T-shirt Chains And Woven Totes

Tshirt-H&M, Skirt-Warehouse, Bag-Topshop, Watch-MarcByMarcJacobs, Necklace-DorothyPerkins, Rings-Primark

The big hair is back... for a wee while!
I have a ridiculous amount of basic tee’s in my wardrobe but this graphic beauty has been my most worn item to date. It’s super comfortable with its slight oversized boyfriend style and dropped sleeves in which I’m thankful. I’ve never been a fan of vests nor cap sleeves, there’s something about too much arm which I find looks weird…on me anyway. I snapped it up from H&M for just £6.99 and for that price its worth getting your fashion bargain fingers on. 

I teamed it with this snake texture necklace from Dorothy Perkins which has become my plain tshirt statement piece. I'd been wanted a chunky gold chain necklace for a while but never found one that didn't look cheap and tacky. I really like the matt gold finish this necklace has and it makes a great alternative to those rather popular chains, I'm glad i snapped it up! 

I’ve also been after a Spring/ Summer bag for a while. One that would have a classic style with handles and a shoulder strap (always a necessity for me) and this Topshop tote fitted the bill! The quality is unbelievable and although it is an open style bag it does have a middle compartment in which zips closed for your more personal items to keep them safe! It’s such a classic style bag and great quality for £36 that I’m tempted to pick up another in the plum red colour.  

Beki Xo

Hey Online Shoppers, Its OK Too...

Hey Online Shoppers, Its OK Too...

• Believe you can’t just buy one item if you’re paying for delivery.
• Put everything into your online basket only to see the subtotal and close the tab.
• Mentally spend the money online that will come out of your NEXT pay packet. 
• Use a discount code as an excuse even though after P&P it’s the same price as in-store.
• Believe your imaginary dress is real and frantically input key words into Google.
• Minus what you paid for P&P so your online order seems verbally cheaper.
• Start off online ‘window shopping’ only to find you've just hit the Buy Now button.
• Use the excuse “I’ll buy it next month anyway so I might as well buy it now”
• See an advertisement for Free Delivery and feel the need to use it even though you don’t NEED anything.
• Immediately delete any emails from brands just in case you’re tempted to purchase something.
• Think that by using PayPal it doesn’t count as spending. PayPal is technically FREE money…right?
• Search for that one item in 100 different online shops in hope you find it even £1 cheaper.
• Too spend the whole weekend in your PJ's browsing online. If anyone asks you went 'shopping'.
• Feel the need to buy something just so a 'surprise' parcel will arrive. Its like Christmas!  

Beki Xo

No7 Melting Gel Cleanser Review

No7 Melting Gel Cleanser

I’ve never gone to bed without removing my makeup. However I’ll admit I’m pretty lazy when it comes to cleansing my face and giving my skin a deep clean. So I’m drawn to products that can cleanse, tone and add moisture in one quick sweep. You know the type, the multi-taskers of the skincare world, the cleansing geniuses of makeup removal.

I’m always on the hunt to find new products that I can introduce into my regime. Products that will make it quicker and easier without sacrificing the end result of fresh clean skin and gel cleansers seem to be bang on.

A favourite of mine is the Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel which is a Holy Grail product when it comes to effortlessly removing my makeup. However I noticed that No7 do a gel that looks pretty darn similar and I guessed it was about time I used one of those £5 off vouchers they routinely hand out in Boots. Without the voucher this is still a bargain product at only £9 for a large tube but I got it at a ridiculous price of £4!

The product itself is of a thick gel consistency that’s doesn’t run and is very similar to the Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel. No7 suggest massaging the product into damp skin however I prefer to massage it into dry skin so I can apply it evenly without water dripping down your elbows. The oil in the cleansing gel becomes more apparent once you’re smoothing it over the face and feels as though it’s loosening the makeup. When adding water the gel turns into a cleansing milk and dissolves the makeup before washing it away and patting your face dry.

