● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●: Search results for beauty products

Way back in 2018, I posted my first Christmas Wishlist. This featured a selection of products from beauty to trainers to perfumes, and much more, and to be honest, nothing has really changed since then. This year, I still have some beauty gift sets, fragrances and trainers on my Wishlist and below are what I'm hoping to get for Christmas.

When it comes to perfumes and fragrances, I'm always after trying new scents and adding to my large collection. I like quite fruity, musky, fresh and sweet scents. Two perfumes on my Christmas list are Ariana Grande's Cloud and Paco Rabanne's Lady Million.

Ariana Grande Cloud - "Ariana Grande CLOUD opens with a dreamy top blend of alluring lavender blossom, forbidden juicy pear and mouth-watering bergamot. The heart features a whipped touch of crème de coconut, indulgent praline and exotic, vanilla orchid. Sensual musk and creamy woods fade out for a cashmere-like feeling that seduces the senses."

Lady Million - "Floral woody fresh - A trail of white flowers awakens the skin with fresh notes and exudes an intimate woody warmth. Honey and patchouli. Dangerously sexy. A trail of fresh white flowers, warmed with woods. Bursting: neroli and bitter orange collide with a ripple of raspberry. Intense: orange blossom absolute and sambac jasmine. Addictive: entwined, honey and sexy patchouli."

When it comes to footwear, trainers are definitely my thing. I love being comfortable in the shoes that I wear, and trainers are the perfect everyday shoe. This year in particular I've built up quite the collection of trainers and two pairs that I would love to receive as presents are the White Nike Air Force 1s and the Adidas Ozweego's pictured above.

Is it really Christmas if you don't receive a beauty gift set of some kind? Two of my ultimate favourite brands for Christmas sets are The Body Shop and Soap and Glory. Every year they offer some of the most gorgeous and affordable gift sets, it makes choosing some for Christmas extremely hard. This year it's been hard to pick a couple to save into my Wishlist, but somehow I've chosen a couple that would make great Christmas gifts.

The Body Shop Festive Berry Little Gift Box - This box includes a good selection of products including Festive Berry Shower Gel, Festive Berry Body Yogurt, Festive Berry Hand Cream, and the Festive Berry Body Scrub.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Collec-Tin Christmas Gift Set - The Sugar Crush scent is my ultimate favourite from Soap & Glory. I don't actually remember the last time I bought anything from this range. It's definitely been a while so I'm hoping to get this for Christmas. This set includes Body Buttercream, Bath Fizzer, Hand Cream, Miracle Moisture Mask, Under-Eye Brightening Hydrogel Patches, all encased in a beautiful decorative tin.

I like to put some more luxurious and expensive haircare products on my Christmas wish list as these can be a real treat. Two brands that I would love to try out are Kerastase and Moroccan Oil - both of which I've heard such great reviews about. Throughout 2020 I've really tried to take much better care of my hair, and make sure it stays healthy and strong, and sometimes you definitely need to splurge on some great products for great results.

What is on your Christmas Wishlist this year?

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Is radiant, glowing skin something you dream of without the need for expensive holidays, luxury skincare products or facials? If the answer is yes, you may just want to keep reading!

Getting bright, glowing skin is definitely achievable for everyone regardless of your skin type and skin concerns. Getting to know your skin type is the first and most important thing you can do for your skin, in order to achieve your 'glow-up'. Using the wrong products with the wrong ingredients could ultimately lead to making your skin worse, and we obviously don't want that happening now. With a few simple lifestyle changes, skincare tips and the right products suitable for you, you can start your journey to get radiant, glowing skin all year round.

1. Increase Water Intake

Staying hydrated is vitally important to keep your skin looking fresh & healthy from the inside out, as well as helping to maintain your skin's elasticity. Your body is made up of over 70% water, so ensuring you're drinking enough water everyday can help you combat a variety of skin issues, keep you focused, aid concentration and generally keep your mood boosted.

2. Include Exfoliation In Your Skincare Routine

Aside from removing dry and dead skin from the surface, including regular exfoliation in your daily skincare routine increases the skin's radiance, texture and appearance. Exfoliation helps to both smooth and nourish the skin, which leads to promoting a healthier, more glowy complexion.

