Esteé Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

This serum is perhaps one of the skincare products that I have owned for the longest, but not written anything about it, aside from that post where I went through my skincare routine (here). I have now realised the error of my ways, as it's a brilliant product, that people of all ages can use - my mum and I actually use some of the same skincare, despite her having mature and dry skin, whilst i'm young and have oily/combination. Some products are just the kinda ones that cover all the bases in terms of skincare. So let's talk about this Esteé Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum (£49, here); it's a kind of serum, that for young skin, is only appropriate for usage about three/four times a week, or maybe that's just me and my oily/combination skin? I do find it can be quite heavy on the skin if used every evening, but using it every other day really works for me, as it gives that extra kick of hydration and care that I think skin needs, regardless of the time of year. I also use it in the morning, if I've woken up, and feel like my skin isn't looking its best - there are only so many problems that makeup can fix, so I think applying the serum before my moisturiser in the morning, before makeup and the long day ahead really works at not only hydrating the skin, but giving that extra bit of care and glow. 

It claims to give skin the 'smoother, more refined look' which I think is brilliant for women/people of all ages and ethnicities, as it does fight wrinkles and fine lines for those who have them/want to prevent the development for as long as possible. My mother is approaching 60, but her skin is much the same as she had when I was younger, as she is always one to look after her skin, with oils and serums, so I think my love of skincare, as well as the want to look after my skin, comes from watching her, and her mother before her, take care of their skin, and look far younger than their actual age. People always say I look younger than I actually am, so hopefully, it'll stay that way for a long time ;) but back to this amazing product. It applies like a dream, sinking into the skin with no hassle or fuss, just gliding across the skin, and enveloping it in a mask of moisture (I apply the serum after using my facial oil). It's packaging is one of those 'ooooh that looks expensive' and I love that look. It has a plastic bottle, which I think is so handy, because glass would break as I'm very clumsy with my products: but I actually thought that it was glass, in the images that I saw before I bought it. It is expensive, but I always thought that it looked more expensive than it was. It has a handy little pipet to dispense the product, so you can use as much or as little as you want. I looooove products that have pipets, as it makes me feel like a scientist (silly, I know, but I love that) when I apply my face products at night. 

This Advanced Night Serum leaves my skin feeling silky and soft the next morning, and maybe it's because I have quite fully cheeks anyway, but my skin always feels plumper after using it, regardless of whether I have any blemishes or anything - everything just looks brighter, more radiant, which I am always a fan of, but who wouldn't be? I bought this product with my Boots points, but would repurchase it with my hard earned money, because it's such a staple of my nightly routine, that I can't imagine not turning to it, when my skin isn't having the best day. Along with my facial oils, this serum is a complete must have for me - knowing that I can apply it in the morning or the night, makes me feel ...comfortable, and at ease, knowing that patches of dry, dull skin, won't be a huge issue, or even a slight problem. I can apply it, go to work, and not have to worry, or check the dry patches in the mirror during my break. It just gives me a peace of mind, and that works well for me. Skincare should be easy, and although I have about 10 steps in my nightly routine, applying this product before moisturiser is one of the easiest steps. The most simple, and perhaps one of the most affective. What do you think of Esteé Lauder's Avanced Night Repair serum? Is it something that interests you/is a part of your routine? 

Month #1 of Instagram loving

Instagram is a brilliant inspirational resource for me, as if you're feeling down and blah about blogging, or photography, then Instagram is the place to go. Thousands upon thousands of bloggers, photographers and designers that have feeds that make you want to delve into their lives, and become their best friend, because they all look so damn wonderful. My Instagram, while not as shiny and well organised as others, is mine, and I love it. (shameless ploy for my page) Other pages that I always find myself checking belong to some fabulous people, and once again, they're bloggers, photographers and designers - in this little series, that I'll be posting monthly, are a collection of some feeds that I've been loving through the month, or just one of the pages I constantly check. 

