Positivity

The recent tragedies that have befallen both our small community of bloggers and the larger worldwide community alike has really put into perspective for me the importance of being positive. It's so easy to get up every morning and moan about being at work or having to do something you don't really want to do, but imagine the pain of those who will never hear those qualms from their loved ones ever again. Imagine having that pleasure of being grumpy just because snatched from you in a moment of senseless terror. I can't imagine how they must feel and the recent events in the world (I refuse to give the group responsible or their heinous actions more of my words than absolutely necessary) have shaken me to the core. 

So this is a plea, in dedication to all those heartlessly, senselessly, brutally murdered in Tunisia and to everyone suffering elsewhere unnecessarily be it because of illness, loss or any other reason. Be more positive. Perform random acts of kindness for a stranger. Send your best friend that check up text, call your mum, tell your friends and family you love them. Go out of your way to make someone day. Join me in a strive to banish negativity from this world by not feeding it with fear, discrimination and speculation but by squashing it with love, hope and kindness. Don't let them win, don't live your life in fear, don't dishonour those lost and those suffering with the memory of loss by succumbing to the terror of terrorism. 

Be grateful. I am trying to be more grateful for both the big and the small things. Instead of worrying about what to wear or saving my money, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have those plans, to have a choice of clothing. I'm grateful for the luxury of fresh sheets and shaved legs, the smell of cut grass and barbecues, the ache in my feet after a long day of work. I think it really is time we took stock of our lives and voiced our gratitude for the small things. 

What are you grateful for? What kind things have you done recently? Spread the love gorgeous people. Because there is no higher power, nothing that triumphs evil more than simple love. 

Healing

Bit of a different post today. I say that, it's not really but just thought I'd warn you. These waffly, heartfelt posts are my favourite to write but aren't that well received in the blog. As much as I enjoy writing reviews and taking photos, sometimes I just want to write for me, you know? So I apologise if you're totally sick of my emotional outbreaks but today I'm feeling waffly. Brace yourself. 

Like anything in life, healing after an emotional event takes time and if I had a pound for every person that told me that I'd be a very rich lady. If you've got a headache or a banging hangover the only thing you can do is wait for it to pass. Yeah, you can dose yourself up and feel sorry for yourself to pass the timep but the only thing that will genuinely cure you is patience. The cliche "time is a great healer" is a saying I hate. As the most impatient person in the world I want things to happen like, yesterday. And that is such a frustrating attitude when you're waiting to heal. Because you get angry with yourself for not getting there fast enough and you do all the wrong things to speed the process up. I feel like I'm coming to a point where the healing in my life is taking effect. It's such a bloody lovely feeling. I feel strong and capable and in control again. I still have bad days, of course I do. Things had gone far beyond just "the breakup" and I had allowed all my insecurities and doubts to manifest into a big ugly anxious and depressive cloud that hovered over me constantly. Occasionally that cloud still comes over and ruins my days but I feel secure in the knowledge that it will pass. With time. And I'm becoming totally okay with learning to wait because I'm discovering so much about myself. Im so capable of this. I could've punched people who told me "it will be okay again one day" and I can't count the amount of times I just screamed obscenities in my head at those well meaning people. It's true though. I will be okay again one day. And right now I'm feeling closer to one day than ever. 

I feel inspired. There's so many women in my life who're kicking ass on the regular. Not even life changing, earth shattering ass. Just your everyday, turn up and own it kind of ladies who inspire me and show me there are so many ways to be okay. 

Current favourites

I love these sort of posts as I get to see what it is that other people are really rating at the minute. 

 

My current favourites are a mix of old and new. The Bobbi Brown foundation stick is an old favourite that has resurfaced. With medium coverage and a super blend able texture I love to use this on my no makeup- makeup days just to add an extra flawless look to my skin. 

My Dr.PawPaw beauty balm hasn't left my pocket since it arrived on my doorstep! Read my review here. 

The Chanel Rouge Coco Balm is an old favourite in a new shade. I'm a long time lover of 'boy' and when I saw this gorgeous, slightly pinker more summery offering of 'Intime' I couldn't resist. It's just so pretty to wear and feels so luxurious. Who doesn't love whacking out a Chanel product like its nothing? 

My most recent love is this bourjois Aqua blush. I haven't had a lot of time to play around properly with it yet but, used sparingly with a duo fiber brush it gives the most natural flush of colour and I'm dying to go back and get the nude shade!! 

So these are my current loves. Have you tried any? What are yours? 

Dr.PawPaw beauty balm

*Dr. PawPaw kindly sent me this sample to review, this hasn't affected my opinion of the product or my review :) * 

My name is Abigail and I am a lip bam addict. phew it feels good to get that off my chest. At any one time there will be at least 3 lip balms on my person and I'm obsessed with not having dry lips! Don't tell me I'm alone here?! 

When Dr. PawPaw sent me this magical balm I was overjoyed. I've heard a lot of good stuff about this brand and I've wanted to try it for a while. Not only is it great for lips, it's amazing for dry skin, cuticles and anything else you can think of. It contains Aloe Vera, Olive Oil and fermented Papaya and has such a lovely consistency, but surprisingly no overpowering smell or taste!

