Origins skincare review

Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser - £18.50

Back in the days of my blemish-free face, oh how I miss thee, I was obsessed with the Deep pore cleanser from the Zero Oil collection. Whilst shopping in Boots the other week, my eyes gravitated to it and reevaluated what I've been doing all of these months without it by my side. What I love is that it's oil free - a god send for my extra-oily skin which barely has any dry spots. Also, the infusion of mint and saw palmetto are great relievers for my sensitive skin as often I wash my face at least twice daily to insure I've gotten rid of unwanted bacteria and my skin never irritates from repetitive washes. Saw Palmetto is known to contain a high concentration of polysaccharides, which in English, are used to enhance the immune system by working as an inflammatory. So, although it would be even more beneficial to my skin to take Saw Palmetto as a supplement, which I'd strongly advice, using it as a daily wash helps my acne at bay and reduces the redness of outbreaks.

Zero Oil Moisture Lotion - £24

The moisturiser to complement the face wash is so soothing to apply! A little definitely goes a long way with this product which is just as well because it is half the size of the face wash for a higher price. A penny sized amount is enough to cover my entire face whilst still being able to make my skin feel nourished. The moisturiser doesn't make me 'glow from within' or anything amazing necessarily, but it does the main job for me which is to mattify my skin to hugely prevent it from getting oily later on in the day. I was so conscious of my face being shiny on days out that I'd constantly be vain and check any mirror I might pass. With this baby I don't have to and can happily enjoy being with friends and family without worrying over my face looking like it had just been fried on with half a dozen of eggs.

Super Spot Remover - £15

Because I'm a salesperson's dream and will buy anything if they shove it in my face, I was instantly sold on buying the 'super' spot remover. The alliteration was enough to sell me alone. Jokes aside,this is some pretty powerful stuff and if you're looking for a gel that'll reduce blemishes, this is for you. The size of the product again is laughable but, you genuinely don't need a lot. I tend to only apply it to my blemishes in the evenings now as I realised that it works best then. I dab a tiny amount to the tip of my finger and work it into the problem area or spot. It used to sting me a lot, which I liked because I knew it was burning the pesky things off of my face, but I think I'm immune to the pain now and it still delivers great results. By the morning my blemish won't always be gone, but it will have reduced in size by incredible amounts! I keep this perfection by my bedside at all times.

I'd love to know of any oil-free products you guys try. I'm always on the lookout for the holy grail so if you have any recommendations please let me know. Or, if there's a product you'd like me to try and test I'd be more than happy to take one for the team.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

For my Sunday Fun day, I dragged my mum with me to the last showing of Alexander McQueen’s retrospective exhibition: Savage Beauty, at the Victoria and Albert Museum. I was stunned to hear of McQueen’s suicide in February of 2010 because he was a designer like no other. McQueen in his heyday was most definitely my favourite designer – his shows were theatrical, and a juxtaposition of romance and menace. I knew I couldn’t miss out. So much so, that trust me to go on the very last day of the exhibition! *Face palm* The queue was ridiculously long but all worth it because of what awaited us in the beautiful, but often eerie, exhibition.

McQueen’s shows were the epitome of art. My favourite room proved so by being shrine-like and enveloped in his futuristic designs, animalistic headgear, and audio/televisions consuming the black space. I had to take a moment of recognition in every corner, just to make sure there was nothing I missed dangling from the nook and crannies in the walls. Despite there being so much to look at around me, at one moment in the midst of the noise and chaos surmounting, all screens and audio simultaneously transitioned into the infamous Spring/ Summer 1999 runway. This iconic show was concluded with Shalom Harlow having her white synthetic tulle dress covered by machines with neon paint. Amongst the room, everyone as if under order turned their gaze to the centre of the room where the actual dress stood, defiant and deserving of all our attention. It was a surreal feeling to be in the same room as the great Alexander McQueen’s designs, and it’s an experience I will truly never forget.

Obviously I wasn’t the only one who admired and thoroughly respected the work of McQueen, as over 480,000 tickets were sold for the £3million budgeted exhibition. I am super lucky and privileged to have seen his work in person, as unfortunately, it will most definitely never be exhibited again. For those that did miss out, I managed to sneakily take some photographs of outfits that mesmerised me. I wanted to take photo’s of everything as you can imagine, but the security were pretty hot on not allowing photography. Sorry guys! For now, enjoy and let me know if you have the chance to visit the Savage Beauty exhibition too! I’d love to know.

Honey, I'm home

3.1 Phillip Lim wool jumper / Helmut Lang black mesh leggings / Acne Studios tan boots

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What can I say? I've spent almost 2 months away from my precious blog. I know, I'm a bad person. But, at a push to find the positives, the time away has been good for me. I needed to get back into my groove of things in sunny, oops, I mean dreary England. On top of that, I managed to get my old retail job back at Harvey Nichols, so every night I've practically been comatose.