The result is that your skin looks and feels softer, hydrated and freshly clean in less than 3 minutes. The product is pretty much a perfect match to the Clarins Gel which is priced at a generous £20. But if you looking for a beauty buy under £10 that does a similar job than the No7 Melting Gel Cleanser is the one to go for. A major steal at £4 with a Boots voucher and £9 without. 

The only negative I could find with this product is that it is perfumed and some sensitive skin types may not like this. However the smell isn't strong and the added perfume ingredient didn’t affect my skin which can go through sensitive patches.

Beki Xo

Yankee Candle Summer Scents Range

Yankee Candle Summer Scents Range - Pineapple Cilantro, Summer Scoop, Honey Blossom, Fireside Treats

With a new season, come new candles! And Yankee Candle have somehow scooped up all things ‘Summer’ and managed to split them into 4 sunshine filled wax works. I light a candle every evening to relax and unwind and very rarely stray from that homely scent. But I’ve been looking for something different to light throughout the day. And then I was introduced to the Yankee Candle Summer Scents collection. 

The collection itself is a mixture of 4 completely different scents that all (ice) scream summer rays, opened windows, fruit cocktails and blossoming flowers. And guess what? I’ve been burning these waxy babes for a while and they’re still going strong!

Pineapple Cilantro is by far my favourite with its tropical scent. The ripe notes of pineapple are softened by mild coconut undertones. The scent makes me instantly think of being on beach, sipping a fruit cocktail straight out of a pineapple whilst lapping up the sun. It is definitely a day scent that would instantly lift you up in a morning (not physically of course) without being too sickly sweet.  And the scent actually goes further than just the unlit candle. Once lit the room instantly fills with the fresh fruit scent without being too over powering. I will definitely be buying this in full size!

Summer Scoop. A candle I could imagine being quite a popular choice. A traditional deep berry scent with tangy undertones of dried strawberries. This candle is really one to engulf the room with its freshly baked fruit pie smell. The scent wasn’t as sweet as I typically go for but none the less the deep tones would be one to burn in the evening whilst relaxing. I’ve been burning this candle for a couple evenings now and the scent is actually growing on me more.

Honey Blossom. A classic and elegant scented candle that instantly reminds me of freshly washed clothes hanging on the line with the summer breeze scent being carried into the house through the open windows. A musky sweet scent that reminds me higher end sophisticated perfumes. Definitely one to burn whilst getting ready in the morning!

Fireside Treats. This is definitely a candle I would typically go for. A warm vanilla scented candle with sweet toasted marshmallow notes. The smell itself reminds me of sitting by the camp fire and drinking a warm chai latte on a cold summer night. A stunning French vanilla candle that if it wasn’t for the introduction of the fruity Pineapple Cilantro, it would be definitely be my favourite! Although yes, I will be buying this too!

Beki Xo

Garnier Perfect Blur Primer Review

Garnier Perfect Blur Primer

I’ve adopted Garnier as one of my high street favorites. Their affordable skin care selection has never failed to impress me and their most recent hydrating Moisture Match in Goodbye Dry is my most raved about product. Try it!

But now Garnier have produced this little Photoshop ‘smart blur’ beauty in a tube. I have to admit I did get a little giddy when I first saw it sitting on the shelves and I may or may not have let out a ‘must have this’ squeal. But knowing Garnier have never let me down I snatched it up without looking at the price tag and headed to the tills. *Sings* I put a spell on youuuuuu, now your mine.

Although I’ve had major improvements with my skin from their recent moisturising product I needed a little help to hide my open pores, imperfections and slight shine around my t-zone. And the Garnier Perfect Blur sounded just what I needed to real life Photoshop my skin.

The product itself is of thick consistency with a light mousse feel. When applying the product with my fingers it glides across my face like smooth silk and a small pea sized amount surprisingly went far. Without even applying my foundation yet I noticed that scarring and imperfections where filled in and the primer gave my skin tone an overall even look as though I’d sparsely applied a tinted moisturiser.