As a girl who's tried a lot of lip balms I can verify that this formula is a dream. It's long lasting, glides on smoothly but it isn't glossy or sticky at all, so it'd be great for men who don't like that look too. The benefits of it last for ages unlike some balms that stop working once they've sunk in! My lips feel smooth, soft and hydrated. Honestly, it's true love. 

You can get Dr. PawPaw from Selfridges, urban outfitters and asos. I'm dying to try the other shades so I will definitely be making an order soon! Have you tried Dr. PawPaw? Will you?! 

The best waterproof mascara, ever?

I think mascara is the one makeup product I could not be without. Even when my skin is playing up and my eye bags deserve their own post code, if I've got mascara on I feel a little more alive. Bourjois 1 second volum mascara is my favourite, every time. Effortless length, volume and true blackness at a really decent price and it doesn't take forever to build up to my desired look. This stuff can layer and later and never spider leg and you can even reapply later in the day and it still improves the volume and curl. I love it, I think I'm on my third tube of the normal stuff! 

With my tough mudder fast approaching and training well underway, my thoughts naturally turned to the important factors of the day. What was I going to wear, how was I going to do my hair and my face...what was going to happen there?! I decided on all black (slimming, not see through) a simple Danish plait (looks good when wet) and this mascara. 

I can't even tell you how impressed I am! My lashes stayed black, lengthy and full looking for the 4 hours of slogging through the rain, jumping through muddy creeks and crawling around in the mud. Not one smear, smudge or flake to be found. If you're looking for a waterproof mascara, look no further. I'm going so far as to say it's the holy grail. YES I DID. I went there. This will forever be my number 1 mascara, go check it out and I'll promise you you'll be a convert in no time! 

Side note: this is officially the hardest product to photograph, EVER. 

The new skincare step: facial sprays!

It might just be me, but facial sprays have started popping up in almost every skincare brand at the minute, all promising different results with just a spritz. I've totally bought into the refreshing, almost gimmicky products that are so damn easy to use- here are my favourites. 

Serozinc - probably the most well known and most popular, this is a French pharmacy brand that I cannot get enough of. Championed by Caroline Hirons and aimed at those of us with oily skin, this beauty is cooling to apply and sinks in quickly. I've definitely noticed a reduction of oil, especially in my t-zone and I've made sure I take full advantage of any offers I see- I wouldn't want to run out of this! 

Urban Decay Vitamin B6- this soothing spray is packed with amazing ingredients to calm your skin and aid cell turnover. I've noticed a dramatic change in the texture of my skin after using this for a few weeks and I will definitely be repurchasing when it eventually runs out! 

The body shop vitamin C spray is a new addition to my collection but I already know it's love. It smells so citrusy and delicious and instantly gives my skin a refreshing pick me up. 

Pixi glow spray is the baby sister of my favourite pixi glow tonic. I usually spritz this on just before my primer and it leaves me with a lovely base for my makeup. It smells divine too! 

I love sprays because they are refreshing to use and negate the need for annoying cotton pads and a full waste basket. They're travel friendly and actually so effective! I like to use them right after cleansing and before my eye cream/serum, both morning and night. 

What do you think of the latest skincare trend? Have you tried any great sprays I need to add to my collection? 

Recent body shop haul!

I've really been loving the Body Shop recently. It seems that not only are they the place for the sweetest smelling body butters and shower gels they're also on point with their skincare at the moment. 

My love affair started last year with their camomile cleansing balm. There is no competition for this and a flannel at removing makeup. I use it as a first cleanse in the evening to get all my makeup off and then follow up with Lush's ultrabland. It's a winning combo. 

Since then they've really been on it with their new releases. Skincare and the classics alike, they've churned them out and they've all been such winners judging by the reviews in the blogging world! 

I finally decided it was time to get involved and last week I scurried down to my local to see what I could get my hands on. 

2 gorgeous smelling shower gels, the much raved about vitamin e serum in oil, and the vitamin c face spray. 

The shower gels smell a-mazing and they're so nice to use they're a bit more expensive than my normal choices but it makes them a bit more luxurious! It's all about the unusual scents and I chose moringa and mojito which are really brightening up my mornings!

I've written about my love for the vitamin C spray in my facial sprays post, it's a beauty and definitely becoming a staple in my skincare routine! Such an simple step to add a real glow to my skin it's a no brainier really. 

The vitamin E serum in oil is so lovely, I use it at night and my skin is so smooth by the morning! Like honestly, baby bum smooth. It's one of Caroline Hirons' recommendations and, once again the queen does good! I really think it's improving the look of my scars and I'm so happy I picked it up. It's definitely a new favourite and a lot cheaper than my usual oil obsessions! Kiehl's and Clarins I'm looking at you...

Have you picked up anything from the body shop recently? What do you think of my picks? 

Spending challenge for June!

I have a serious spending problem, and I'm fairly sure I'm not alone. When speaking to my favourite group of bloggers we all realised that we could definitely be making more effort to use up products and stop making unnecessary purchases. In an attempt to make us more thoughtful about the money we spend on wanted products as opposed to needed we've set ourselves a challenge. Feeling up to joining in? There aren't many rules, a spending ban is pretty self explanatory! But two simple points to remember; 

1. Necessary items ONLY. These should only be things you've run out of or need for an event. However...

2. If you've run out of something and you have similar products half used in your draw (...it can't be just me that is guilty of this?!) then you should use those up first!

Let me know if you're thinking of taking part!