The first page up for discussion, is from Charlotte Olympia, whom I have been obsessed with for years. It's a collection of shoes, bags and lust-worthy everyday pictures that I cannot get enough of. Oh, those shoes. 

Next up is Capture by Lucy, which is one of the ultimate forms of inspiration for me, because everything is so beautiful and chic. Her home is one that I would definitely want to own...I might just settle for being considered a best friend, being given a room all my own, and being Lucy's photography assistant. 

The Aptmt is a feed of glorious food, enviable homeware and just fabulous things; it's a feed that constantly inspires, and causes a great deal of hunger.

Srslylou, as well as being one of my favourite blogs and bloggers, is a wonderful feed, full of beauty and her general life, including some amazing food. It's ticks all the boxes, for me. 

Last, but not least, is the amazing Really Ree, whom I think everyone in the beauty world knows, because she's who I go to for beauty news - always one for the up and coming products that we all need to get. A must follow for beauty addicts. 

Metallic heels from Next, the test-run.

 

 

Winter is here to stay for the next few months, so what better to cheer myself up than to get some new shoes for work, and these metallic beauties caught my eye right away. Metallic. Block heel. Not too high, not too low. Round toe. Everything I could ever really want in a comfortable shoe, without it looking 'too comfortable'. I used to have a pair of black flats from Clarks that I wore, almost to death, but have decided that I should try and be more stylish with my footwear this year, so these were quickly ordered and coveted when they arrived. It's really not that high a heel, which I love for work, as although I'm quite tall already, I do like a nice bit of heel, without towering over everyone else. So let's get to the details.

According to the website, 'Square toe Court Shoe' in Gold, is what they're classed as, whereas I'd think the toe was more round than square, and the colour more a soft silver/gold than the brass gold it's listed as on the website. It's rocking a slice heel and costs £30 from here, which I think is quite a good price for this shoe, but I think the main point is going to be the comfort issue. I'm all for shoes looking good, but there is a big difference between shoes for going out, and shoes for work. Going out shoes, are basically, ridiculous, with their heels and platforms (god I love them) but work shoes, are sensible in the idea that you have to stand/walk/run/climb in for a long time, without being able to sit down for an extended period of time - so you know, they've gotta be comfortable and hardwearing.  I've had bad experiences with Next shoes in the past being very uncomfortable, but I've also had some pairs that are fabulous to wear, so in my opinion, it can be quite hit or miss. I however, am optimistic about these shoes, and hope that they can last a good six hour shift with minimal amount of pain. I'll be trialling these over the course of a week or so, just to see how my feet react to them. They may be pretty, but if they're horrid, you'll be hearing about it. 

On the issue of negativity, and how I'm dealing with it.

I think negativity is rife these days. It's not just within the blogging community, and those who think we're a bunch of begging freeloaders (yeah, those people are out there) but within the people who are closest to you. Our friends, our family, and that is perhaps harder to accept than criticism from a faceless brand/person who we don't know in real life. I think I'm incredibly lucky to have gotten to where I am today, in terms of my blogging, and in my life. I've had opportunities that some would not have, and I'm very thankful for them - but there's a looming cloud above us as bloggers, and today, in fact, earlier this afternoon, I had a family member describe one of my social media accounts as 'full of crap' when a poster, with images from my Instagram account arrived, much to my evident delight (at the poster, not at the harsh words). I like to think I'm quite a strong person, and perhaps it was only said because this person believes that I am able to just shrug off certain opinions - but you know when when negativity just builds up and up? There is bound to be a point where, enough is enough.