3. Consider Dermaplaning

Something fairly new to me, but something that has become a regular part of my skincare routine is dermaplaning. I briefly mentioned dermaplaning in my lockdown beauty hacks post. To keep it brief, dermaplaning is an effective and safe exfoliation treatment that promotes a number of skincare benefits including more radiant and smoother skin, as well as deeper product penetration. The removal of dead skin and soft facial hair that traps dirt and oils is beneficial in promoting glowing skin, evening skin tone and boosting radiance in the complexion.

4 - Central Heating

"This might not be very well known, but central heating can play havoc on your skin! Naturally, when it's so cold outside we want to make sure we're warm & cosy inside. Central heating can dry the air inside your home causing further dehydration & increase the amount of free radicals in your home. Try reducing the heat a little or wear an extra layer if you need to reduce the core temperature without relying on the central heating. As an extra little tip try opening the windows for 30 minutes per day to reduce any harmful pollutants in the household environment - but turn the heating off first!" - comment from Jenna Unwin, Founder of Million Dollar Facial

5. Include Vitamin C Products

Choosing the right skincare products for you skin type is extremely important and is definitely something worth researching before making the purchase. If you're suffering with dry, dull and tired skin, your skin may need some added hydration and radiance, to help change the appearance and texture of your complexion. For me, the addition of skincare products infused with vitamin c have helped me to get glowing skin all year round, leaving my skin looking bright, revitalises and detoxified. Vitamin C is one of the strongest antioxidants out there and can really help protect your skin from environmental damage.

6. Cleansing Is Your Best Friend

Making sure to cleanse your skin both day and night is one of the easiest and most simple steps to add into your daily routine. Cleansing is a skincare must, to help remove makeup, dirt, oil and to gently exfoliate the skin. Products like hot cloth cleansers are a must have, and can help achieve your glowing skin goals instantly. The muslin cloth that comes with most cleansers helps to maintain heat efficiently when run under warm water. This then helping to deeply cleanse and open pores more effectively, resulting in a fresh and dirt free appearance to the skin. By cleansing properly, you will be left with a thoroughly clean base for you to apply your skincare products and treatments.

7. Make Time For Weekly Face Masks

A face mask once or twice a week can do magic to your skin, especially if you're picking the right type of mask for your current skin needs. Regular use of face masks in your skincare routine help to keep your skin surface clean and pores unclogged from dirt and oil build up. The benefits of using face masks are usually seen with instant results from the first use, left with softer-feeling and smoother-looking skin, and you’ll also notice a radiant glow and more refreshed appearance.

8. Make Diet and Lifestyle Changes

This is crucial for your overall skin & health if you want to look and feel your best. The foods you eat and what you drink all play apart in how you skin looks and feels, so it's important to have everything in moderation. Having a well balanced and nutritious diet is key for supplying your body with vitamins and minerals, which are needed to help boost that beauty glow.

9. Vitamin D

"This hero vitamin can only be made with moderate exposure to daylight & with our exposure to daylight being at an all time low this will lead to a decrease in mood, an acceleration in skin ageing & more pigmented skin. Daily supplements can help this." - comment from Jenna Unwin, Founder of Million Dollar Facial

What ways do you achieve glowing skin?

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AD| When it comes to skincare, it can be such a struggle to find products that are suitable for your skin type, suit your personal budget and actually work. My skincare routine is never always the same, as I need to change and swap out products that I'm using, depending on my skin needs at the time. I mentioned in my last blog post some of my current favourite skincare products that have been helping me to improve my skin through the summer, and as the weather is turning colder. But something I have been reading up on at the moment is CBD skincare, and the benefits this has when used within skincare. Many brands are starting to incorporate CBD into their skincare products, making it accessible to all, regardless of your budget.

CBD for skincare is something that has become more popular than ever and emerging as a miracle product in the skincare world. It's becoming increasingly common in the beauty industry, but what is CBD Oil? And how are you supposed to use it? CBD is short for cannabidiol - a natural compound found in cannabis plants- a product being marketed in skin care products for everything from acne to wrinkles, which would make it a great option for all skin types. Typically, CBD oil is used in a large variety of skincare products, including serums, creams, masks, and body and face oils, so there is definitely a product for whatever skin concerns you may have. In addition to its calming properties, the biggest and most prominent benefits of CBD include anti-ageing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

With having anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil itself may help to stop the overproduction of skin oil that causes oily, blemish prone acne skin, and to control the production of sebum in the skin layers. CBD can reduce inflammation of breakouts and, regulate oil production in the skin, and eventually reduce breakouts in general.