When applying my foundation I noticed that the buffing brush smoothed over my face a lot easier as though someone had stuck teeny tiny roller skates on the ends of each bristle (strange image huh?). But the results gave my foundation, concealer and blusher a velvet smooth smooth finish by hiding my open pores, any scarring and I was left with a matt look airbrush finish that lasted. I also found that I used a lot less foundation because half the job was done before hand using the primer which left my face feeling a lot lighter and my foundation looking fresh for the whole day.

I would highly recommend snatching up this primer next time you’re around the Garnier skin care section. The price is a little more than I thought it would be at £12.99 but compared to other popular primer’s its darn cheap and you get a whole load of product even though you only need the smallest amount to get the greatest results!

Beki Xo

Girl Meets Boy

Skirt-RiverIsland, Shirt-NewLook(old), Necklace-H&M, Hat-H&M, Bag-Zara, Skull Bracelet-RiverIsland, Rring-ThunderEgg

I’ve never been a pretty flowers and pink glitter kind of girl and this definitely applies to my fashion style too, especially at the minute.  It’s a given that if I pick up a girly cut dress I will always toughen it up with my trusty biker jacket or some thick cut ankle boots. I guess I’m more for the ‘Girl Meets Boy’ kind of trend which to be honest you can find some rather awesome pieces in the men’s section for yourself.

I’ve had this shirt from New Look for years but rediscovered it after having a spring clean. Its one of those items of clothing you can’t bear to throw out just in case you fall back in love with again. And with this I did.  It’s conveniently now a little too big but the baggy style means I can gather it at the front into a twist knot crop top (mouth full) and fits perfectly.  They’re also great for throwing on over plain maxi/midi dresses to add pattern and a touch of grunge.

I have to confess my wardrobe is slowly becoming a party of short cut tops and crop tops. They’re great clothing pieces for spring/ Summer to wear with high waisted skirts and shorts as they skim right over the band flashing a only a peek of stomach without being too belly dancer short. Hopefully I’ll be able to throw on a few of my new purchases this bank holiday weekend providing the weather lives up to its reported promises.

Beki Xo

John Frieda Hydrating Products & Root Booster Review

John Frieda

 Hydrating Conditioner

 Hydrating Shampoo 

Volume Blow-dry Root Booster

I've always been a big fan of hair products. My hair is thick, weighty and prone to frizz so the last thing I want is something resembling a crazy lion mane. There for I’ll try anything that claims to tame frizz, add shine and quench my hair’s thirst, providing it is reasonably priced of course.

I like to switch my hair care routine up so my hair doesn't get use to the product and so I tend to rotate between 2 shampoos and 2 conditioners depending on what my hair is in need of. Although I will admit that I very rarely switch my washing routine as I've always thought that to tame your tresses its all about ‘leave in’ products. Oops!

That was until I was asked by John Frieda to try out these little tubes of gold in disguise along with a little treat to boost my roots. I’m not going to lie that my hair was in desperate need of repair from previous ombre-ing and over straightening and so I was super excited to see if changing my regular shampoo and conditioner would work.

Immediately after rinsing out the John Frieda conditioner my hair felt silkier and smoother than when If I was to use my general products. Once towelled my hair usually feels as though it’s screaming out for moisture and  I routinely pour on at least two 50p coins size amounts of hair oil (way more than recommended).

But I decided to skip my usual oil on the ends drenching routine and tested out the much needed root booster to uplift my typically weighted hair. I sprayed it onto my roots, massaged it in and flipped my head upside down to wiz over with the hair dryer. I’ve never been one to spend time blow drying my hair layer by layer and drying it upside down means you can get a little extra lift from the roots.

Phoar, the finish with this John Frieda root booster is amazing. It didn’t crisp up at the roots and gave a natural lift without looking like I’d been dragged through a hedge. Most products tend to go limp after a couple hours and I’m usually found guilty for teasing the roots back up again. But this product seemed to last. I’d even go as far to say it’s the best root lifting product I’ve tried and I’d highly recommend it if your looking for an inexpensive root volume spray. I’m pretty darn happy to introduce these babies into my hair care routine for when my hair needs added shine, a heap of help with  repair and promising volume at the roots.