I do sometimes feel quite frustrated with the blogging community, over undeclared pr samples and sponsored posts, the #prrequest tag on Twitter and how smaller bloggers, never seem to get the recognition they deserve. Yes, there are big bloggers that are wonderful, and have gotten everything that they should, such as Jane from BritishBeautyBlogger and Hayley from LondonBeautyQueen, but what about the bloggers that also really hold true to their morals about PR samples and sponsored posts, like Gemma, Sandra and Adrienne to name a few? I trust these ladies wholeheartedly, and whilst they may not be on Youtube and have 500,000 followers, I know that their reviews are honest and not swayed by companies. The 'big bloggers' that most of us know, without me naming names, have gone from strength to strength, but it was only a few months ago when I unfollowed all of their blogs, Youtube accounts, Instagrams and Twitters, because who needs the negativity and second guessing of who you can trust, in your life? I don't want to read something, which has been gifted (and most of the time not disclaimed), had glowing reviews by numerous bloggers, and then find myself thinking that it's a terrible product, after spending hard earned money on it. I find that by cutting those bloggers out of my life and my reading list, then I can trust everyone else and that has helped to ease the huge amount of negativity that hit me late last year.

With family and friends, it's harder to accomplish ridding your life of negativity, as you can't just unfollow them, and expect them to stay away. If only life was that easy. Negativity happens, and although there are times when I just break down into tears because I can't handle it, there are others times when it just inspires me to work harder; maybe it's to prove something to them, or even myself, but up I go, as if they aren't able to bring me down. I told myself that I would try and keep myself away from negativity, or people who aren't worth my time; so far, friends who are true, text me and call me - they're not waiting for me to call or text them, which I had spent numerous years of my life doing. They say when you get older, your circle of friends gets smaller and your ability to make friends gets harder, which I understand in theory - but in the motion of shrugging off negativity, I think you can do whatever it is, that you want to do. Make friends. Don't make friends. Cut old friends out of your life. Don't cut them out. I just want to be happy. I want everyone to be happy. So, in order to combat negativity in my life, I'm making short term goals for myself to achieve this year. Such as; Number #1, Going on holiday. Sounds simple, but it's a big step for me. Where I want to go. Where I want to stay. What I want to eat. What I want to buy. Number #2, getting a full time job and a place to live. The not so simple part. Full time jobs are hard to come by, as is a decent place to live, on a good street with lovely people. I'll have to update you on that. Number #3, coming up with new, inventive ideas for my blog. Another not so simple feat. Innovation is hard to come by, especially with hundreds of astounding bloggers out there, but I suppose I'll try my best.

How are you dealing with the negativity in your life?

Esteé Lauder Sensuous Noir and Sensuous Nude Perfumes

Two perfumes that I have coveted for years, have to be my two from Esteé Lauder and their Sensuous range, which in my opinion, is pretty much divine. I remember smelling Sensuous Noir (the purple bottle) at an EL counter, and falling in love, but then frowning a great deal, because I was a student, and could barely afford anything. Luckily for me, my parents bought it for me, for my birthday, and it became my 'special occasion' perfume, or something I wore when I wanted to smell amazing/make a good impression. It has always caused a bit of a stir, being one of those perfumes, where almost everyone asks what perfume I have on - I think it just attracts attention as it's not one of those that you come across very often. For me, it's slightly heavy to start, with a deep woody musk before it sinks into Jasmine, and then hints at Rose (purple) and Patchouli (prisma). It lingers and evokes such a promise of a good day (mainly because I can't stop sniffing myself); I think it's locked away some memories with its scent, as I remember dates with my ex and warm nights in front of the TV with friends and food. For me, it just smells comforting and safe. It has a warmth to it, that makes me think it's always perfect for Winter, or the darker months, as those are generally the times for heavier fragrances.

Sensuous Nude on the other hand, whilst maintaining the warm woodsy musk of Sensuous Noir, smells lighter and more Spring/Summer, with Jasmine, Rose (baie) and Bergamot. I love that the main note of this, is that almost earthy woodsy smell, that somehow combines the smell of a garden in warmer months. It just kind of sinks into the skin and as Esteé Lauder says 'Modern, Intimate, Feminine, Warm, like a second skin' and I couldn't agree more. It's just divine and it surrounds you with a fresh scent, that doesn't knock you in the teeth, but just lingers and plays with your senses. Sensuous Nude was awarded the 'Sexiest Fragrance for Women' award in 2012, by Cosmopolitan and years later, I can still totally see why. They're both completely seductive, hence the name of the line; Sensuous. But they don't feel like too much, or really heavy to wear, they just smell divine and for me, they remind me of perfume scented scarves, that whenever you put one on, they just provide you with that 'kick' of fragrance, which in turn reminds you of so many wonderful things. 

