Matalan SS15 Press Day

This post is long over due but I thought I'd still share my experience with you. I was kindly invited to the press day for Matalan's Spring/Summer collection, which as you can imagine I was really excited about.

The collection explored a variety of trends from tribal prints to pastels. 

I was particularly impressed with the home-wears as they looked like they could be from Next or somewhere way more expensive!

I began chatting to one of the organisers of the event about the collection and she said that the whole range couldn't really be categorised as reminiscent of any other high-street retailers- and I totally agree with this. 

 The collection had elements, such as the tribal wear which were quite similar to River Island but also contained coats which wouldn't look out of place in a Zara store.

On the whole I was really impressed that a brand that if often quite overlooked could bring out such a diverse and interesting collection, with pieces which wouldn't look out of place in some of the post prominent high street retailers.

Ellie x

I'm back.. Again

Hello everyone,

I'm sorry to say it's been weeks since I last posted and I'm very sorry about that. I have just been feeling really uninspired recently so I thought that taking a break would be best. Well I'm now back and I have some exciting posts to share with you guys so stay tuned for more! 

Ellie x

How To Keep Organised And Manage Your Time

Hi Everyone,

Keeping organised and managing time are two really important skills to have and are something I really struggle with. Recently though I have really been trying to make a conscious effort and be more organised - partly due the the approaching new year and the whole 'New year new me' cliche. There is nothing worse than that sinking feeling you get when you don't know where you're meant to be or what time you're meant to be there. Because of this I thought I'd assemble some tips and tricks I've learnt to make your life an awful lot easier.

1. Buy a diary:

Get your hands on a handbag size diary which you can carry with you everywhere. It means that if you get to work and they ask you to work a shift in two weeks or if you're deciding to meet friends it means you can always be prepared and forward plan.

2. Tidy 'your space':

Whatever your space might be, office, bedroom whatever I find keeping my space tidy really makes a difference to how proactive I am. I also find having a tidy, de-cluttered room means I sleep better? Just me?

3. Make Lists:

I am constantly writing to-do lists. Writing lists means that your day has direction but also that you are less likely to forget to do important things. It also gives you a real sense of accomplishment when you have completed a task that you can cross off your list.

4. Give yourself time:

When you have an early morning it can be so tempting to stay in bed for as long as possible which means you are then in a huge rush, resulting in you forgetting things and just generally being shaken up. If you know you have a hard time getting up then take this into consideration and set your alarm appropriately. Don't kid yourself that you can be showered, dressed and fully ready to go in ten minutes if you know this isn't realistic.

5. Pack the night before;

I recently went up to London for the Matalan SS15 press launch and because it was such an early morning I decided to pack my handbag the night before. It meant that when I was (inevitably) running late I didn't have to worry that half way to the station that I'd realise I didn't have my purse etc. Preparing in this way  means that you can put a bottle of water in the fridge to take with you so you aren't having to pay premium rates when you get thirsty.

6. Plan don't cram:

Don't agree to doing too much in one day if you know you're going to be late or it is unfeasible because this is a mega source of stress. I recently agreed to work at my two separate jobs on the same day which are in two separate locations which meant I was so stressed that I wouldn't get from one to the other in time.

I hope this has helps!

Ellie x

How I Clean My Make Up Brushes

There are many ways to clean your make-up brushes, you could buy an incredibly expensive brush cleaner or you could do this less expensive alternative.

I use Johnson's baby shampoo and it seems to work a treat! I begin by putting some in my hand, running the brush under luke-warm water and swirling the brush around in my palm. When the water begins to run clear I give the brush one last rinse before lightly squeezing out any excess. 

In order for the brushes to not loose their shape I find it best to balance them off your desk so you don't have one squished side. 

And there we go! Clean brushes which if done in the evening should be ready for you to use the next day.

Happy cleaning,

Ellie x

REVIEW: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation

Hi Everyone,

I discovered this foundation after permanently borrowing it from my mum. I have to say I was initially put off by the products name 'double wear'. I was imagining a cakey and heavy base but after some online investigation I was interested to learn if this foundation lived up to all it claims to be.

The foundation is oil free which I love because having combination skin I hate the concept of my skin looking greasy. The coverage is said to be 'sheer to medium' now ever I would say it is more medium but is easily build able with-out looking really cakey. Despite its SPF content I find that it is really bendable and leaves such a lovely natural finish.

This foundation really is a god send, I know that with a sweep of powder I can rely on it not to make me shiny and I have found people have been complimenting me more on my skin's appearance. I'm not sure if it really lasts 15 hours because, to be honest, I never wear my make-up for that long- but I do know that its staying power through a day of wearing has been really good.

I know I'll be wearing this foundation well into the winter months and beyond- a firm favorite.

Ellie x

REVIEW: Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleansing Balm

Hi everyone!

This product featured in my recent September favorites but I thought I'd go into a bit more detail about it because it really is fab. I went to a Lush party recently where you basically learn more about the products and you go home having made your own face mask. It really was so much fun and this was one of the products we used to remove our make-up before sampling some of the masks. 

I like to take a small amount a dot is all over my face, and with gentle circular movements break down my make-up. I was so impressed with how well this worked on removing my Benefit They're Real Mascara, a product which is notoriously stubborn to remove. Once i look sufficiently like a panda I get a damp muslin cloth and remove the excess oil and the result is clean and hydrated skin. I find the hydration part really important as a lot of cleansers can be really stripping. 

I'd consider my skin to be pretty normal to combination so I don't feel really greasy after using the product. I can imagine if you are very oily that maybe you should steer clear of this product and use a gel or cream cleanser as it does leave a bit of a residue.

This product has become a firm favorite in my routine now as it works wonders with removing my make-up and has really no scent at all- I'm sure I'll keep repurchasing. 

What do you think of this product?

Ellie xx

Make-up Revelation: The Double Cleanse

Hi Everyone!

As a product fanatic I am always looking to give my skin a good clean in the morning and evening for many reasons, prevent clogged pores, break-outs .. You get the drill.

I was doing a big of research into enhancing my skin care routine where I came across the concept of double cleansing. At first I was thinking, hang on this is a waste of product but upon trying it out for my self it has been quite a revelation. 

Even after cleansing once that there may be a bit of make-up or residue left on the skin, therefore cleansing twice insures optimal cleansed skin. I have been using a oil based cleanser such as the Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser followed by my Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser and I have really noticed a difference in how clean my skin looks and feels. 

Why don't you give it ago?

Ellie xx