CBD is known to be a powerful antioxidant that can help with preventing signs on ageing and wrinkles, and it can also help protect the body from harmful free-radical damage. As well as this, CBD has also been tested and proven to work on any fine lines or dark spots that may occur in the skin, making it a great product for all age categories. Antioxidants help skin stay more radiant and youthful looking longer. It also has great moisturizing and hydrating properties that can help combat dehydrated and dry skin, making it a great addition to your skincare routines during the colder, winter months.

As well as in skincare products, CBD Oil is said to help also help those suffering with anxiety, sleeping disorders and pain control, making it a great product to add to your daily routine and a skincare favourite for a lot of people. CBD is also a great healer of specific skin conditions, including eczema and Psoriasis. Incorporating CBD into your skincare is a great idea, especially if you need some extra hydration, protection or relief from dry, itchy skin!

Have you used CBD Oil?

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When I've shared blog posts about skincare in the past, I've pretty much always mentioned products I've picked up from the drugstore. I've definitely found some amazing products which I've continued to repurchase time and time again, that come with a super affordable price tag. This allows me to chop and change the products I use depending on my current skin needs.

Now that I've developed a skincare routine that works for my skin, I've realised how important it is to include serums and the benefit they have to my skin. If you didn't know, facial serums have a really lightweight consistency that can penetrate deeper than moisturisers into your skin, allowing skin to retain a higher level of moisture. They also contain a high concentration of performance ingredients that really give your skin a boost, both day and night.

The Superdrug Vitamin E Moisture Boost Facial Serum has probably been my most repurchased skincare item this year, alongside the Superdrug Hot Cloth Cleanser from the same range. This serum is enriched with Vitamin E; a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect skin from ageing and environmental damage. For me, this serum has the perfect consistency, it absorbs very quickly into the skin and has a lightweight texture, leaving the skin feeling plumped and hydrated. Infused with natural fruit acids, this allows the product to help boost the moisture levels in the skin, and makes the serum suitable to be used both day and night. As well as containing Betaine; which is a great skincare ingredient that helps to smooth and soften the appearance and texture of the skin.

Next up, new for 2018 is a skincare range from beauty brand Revolution. I've been using the Revolution Skincare Plumping and Hydrating Serum for just over two months now since the weather has been much colder and my skin has got much drier in areas, and it's definitely been a product my skin has loved. This serum is packed with Hyaluronic Acid, a skincare ingredient that attracts moisture to the skins surface and is the ultimate ingredient for dry and dehydrated skin. This lightweight, oil-free serum sinks in quickly and has a cooling effect on the skin. You can really feel it working! This product has been my winter weather skin saviour, adding much needed hydration into my skin, that leaves it looking plump and feeling silky soft.

Thirdly, the B.Confident Phase 1 Night Serum has become a staple skincare item for my evening routine. Advertised as the 'ultimate beauty sleep', this Night Serum has really helped to keep my skin nourished and hydrated, especially in the recent cold weather. With 12 hour moisturisation, this lightweight serum helps to leave you with a softer, plumper and more replenished complexion, in the morning you wake up with the most glowy and radiant skin. Products in the Phase 1 range are suitable to use in your late 20s to help protect against the first signs of ageing and help to keep/enhance the skins youthful appearance.

I've previously featured the Superdrug Vitamin C range on my blog before, but the Superdrug Vitamin C Detox Invigorating Skin Booster Serum is something new that I've tried out, and I am completely obsessed! A serum packed with Vitamin C; a powerful antioxidant and the perfect ingredient to help protect the skin and boost radiance. Enriched with Kakadu Plum; the highest known ‭concentration of Vitamin C of any food on the planet, and Goji Berry; a superfruit known to induce calm, ‭wellbeing and energy. The orangey scent of this skin booster is incredible. Super fresh, fruity and zesty! This serum has really boosted my skins appearance, helping to seriously brighten and revitalise my skin, giving me that healthy, radiant glow!

These drugstore serums have really affordable prices, and they all RRP for under £10!

What are your current favourite drugstore serums? Have you tried any of the products featured in today's post?

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I've decided to write about something slightly different from my usual fashion or beauty related posts, and share with you some of my hair care tips. Looking after your hair doesn't have to be a time consuming, expensive and a laborious task, as simple tips and tricks can help minimise weak, damaged hair from everyday wear and tear.

