so I will always carry around with me Vaseline or some form of lip balm. Vaseline locks in moisture keeping my lips looking and feeling healthy.

Hands:

We can’t talk about skin and not mention our hands! Dry hands are very common in winter and this can be hard to avoid so it is important to keep them moisturised. I have used Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Cream for years and I can’t get enough of it! It is affordable and does an amazing job at keeping my hands hydrated.

I will always have with me a small hand cream in my handbag. I LOVE the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Hand Cream as it is super hydrating and moisturising. It absorbs quickly and leaves my hands feeling incredibly soft.

I also love the Ted Baker Body Lotion and use this as hand cream because it smells incredible and this also leaves my hands nourished and smooth.

Tips:

·         Have makeup free days! These feel great and your skin will thank you for this.

·         Choose to use a powder instead of a cream foundation as it is a lot lighter on your skin.

·         Make sure to keep hydrated and drink lots of water as it helps with dry skin and keeps your face clear.

·         Eat well. This is super important as what you eat really does affect your body in all types of ways. Steer clear of fatty foods as much as you can as they can cause breakouts.

·         Wear sunscreen as the sun is incredibly damaging.

Every person is different so let me know below of what works best for your skin. Also let me know of other brands I should try.

Thank you for reading.

Amber x

Disclaimer: I realise every skin type is different so make sure to talk to the professionals, read the labels carefully and discontinue use if your skin becomes irritated.