Beki Xo

Home Made Monday - Gingerbread Body Scrub

You will need...

Add the sugar and the oil

Add the ginger, cinnamon and honey.

If you wanted you could add a few drops of tea tree oil for an antiseptic 

Et Voilà!

Home Made Monday - Gingerbread Body Scrub

I know it doesn't look all pink and pretty but trust me you need to try this!

I use body scrub like there’s no tomorrow. I'm overly generous with the rather ridiculous amount I smother over my body and by the end of the week the once full tub is nearing the end of its life. This is why I never tend to splurge on the grainy stuff because not only do you smother it on and wash it straight down the drain but I know that I probably waste at least a quarter of the product. And is it me or is it super tricky to find a tub of scrub the size of your head that smells amazing and costs under £10.  

Until I realised if you scrap the aqua, crazy chemicals and attractive packaging you've got yourself an au natural recipe for a home-made body scrub. I was contemplating adding a mint, orange or vanilla scent but I wanted a body scrub that did a little more than just smooth away the dead skin. So taking a little inspiration from my favourite sweet toothed flavour I opted for this almost edible recipe!

You Will Need:

100g Honey (natural antioxidant – rehydrates skin)

500g Light Brown Soft Sugar (less harsh on skin)

2 Heap TSP Ginger (anti-ageing properties – rids toxins)

3 Heap TSP Cinnamon (increase blood flow and stimulates new cells)

150ml Olive Oil (softens the skin)

8 drops of Tea Tree Oil (natural anti-bacteria)

Preparation Method

• Add the brown sugar to a jar or bowl and pour in the olive oil. Stir until mixed.
• Add the honey, cinnamon and ginger and continue to stir until the ingredients have evenly formed together.
• To test the consistency you should be able to scoop some of the product into your hand without any oil dripping nor sugar crumbling.
• If the formula is too thick add more oil same as if the formula is too watery add more sugar.
• To finish off you can add a little tea tree oil as an antiseptic to help aid any cuts and grazes.

And voilà your own home made Gingerbread Body Scrub. It smells like baked gingerbread crisping in the oven and smooths over the skin lightly ex foliating whilst you massage in those helpful spices. It's almost too tempting to take a nibble but I doubt it taste as divine as it smells. Which is another thing the smell sticks around after you've washed it off and the scrub leaves you with super soft clean feeling skin.
Let me know if you try the recipe!

Beki Xo

OPS!STUD Statement Bracelet

OPS!OBJECTS

I’ll confess that yes, I am a huge jewellery hoarder. I can’t walk into a shop without sneaking into the jewellery section and rarely come out empty handed… after paying of course! So when OPS! contacted me to ask if I would like to review one of their bracelets I scrolled through their website like a giddy kipper and jumped at the chance!

The OPS! brand produces unique jewellery that scream style statement and made my fashion fingers giddy at the thought of them befriended a new wrist wearing friend. The OPS!OBJECTS jewellery is made from soft, durable and light weight material the that is a real eye catcher and unlike anything in my jewellery collection.

I’m a big fan of studs, spikes and all things embellished so when I was sent this little beauty from the OPI!STUD collection I couldn’t wait for its first ‘outing’. I’ll admit I was a little worried about the T-bar buckle as my wrists are quite small and sometimes bracelets tend to slip right off. However this studded silicone baby fitted perfectly and it really is as light as a feather (well... almost).

Its a great little piece that I've been wearing a lot and it never fails to gain compliments from its unique design and unusual material.The OPS!STUDS bracelet also comes in black with steel studs and white with gold plated stuffs which would be great for Spring/ Summer! After scrolling through their website again I’m already eyeing up the gold OPS!LUX gold link bracelet in all its chunky statement glory.

Beki Xo