As I am someone with long, thick hair, it can be difficult to maintain and keep looking its best, but using some of the following tips helps to keep my locks in the best condition. I've also included a few of my own personal recommendations of products that I have tried or using at the moment, that I really love and think help to keep my own hair looking strong and healthy.

1. Protect Hair Against Heat

Protecting your hair from the likes of blow drying and straightening are a must for healthy hair. Without any form of defence, the hair is subject to breakage and splitting, a definite no no! Heat Sprays are essential to keep hair away from damage and burning, and are a must for anyone using any for of heat styling!

I'd Recommend: TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray

2. Use A Good Shampoo and Conditioner Suitable For Your Hair Type

Using a good shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair is a general must! This tip allows you to focus on your hair and make sure you're buying the right products. Most brands offer a selection of products that cater for all hair types, for example dry, damaged, coloured, long, frizzy etc.

I'd Recommend: Aussie

3. Don't Let Split Ends Spoil Your Hair

Split ends occur from everyday wear and tear, and can have your hair not looking its best. With visits to the hair dressers being pricey, using a split ends treatment can keep them minimised and disguised for that little bit longer. These treatments contain proteins that help to repair and rebuild the hair, helping to maintain luscious locks!

I'd Recommend: Bondi Boost Rapid Repair Serum

4. Don't Tie Hair Up Too Tightly

This tip may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you, but tying hair up too tightly encourages damage and breakage to existing hair, as well as growing hair. This also can lead to weak and damaged hair that no one wants!

I'd recommend: Metal Free Hairbands

5. Have A Good Hairbrush

Having a good hairbrush is an essential part of maintaining beautiful healthy hair. When picking a hair brush, go for one that good at tackling everyday tangles, as tugging on hair causes breakage and damage. Also, brushing from the ends helps keep hair healthy and damage free, as this helps to ease out an tangles.

6. Pamper Your Hair With A Weekly Hair Mask/Treatment

Using a weekly hair mask or treatment helps to give your hair a boost from everyday wear and tear. Most of these contain various proteins that help to repair and reconstruct hair, leaving it looking healthy and shiny, and feeling soft and smooth.

I'd Recommend: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor

7. Let Your Hair Dry Naturally When You Can

Letting your hair dry naturally helps maintain and protect your hair, as you are using no heat. After a shower or bath, give your hair a quick pat and squeezing the hair gently between the towel. Avoid rubbing and pulling, as this causes damage and breakage. If you need to use a blow dryer, try letting hair dry naturally for as long as possible, and try to limit the temperature and time spent drying.

8. Get Hair Trimmed Regularly

Whilst you can minimise the sight of split ends, getting your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks is an essential stage in maintaining healthy hair. You can do this yourself, just getting some sharp scissors and trimming slightly above your split ends, saving yourself a trip to the hairdressers, as well as some money!

9. Washing With Warm/Cool Water

The use of warm water naturally open the pores of your scalp, which is great for removing the oil and any dirt. The use of cool water helps to add shine and to seal in the hairs moisture. Avoid using Hot/Cold water as these can be damaging to your hair. Hot water strips your hair of its natural oils and also cause hair to become frizzy, meanwhile cold water can leave your hair looking quite flat. Whilst cleansing and washing your hair use warm water, not hot. You don’t want to burn your skin and your scalp. When you’re ready to rinse out the conditioner, use cool water for a final rinse.

10. Maintain A Healthy Diet for Healthy Hair

Having a healthy diet will ensure and help to prolong better-looking, better-feeling hair. A diet packed with protein, vitamin C, iron, zinc and omega 3, are all helpful in keeping hair damage free and healthy!

Which hair products do you currently use? Are there any hair care products you'd recommend?

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AD - GIFTED | When it comes to bath bombs, you've probably been purchasing from the likes of LUSH and Bombs Away Cosmetics... But have you heard of Suezbana?? If the answer is no, keep reading!

Suezbana is a brand of Total Beauty Ltd, specialising in crafting natural handmade beauty products from scratch. A brand with A LOT to offer; from body lotions, showers gels, shaving soaps, creams, body butters, hair products, mineral makeup, aluminium free deodorant and home fragrances, there is so much variety, you'll be spoilt for choice.