There's always good that comes out of bad and in my being away, I of course bagged some bargains at an extreme discount at HN. I hope the pictures of goodies will redeem my self just a tad. So go ahead and drool. Also, let me know what you think of my purchases. I tried to be smart with my money for once and although we're technically in Summer, I decided to buy bits that'll see me through Autumn/Winter. Let's be honest, it's not exactly the Maldives outside is it. *Sigh*

Melrose Trading Post

It's been two weeks since I last posted something worth reading and many apologies for that. I've been finishing up on my studies out here in California and I'm pleased to shout to the rooftops that I'm finished! Although I'm thrilled to be over with uni work for the next couple of months, I'm sad that it means I'm 3 weeks closer to leaving for England. But, have no fear, in my final weeks in California and New York (yes, you read right, New York, eeek) I plan to explore as much as I can and cram it all into my blog. So watch this space.

Moving on, this Sunday I finally visited Melrose Trading Post, which for those who don't know, it's Los Angeles' most renowned flea market. Literally, this place sells a bit of everything. From selections of typewriters, vintage clothes, cool jewellery, and arts and furniture, you name it, they'll have it. And, they'll throw in an abundance of vendors with so much charisma and personality which is enough in itself to persuade you to go! A sweet lady at the Desert Moo stand, where I bought my necklace from, even told me that Jaden Smith had been seen walking around when I was there. Can you believe it? Unfortunately, knowing my luck, I didn't see him, though I'm sort of glad I didn't as it saved me embarrassing myself from being a total fangirl. And only a few weeks ago, she saw Victoria Beckham there being followed around by 3 macho bodyguards.

Needless to say, the Melrose Trading Post is the place to be every Sunday. See below all of my photographs of my day for more details. Sorry, there aren't a lot of images, I was too busy shopping as you can imagine. I need to set an alarm in my phone or something to remind myself to snap away at all of the amazing things I'm lucky enough to experience in my travels. I promise, I'll be thinking of you all in my next venture.

I snapped up a pair of Levis distressed shorts and jeans for $12 each!!

This beautiful crux necklace is from Desert Moon

My favourite purchase of the day. A $10 tribal print rucksack. Success!

Admission fee: $3 and all proceeds go to Fairfax High School which is super sweet

Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High:
7850 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90046
Sunday 9am-5pm

P.S. Have you guys ever been to a flea market? If so, where has your favourite one been? I'd love to know and maybe get the chance to visit myself. Till next time, be safe!

American Drugstore Haul

Over the accumulative months, I've been searching through beauty aisles and have came across a heap of bargains! For a majority of these products, I'd already heard great reviews so thought I'd give them a go and see if they suit my skin type and complexion. It's such a shame that the UK doesn't stock some of these products. A) Because the price of these are too good to be true B) Because the quality for price matches (in my opinion) some of the luxury brands. All of the products you can see above have been tried and tested by yours truly. So, if there's a product that you've always wanted to know about before you fork out on shipping costs to the UK, here are my opinions that will help you decide whether to buy or save your pennies for a rainy day.

NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Face Powder (Translucent)

Since coming to the States, my skin has gotten progressively more oiler during my stay. I thought it was about time I'd invest in a translucent powder. Baring in mind, this is my first powder, so I don't have any others to compare and contrast the benefits. I never bought translucent powders before because I find that in pictures, they retract the dewy skin that you've tried to achieve with highlighter and foundation. But, when applying this powder, to an extremely minimal amount, you can't even detect it in photos. When first trying it, I made the crucial mistake of applying too much product to my brush. On my other multiple attempts, I applied a very delicate amount and found it really helped from stopping my face getting oily quickly. Though, saying that, the benefits don't last all day. I have to re-apply every 3 hours or so, which can be a pain. Although, the big selling point of this product is that it includes a mirror and sponge applicator which is perfect for throwing in my purse.

1) L.A. Girl PRO Conceal HD High-Definition Concealer (Cool Tan)

Where can I start? I bought both concealers online after hearing so much hype about them in youtube tutorials and make-up blogs, so I just had to get see if it was all true. I think I bought both concealers for under $6 and O.M.G. Those were the best $6 I think I've ever spent! I don't use these concealers for blemishes because as you can probably tell, they're both either way too light for my skin tone or too dark. Instead, I use them for contouring and it makes my application a lot easier than before when I'd contour purely using powders. The thick, creamy consistency is really easy to blend and what's convenient is that it also includes a brush at the tip, so you don't need to get any more make-up brushes messy if you don't want to. Although, sometimes I feel I have to really squeeze the tube to get product out, and knowing my luck, I squeeze too much out. So, maybe the brush applicator isn't the best idea for myself. The product is great though in how it can be blended by just using a tapping motion of my fingers. I can imagine that for those who rave about the beauty blender, that would work a dream too! But if you're like me and you're just fine with using what God gave you, then your fingers can do the job perfectly!

2) L.A. Girl PRO Conceal HD High-Definition Concealer (Chestnut)

I feel that I should buy the darker colour (chestnut) in one shade up though, because it blends a bit too well into my skin at the moment. To the point where it doesn't even look like I've contoured. Though, that's my own mistake for buying the shades online. Also, I like how the products dry quite matte, so don't allow your under-eyes to look super shiny, like some past concealers we won't speak of. Though, I'd recommend still setting with a powder, just to lock in all your hard work. 

