The Life Update, Holiday style.

(I wrote this whilst I was in France, but because of dodgy wifi, I was unable to post it. This will be the same story for mostly all of my French/holiday themed posts. That being said, hope you enjoy them)

As I’m writing this, I’m on holiday. Yay for me. I wanted to do a little life update, just so you guys know where I am… life wise. I’m pretty happy with where I am in my life, but I still feel like I should sort myself out before I turn 23 next month. It’s such a scary thought that I’m going to be 23 soon… it doesn’t seem that long since I turned 22, or 21 for that matter. It’s a bit terrifying isn’t it? How fast time goes and how you grow as a person?

But back to my holiday; I’m in France, which I always love, as I came here every summer as a child, and I still feel like there are thousands more things to see. We used to camp and visit Chateau’s, Museums, War Memorials and picturesque towns, and this holiday is almost no different. Except this time, I’m in a log cabin (which is gorgeous, I’ll show pictures in another post) in a wonderful site near Compiegne, which is a very key area for the Northern battles in WWI and WWII – so much so in fact, we visited an American War Grave Memorial in Belleau yesterday (Tuesday the 3^rd of June) and aside from the immaculate beauty of it, as it was so pristine, there was also that tranquil eeriness of it – the quiet, so undisturbed except when the flags were brought down at 5, and they were playing ‘Last Post’ – it was very moving. There was also quite an exciting moment when I got to fold the American flag with the French man in charge, and then with an American, the second time around (there were two flags, my flag folding isn’t that bad).

Driving around France and stumbling onto sites is my idea of a perfect holiday - laying in the sun whilst drinking, which does sound appealing, doesn’t really get me excited about a holiday – I love finding new things and learning more about the two World Wars, then before I left. My family are massive history buffs so finding Chateau’s and Memorials are what we go on holiday for, and I can’t imagine enjoying a holiday as much as I do when I go with them. I didn’t appreciate it as much as when I was younger, but since going to University and really studying certain aspects of history, WWI and WWII are my undisputed favourite aspects of our most recent history as a nation. I think it’s endlessly interesting, whether learning about the Allies or the Axis.

So yeah, I’m a bit of a history nerd, but that totally works for me, because most of my family are too – which is why I’m pretty happy these days, or have been for the past few days, despite the lack of wifi. Wifi, should be a common decency, but I have quite enjoyed not having it – mainly because I’ve been drinking and eating far too much. Ahh, holidays, the best excuse to be incredibly gluttonous; totally foresee a bit of a detox going on when I get back though… best enjoy that fourth macaroon of the day then, yes?

Holiday Picks from my Beauty Swap with KatiedoesBeauty

Judging by the title, you'll be right if you guess that myself and Katie from KatiedoesBeauty did a little beauty/skincare swap, as we live relatively near each other, and had far too many products cluttering up our rooms; so what better than to do a little switch and maybe discover our new 'holy grail' product? I first met Katie when we were arranging to go to a little Benefit event together, as well as with a few other bloggers, and we really hit it off! It's just really lovely to chat about beauty and skincare, and bloggers with someone who gets it, right? So we agreed to meet up for a little chat and maybe some food, which 'lo and behold, turned into a massive food fest at Pizza Hut (and it was so good. If in doubt, always choose to make your own individual pizza *drools*) and I even instagrammed it before it was eaten (here), shame that the same couldn't be said for the dessert... *coughs*

Anywho, seeing as I'm venturing off on holiday, I thought I'd do a little choice pick of what beauty swap items I chose to take with me on holiday (seriously, if I took a picture of everything she gave me... we would be here for days. The bag was maaaaassive, I kid you not) and some are products that I've tried before and looooved (and enjoy very much in their mini size, looking' at you Soap & Glory)  but there were also a few new items, and what better time to try some good looking products than on holiday, when you're so chilled and relaxed?