I was kindly gifted the Suezbana Bath Bomb Gift Sets Series 2*. There are 6 Large Bath Bombs included, packed with added Essential Oils and Coconut milk. As soon as I opened the box I was blown away by the mixture of scents and the bold, beautiful colours. With a wide range of unique scents from floral to fruity, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Included in the Suezbana Bath Bomb Gift Sets Series 2 are the following bath bombs;

Violet - a fresh and floral Lavender based bath bomb with a deep, rich purple colour. The perfect, dreamy scent for relaxation and pampering, followed by a good night's sleep. 10/10 from me!

Ella - bursting with fluorescent pink and green colours, this scented bath bomb has subtle hints of florals and Watermelon, a perfect summer bath bomb scent. Personally for me, this bath bomb could do with a stronger Watermelon scent that would make it even better.

Ava - If you're a lover of Raspberries, this one is for you! Packed with a super sweet punch, this bath bomb has it all; sweetness, sourness, freshness and fruitiness, it's one not to be missed.

Gracie - a bath bomb bursting with aromas of juicy fresh Peaches and exotic Papaya - it'll have you dreaming of sun, sea and sand as you are whisked way to a tropical paradise.

Lily - for me, this bath bomb didn't really have a distinct scent that I could pick out, but described on the box as Tantalising Pinacola, it would have creamy and coconut-esque aromas.

Lexi - a bath bomb with such a bright, bold and vibrant blue colour, it'll definitely turn your bath into a beautiful ocean! Packed with subtle hints of Blueberry and some fizzy sherbet; this bath bomb is like sweet heaven.

Have you heard of Suezbana before? What are your favourite scents for bath bombs?

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With my previous blog post being my Stocking Fillers Gift Guide for Men, I thought today I would do something similar, but share my own Christmas Wishlist. This is the first Christmas Wishlist that I have put on my blog and this year I actually have some kind of idea of gifts that I would definitely love to find wrapped up on Christmas morning. My wishlist features such a variety of gifts from beauty to homeware and fashion, so if you're still on the lookout for gifts to add to your Christmas list, grab yourself a coffee and have a look at what is on my wishlist for 2018!

Way back in January, I shared with you one of my current favourite perfumes; YSL Black Opium, and I'm still loving it now! It's been my go-to perfume for the year and lately I've been using it sparingly as it's nearly empty and I don't want it to run out. Every single time I've worn it, I received handfuls of compliments and people asking what fragrance I'm wearing. It's such a gorgeous and luxurious scent, so deep, musky and sexy. Definitely one of the best perfumes I've ever tried!

If there is one thing that I love about Christmas, it's the strong smell of Christmas trees. I'm lucky in that every year we go and get a real Christmas tree from a local garden centre to put up in our living room. The fresh, pine scent fills the whole house and makes everything feel so much more festive! Whilst browsing The Body Shops website, I noticed they have a special Enchanted Forest Reed Diffuser and it just sounds incredible. It’s the perfect fresh, frosty pine scent to set the mood for the Christmas holiday season, and keep you in the Christmas spirit all year round.

Since I began blogging, Soap & Glory have become one of my favourite beauty brands. They offer such a variety of products from makeup to skincare to bath and body care. There's always so much to choose from. Included in their beauty gift set selection this year is the The Mask Force Five Gift Set. From brightening masks to under eyes to pore refining to purifying and plumping, there's definitely something for everyone and every skin concern. It's every skincare lovers dream gift and a pamper night must have!

When it comes to footwear, I'm 100% a trainers girl. They are just so comfortable and practical for day to day wear. Nike have always been my choice of brand when it comes to picking new trainers. I find their shoes to be long lasting, well fitting and super comfortable. Recently, I've been eyeing up the Nike M2K Tekno Trainers, especially in the Rose and White colourways. I'm usually always wearing black so I want to inject some colour into my outfits, and new footwear is a great way to accessorise and style your outfit up.

In my Autumn beauty wishlist, I featured the new NARS Climax Mascara. It's been something I've wanted to try since I've seen so many great reviews. I've not really tried any high-end, more luxurious makeup brands before, as I'm always shopping in the drugstore. Retailing at £21, it's definitely has a much higher price point than my trusty Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara, which is a lot more affordable at just £7.99.