NYX Wonder Pencil (Dark)

I was slightly disappointed with this pencil, though, again, it might be due to a wrong shade for my complexion. What attracted me to this product was that I usually apply a white liner to my water line to make my eyes appear brighter and larger. I got a bit fed up of looking like a clown with two prominent white lines which didn't look natural, at all! When I came across this fairly cheap product in CVS, I thought the nude would do the same job but in a more understated way. Understated was right. I can't even tell that I've applied this while it's on, and I make sure to run it along several times. On the plus side, I've tried the pencil in other areas on my face; my blemishes, red marks and to highlight my brow bone. This pencil does all of these areas perfectly. Typical. The same way how it wasn't noticeable in my water line is the same for covering my blemishes. It just blends in so well that my skin looks almost flawless. So, moral of the story: Experiment with makeup on the areas you never initially thought of. It can work a dream!

Milani Brown Shaping Clear Gel (Clear)

There's not much I can say about a brow gel that cost me only $2 people. $2!! It grooms my eyebrows perfectly with the applicator brush and tames them into place all day. Does what it say on the tube.

NYX Eyebrow Pencil Crayon (Dark Brown)

This crayon is a tricky one. Some days it works well with my brows. Other days, we just don't get along. I think it's to do with it being a twistable product as opposed to me being able to sharpen it to get to the product. I mean, that's great and all, because it saves me searching to the depths of my make-up bag for a sharpener. But –the crucial but– it also means I'm prevented from sharpening it to a precise tip; making it easier to define my brow shape. I end up rubbing over the backs of my hand a few times to attempt sharpening it without breaking the soft crayon. It helps some of the time, but I think on my next purchase, I'd prefer a pencil that can sharpen. I appreciate the grooming brush at the end of the pencil though, that was nice of them. 

1) Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color (Bare it All)

I suffer from quite dry lips and so I make sure to have a moisturiser by my side at all times, but this product just sucks my lips dry! I do the whole routine of applying a lip balm a few minutes before applying the lipstick so it won't slip and slide all over the place, and my attempts prove futile! While the shade looks lovely against my complexion and really brings a warmth to my face, I have to apply it like every 30 minutes because my lips are uncontrollably smacking together due to the lack of moisture. Even trying to apply this product is almost painful to watch. I have to push down quite firmly to spread the product across my pout. Not a good look! And the worst thing is, I was in class the other day, and it was only when I had a chance to check myself in the mirror that I realised the product wasn't evenly distributed because parts rubbed away – probably in desperate search of some moisture elsewhere. Shame! Oh.. and don't even get me started on the dire packaging. Next!

2) NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Creamy Caramel

Now this, is how a lipstick should be. As soon as the product reaches your mouth, you can instantly smell this sweet aroma of bubblegum. It kind of makes me hungry, which might be annoying for those on a diet, but it smells so damn good! And the way it applies. Girl! The texture is so creamy and a pleasure to apply to my lips. For under $2, every girl needs to indulge in as many of these lipsticks as you can. I know which aisle I'll be returning to on my next visit to CVS.

3) Wet n Wild Color Icon Lip Liner (Brandy Wine)

When I come across products like this, I want to cry a little inside. That's because I think back to all of the £12-a-time purchases I'd made in Mac for a liner that was, yes, a pigmented shade, but not worth my money when items like this are only 99 cent. What have I been doing all this time? And quite frankly, why is the UK not stocking products like this yet? We are so late I swear. But back to the product. The deep burgundy colour looks beautiful against my complexion and once it's on, it's not coming off. Bravo.

4) NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream (Stockholm)

Cute. When paired with a not so perfectly matched lip-liner though, it shows through, so is weirdly translucent. It feels velvety soft on your lips, which I like for a matte product, because usually they dry up your lips. I'm not head over heels in love like other guru's might be, but possibly I've picked the wrong shade. I'll keep exploring the aisle.

5) Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss (Sinless)

I bought this product after being recommended from a friend, a caucasian friend might I add and as you can probably guess, this looks disastrous on me. While the pale pink colour is beautifully pigmented, it leaves a metallic finish which makes me look like I'm about to board a spaceship. So, no, unfortunately I won't be wearing this one out. But, for those with a much paler skin type than myself, you work it boo boo.

I'd love to know how any of you found these products too! Leave me a comment below if you've tried some too and found them different or the same as me even. x

Brand Crush!!

1) Mint swim one-piece

2) Purple sporty bikini

3) Cut out animal one-piece

4) Nude mesh cover up

5) Black cut out one-piece

6) Black mesh cover up

Draya Michele, fiery reality-show personality and savvy entrepreneur, has really outdone herself with the latest Mint-Swim collection. With an innate ability to create sexy outfits by the pool that are elegant too, Draya has answered every girls dream. Not only is the collection showing Draya's obvious creative flare in designing swimsuits, but her cover ups are so cute too! I especially love the subtle thigh reveal, and alongside the mesh material (which I'm loving lately), I can already see the boys swooning over any girl confident to rock this look. Take my word for it ladies, the previous Mint-Swim collection sold out in lighting time. So if you like what you see, then claim your honey!