They are, without a doubt, two of my all time favourite fragrances, and although I don't hear a lot about them these days, they are completely worth a spritz, should you ever come across an Esteé Lauder counter. The 30ml of Sensuous Noir is £36 here, and the equivalent in Sensuous Nude is also £36, here. I think another purchase, but of the original Sensuous, may be in order, just to complete the set.. or perhaps another purchase of Sensuous Noir, because it's just so wonderfully beautiful to smell and spritz at this time of year. What are some of your favourite fragrances? Have you ever tried any from Esteé Lauder? 

Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil

I certainly hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season, but you know what makes great parts of the year even better? Blog posts. Especially blog posts about eyebrows, because who doesn't love them? Or maybe you don't love them...but this beauty of a product is totally here to change your mind. I think we've all heard about the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and even the Soap & Glory Brow Archery, but a new contender is the BDB Universal Brow Pencil * which is so easy to use, I draw on my brows, give them a good brush through and my eyebrows are done. I usually take a good 10 minutes to finish my brows, but this, I can do this in 3 and be ready to go with amazing brows. I love eyebrows. I really, really do. I think you can tell a lot by my eyebrows, which is why I like them to have a lot of body, but still look quite groomed - so this pencil is perfect for getting that look.

It's said to be 'formulated to work with all skin tones and hair colours' which I think is rather brilliant, but I can't speak for them all, as I have dark hair and pale skin - and on me, I think it works like a charm. It goes on smooth, slightly waxy, but not too heavy, so it's easily buildable, and the wear is fantastic; when applied in the morning, it lasts all day, but then again, I expect that from a brow product. I like my brows to be fierce and on point all day, and with this, it can. I'm very partial to a brown pencil, especially one that twists up, because sharpening is not only annoying, but messy. And I always seem to lose my sharpeners anyway. So anything twist up, is amazing. Another fantastic element to this item, is the little spoolie brush on the other end, to tame those brows and brush into the right direction - something I do before and after I apply the product, just to get that really sharp, 'done' look. Brows really are so important to me, and I think Billion Dollar Brows know that, thanks to the numerous #browfie's I've taken over the year; it means a lot to me that they sent me a little pencil, just for me to try and love, which I most certainly do.

It's packaging is simple and sleek, silver metal, which is always a winner with me, as well as the thin pencil itself, which is very comfortable to hold when I'm drawing my brows on. This product seriously made me look alive for work (as well as various layers of concealer) when it came time for after Christmas sales, which is always very stressful and tiring. I tend to brush my brows first, apply product, then brush, then apply more, then brush. It's a process, but it's quick, so no need to worry about how much time it'll take. My only concern is how it'll look on blondes, but I think that only comes with trying, and perhaps a bit of research. This Universal Brow Pencil * retails for £17, here.

My newest obsession: Pinterest

I'm baaaaack! After taking a seasonal break from blogging, to stuff myself full of too much food and drink... and then work a ridiculous amount, but now that I find myself with some more time to myself, let's get back to blogging. And with that, let's talk about Pinterest. I didn't get it at first. It made no sense to me. Literally no sense. I didn't know how it was any fun at all. But now. Let me tell you something; I'm obsessed. I looooove it. I repin whilst waiting to start work, whilst in the bath, before I go to sleep, after I wake up...it's just too easy, and too much fun. I'm constantly adding more boards, and pinning almost everything that catches my eye. At the moment, I'm lusting after Khloe Kardashian's hair, the amazing eyeliner others seem to be doing, the festive season (even though it's over, BOO) and beautiful home things. Gosh, I so badly want a place of my own. I want to make it mine, and buy everything that I want. A girl can dream, right? Are any of you lovelies on Pinterest? I'm ohkalukalay. Are any of you as obsessed as I am?