Would any Christmas wishlist be finished without some sort of bath and body set?! One of my favourites this year is definitely the Baylis & Harding Rose Prosecco Fizz Gift Set. I've used products from this collection before, and the scent is incredible! The fun and festive Christmas tree design set contains 100ml Bauble Shower Crème, 100ml Bauble Bath Crème, 100ml Bauble Bath Milk and 2 x gold foil wrapped Bath Fizzers. The gift set is fragranced with such a lovely sweet scent of Rose Prosecco Fizz, it's perfect for your next pamper night!

I've wanted a Faux Fur Throw Blanket for so long now, but I just can't seem to find one that I love. All I know it that I either want a nice dark brown or grey coloured throw, that will definitely make my room feel super warm and cosy.

Does it make me sound old if I've got an electric toothbrush on my Christmas wishlist? I'm getting really bored of using an old-fashioned manual toothbrush, and would love to ditch them for an electric version. I'm completely fascinated by the new Oral B Genius 9000 Rose Gold Electric Toothbrush. Featuring 6 built-in modes: Pro Clean, Daily Clean, Sensitive, Tongue Cleaning, Whitening, and Gum Care. This is just completely mind-blowing and amazing technology.

I've seen a lot of these Super Cosy Fleece Bedding Sets recently, and it's made me super jealous that I don't currently own one. I know that if I did have one, it would be so hard for me to get out of bed every morning. Super-soft and ultra-cosy, the fleece bedding set is perfect for the cold winter!

I absolutely love receiving new perfumes and fragrances as gifts. There are so many amazing scents out there, that there will always be something new to try. In terms of celebrity fragrances, I've previously tried out scents from both Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, and I've had my eyes set on something by Ariana Grande. A cracking gift for Christmas is the Ariana Grande Mini EDP Gift Trio. A collection of Ariana’s signature mini fragrances is the perfect gift as it would let you try out a few of the scents in mini, travel sized form, before buying a larger size perfume. Featuring 7.5ml bottles of her ARI, Moonlight and Sweet Like Candy scents, in a cute and playful cracker package. It's the perfect gift this Christmas.

What is on your Christmas Wishlist this year?

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If you're an avid Primark shopper, you may have noticed their recent beauty range that hit the shelves earlier this year, featuring celebrity hair stylist Andrew Fitzsimons. This collaboration has created an affordable haircare range that delivers amazing results for your hair. The collection includes everything from the shampoos and conditioners to styling sprays and accessories, there's so much choice, you'll want absolutely everything!

Primark X Andrew Fitzsimons AF Luxe Hair Oil

I knew that I definitely wanted to try lots of products from the AF range, but the one haircare piece that really stood out to me was the Luxe Hair Oil. I absolutely love hair oils and I don't know what I would do without them, so I really wanted to give this one a go and see how well it works for my hair.

“Everyone deserves amazing hair without having to pay celebrity prices” - Andrew Fitzsimons

From the first use, I knew I was really going to love this product, and would definitely repurchase again when needed. The oil itself feels thick and luxurious, just be sure to go carefully, as a little goes a long way. I have medium length hair, and found just one pump is enough to coat my mid-lengths and ends, without leaving any greasy residue or weighing your hair down like some other oils can.

I've used this oil both on damp and dry hair. It's perfect for using once you've just washed your hair, simply massage a pump of oil through your fingertips and apply to the ends. Or similarly, using on dry hair just to add some life back into hair that may look dull and in need of some TLC. The luxe hair oil makes your hair so much more manageable, banishing frizz, eliminating any tangles, as well as adding shine, leaving your hair super soft and silky.

Retailing at just £3.50, this hair oil was a complete steal! I would highly recommend this hair oil as it has really done wonders with my hair. My hair feels so much softer, smoother and hydrated - even my ends look healthy! I will definitely be trying some more from the Andrew Fitzsimons range at Primark when I get the chance. There's a hair mask that's available that's calling my name!

Have you tried any of the AF haircare range? What are your favourite Primark beauty products?

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AD| Blogging and influencer marketing has become extremely popular over the last few years, and has become increasingly prevalent during the recent coronavirus pandemic. Having your own blog and space on the internet, whether that's as a hobby, part-time or full time job can be extremely rewarding in a number of ways. In terms of my own success, whilst I have been furloughed, I've used this time to really put some more time and effort into my site, and have recently began to make a small income from a variety of opportunities via brands/websites/PR's.

But for some people who are newer to blogging or brand work, it can be a little confusing and daunting as to how exactly brands and bloggers can work together through collaborations and sponsorships. As a lifestyle blogger, I don't particularly focus on one topic on my blog, I simply prefer to write content about a variety of subjects of which I'm interested and passionate about. I know from my experience as a lifestyle blogger, I've had some extremely successful opportunities recently revolving around a number of topics, and have been able to form relationships with brands who I have been able to work alongside on multiple occasions.

GIFTED ITEMS AND PRODUCT REVIEWS

One of the most common ways brands and blogger work together is via sending products out in exchange for a review. This could be for new launches, new collections or just to gain some exposure of the brands/products involved. Bloggers will be able to test the products gifted to them and follow this up by writing an honest, in-depth review. These reviews are usually accompanied by photography, URL links back to the brand’s website and honest opinions for their audience to view/read about.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Something that I have begun finding out more about is sponsored posts and content via brands. Many brands/PR's reach out to lifestyle bloggers for a number of collaborations or sponsored opportunities. This type of work usually consists of paying a blogger to host a pre-written sponsored blog post or asking them to write an article featuring their brand/products.

Get Blogged is a brilliant blogger outreach website with various blogging assignments that connects a variety of brands with bloggers across a range of niches, including beauty, lifestyle and business to name a few. Depending on your blogs Domain Authority, it's also a great solution for bloggers wanting to begin monetising their blogs, and for brands wanting to outsource their outreach in a cost effective way. The Get Blogged Marketplace can help brands achieve their goals faster by placing assignment opportunities, and asking bloggers to submit idea proposals based on the brief provided. I've had a really positive experience via Marketplace, and have managed to get a variety of collaborations through this.

LINK INSERTIONS

Another way brands can work with lifestyle bloggers is through link insertions for new or pre-existing content on your blogs. This sponsorship style usually involves the brand or blogger pitching or suggesting a pre-existing post/new relevant content ideas on your blog that is related to subject of collaboration, to make sure that would be a good fit.

FIVE LIFESTYLE BLOGGERS WORTH FOLLOWING

Kayleigh Zara - A blogger I have recently found over the last few months during the current lockdown. Some of my favourite posts from her blog include blogging tips and income reports, as well as her e-books that she has to offer.

Olivia Jade @ Dungarees and Donuts - Olivia's blog is one I have followed pretty much since I began blogging. Always featuring relevant and engaging content on a variety of subjects, making it a great all-round lifestyle blog to follow.

Hayley @ HaySparkle - Another blogger who I have been following for a while now and whose content is incredible. Hayley has a gorgeous food and lifestyle blog that needs to be on your reading list ASAP.

Life of Luce - A newer blog that I've recently been loving. A blog heavily focusing on beauty, fashion and lifestyle topics. I really love the fashion outfit posts and styling tips.

Reinventing Neesha - Another blog that I managed to come across during the current global pandemic. This blog is great for those who are looking for advice on blogging, money-saving and money making.

What are your favourite lifestyle blogs? How have you been working with brands recently?

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Kicking things off this month in the beauty front, a haircare favourite of mine has been the OGX Kukui Oil Shampoo/Conditioner. This haircare duo is formulated to help hydrate and defrizz your hair, something I definitely need after my locks have taken a battering from this harsh, winter weather. I've noticed when I use this shampoo and conditioner, my hair definitely feels smoother and silkier, and just looks a lot shinier and healthy looking. Also I adore the scent of these, its what I'd think a tropical island would smell like, so sweet and fresh! I would highly recommend the Kukui range, as well as the other varieties OGX has to offer, as they work wonders for my hair and are super affordable!

Another beauty favourite this month has been The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Shower Gel, a product I have used in pretty much every bath/shower this month, and I'm so upset that is has finally run out. The scent of this is to die for, to me it's very manly, like an aftershave sort of smell, that I actually find really deep and sexy. The shower gel lathers up really well and leaves a slight scent on your skin once your out the shower, nothing to overpowering, just a slight linger. I really like The Body Shop shower gels as a whole, as I find the scents to be really lovely and fresh, affordable and they leave my skin feeling nourished and hydrated, without being too drying.

I love face masks. They are my favourite part of my skincare routine and I love trying and testing new ones, to see which ones work best for my skin type. Recently I had the opportunity to try out the AA Skincare Frankincense and Rose Deep Cleansing Face Mask. This specific mask features essential oils, these help to really nourish the skin and leave it feeling moisturised, leaving my skin feeling plump and bright, something it definitely needs with this cold weather, I want to look glowing and hydrated.

A new addition to my monthly favourites, but my favourite blogger of the month has definitely got to be Em from EmTalks. She is just all kinds of goals! I've really been enjoying reading her fitness and health posts, as these have really helped to motivate me and help me with my fitness routine and starting to adapt my lifestyle to lead a more fit and healthy life. As well as that, I love reading her blog on a daily basis as there is always something on there to read and catch up with, from food posts, beauty posts, travel and fashion, Em definitely has a blog that you should be following!

As a goal of mine in regards to my health and fitness, I've ditched the fizzy drinks and have been upping my water intake, as I felt I really lacked in this and it was definitely something I wanted to improve this year. As well as just drinking water, green tea is something that I've really been enjoying and the Twinings Pineapple and Grapefruit Green Tea is just perfect! I love that the flavour isn't so overpowering and you get the right amount of juicy pineapple and sharp grapefruit, that combine to make a really lovely tea, I am quite obsessed really and already have finished one box in the space of a week.

Something more fashion related here, I've been loving H&M Lace Bras. Lingerie is something that I write about much, as it is seen as quite a taboo subject, but we all wear it so why not share the love about lingerie you have been loving. The two bras that I featured in the image above are the two that I have purchased recently and I just love them. H&M bras are just so affordable and I find them to fit really well and flatter my body shape, plus they are super pretty and super comfortable!

Last but no means least, I have recently dug out a couple of lip products from my stash, and I have fallen back in love 100%. Enter the ELF Matte Lip Colours in Tea Rose and Praline. I've been loving nude lip shades this month, and these have been my go-to lips colours, Tea Rose is more of a pink toned nude, and Praline is more of a brown tone, both shades that I find really wearable and suited to my skin tone.

What have been your favourites this month?

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AD - GIFTED | With the start of 2020 in full swing, I wanted to write about some of my favourite skincare products I have been using religiously over the last few months. With the incredibly cold weather that we have been having, my skin has needed extra hydration and moisturising, and the products I have been using have really kept my skin nourished and looking healthy.

Keep your skin beautifully soft, smooth, plump, and hydrated with Lavera Soft Moisturising Cream*. A soft and luxurious cream from the basis sensitive range, perfect for the face, body and hands - this cream has been my go to moisturiser for the colder weather, where my skin has needed extra hydration. Enriched with Jojoba and Aloe Vera with added Vitamin E to protect, care and provide long lasting moisture for your skin.

A new addition to my Winter skincare routine has been the Simple x Little Mix Hydrating Booster. This has been such a great product to use before my moisturiser, as I am able to target the drier areas of my skin, helping me get that skin glow and leaving it looking and feeling healthy. The Simple Hydrating Booster facial moisturiser has been designed to reverse 5 signs of dehydration: dryness, roughness, feelings of tightness, dullness and dehydration lines.

The Superdrug Vitamin C Energising Facial Spritz has been my life-saving product during the colder months - keeping my skin glowing, radiant and refreshed. I've previously used the Superdrug Vitamin C range and absolutely loved it, and this facial spritz is no exception. I've used this both morning and night-time as the perfect energising and revitalising wake up call for my skin!

I previously reviewed the Beauti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir* back in December 2018, and it's been something I've used ever since! This facial oil is the perfect skincare product you need to give a radiance boost to your complexion and give your skin that healthy glow all year round. This luxurious face oil is 100% natural and enriched with fourteen precious plant oils. I use this oil twice a week as part of my night-time skincare routine, and in the morning, my skin is plump, hydrated and nourished.

It may not be skincare as such, but lip balm is a Winter essential for sure! I've tried plenty of lip balms and never found one that really works until I picked up the Nivea Soft Lips Lip Balms. They are so moisturising and hydrating, you can say goodbye to dry, chapped lips forever!

Finally, everybody's favourite - E45 Moisturising Lotion. I suffer with extremely dry skin on both my legs and arms, so I would be completely lost without this stuff! This is a super light, and easily absorbed lotion that you can use all over the body, and keeps your skin hydrated all day long.

What are your Winter skin favourites?

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