We'll start with Soap & Glory, as I'm already a big fan, and couldn't wait to get my hands on these lovely things. Clean on Me is one of my favourite creamy, foamy shower gels from them, and this cute little mini size is perfect for taking into the shower with me, saving me from lugging around those massive (but amazing) bottles. Next up is Bright Here, Bright Now, a brightening day moisturiser that is right up my street, because I think we all tend to wear less makeup on holiday, and if there's something to give you a boost of radiance, it's the glorious summer sunshine - but for us pale, undead esc people (skin tone wise, i'm talking now) you have to fake it, and this gives a kick of luminescence that I am very excited to give a full test. Same can be said for Glow Job as not only do they have incredibly good names for their products, it just seems like something I want to throw in my skincare bag and cart away with me to a foreign country. Well done, S&G.

Next, we have La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo + which I love a ridiculous amount, so there's no need to really talk about that. The Body Shop's Aloe Vera Protective Serum seemed like a wise choose for holiday, as even though I take very great care with my skin when it comes to the sun, it can also dry out and become quite sore, so this is going to be brilliant for soothing my skin, should the need arise (which i'm sure it will). Another moisturising product is Bioderma's Sebium Hydra cream, which i'm going to be keeping in my travel makeup bag, just for a top up of moisture throughout the day, and it's mini size is wonderful - I think if it really makes an impression, then I'll be getting a full size in City Pharma. Bee Kind is a new brand to me, but something I definitely didn't hesitate to put into my skincare bag, as on holiday, my skin does tend to dry out, but with it's honey and camomile extracts, this body lotion will be a handbag essential. 

A few more little essentials to go, and one of them is a mattifying moisturiser. All the moisturisers, I know, but you can never have too many, right? This one is from Una Brennan and part of the tea Flower range, which is targeted at those with oily/combination skin, and had aims to matte the skin and keep it that way whilst you're out and about, doing your thing. I'm going to be putting this to the test when I'm walking around in the (hopeful) heat, and will be writing back to let you all know what I think. The last products to mention, are two makeup items and one that will be a godsend in every type of weather. The latter has to be the Kleenex blotting powders. Shine is the baaaaaane of my made-up face, and it makes me feel so self conscious, so anything to keep the oiliness/shine away, is always of great importance to me. Rimmel's Stay Blushed and Eyeko's Skinny Eyeliner are two products that have crept their way into my makeup bag, and seem determined to stay for the trip across the channel to France, and who am I to refuse them? They'll be receiving a good test, and if they don't make the grade, then they'll be left to sit as I break out the Bourjois and Clinique for my cheeks, whilst Soap & Glory and Makeup Revolution will be on my eyes. 

I hope you enjoyed this little post, have you swapped any beauty/skincare with a friend recently? You should definitely check out Katie and her blog, KatiedoesBeauty as she wrote a little post about the products I gave her, and I'd love for you to have a read, and let us both know what you think. She a lovely, lovely person and has a wonderful blog, so definitely head on over there to give her a peruse. 

My French Pharmacy Wishlist

If you follow me on Twitter... on or here, really, you'll know that i'm going on holiday soon, (PARIS OMG) and i'm quite excited about it. And if there's one thing that I know all beauty bloggers talk about, it's the City Pharma store on Saint-Germain (26 Rue de Four). It is like, the place to go, and seeing as I really into my art and museums the last time I went to Paris, this was totally overlooked, as I had no idea it existed. But now, no more! I am prepared, complete with list written on phone and paper (totally prepared) to go into this massive store and spend a good hour having a nose (it's already been agreed upon that I will meet my parents somewhere else... when i'm done, if i'm ever done, haha).

So, let's get right to it and list the products that I am lusting over, and therefore must have. These are pretty much blogger 'essentials', or products that are massively thought of a 'must haves'. La Roche-Posay's Serozinc is a toning spray that I use morning and evening already, and I'm on my last bottle. So you can bet that I'm going to stock up whilst I'm there. Next, is Bioderma Crealine H2O, a product needs no introduction, yet it's something that I've never tried. Gasp. I know. I totally plan on rectifying that. Next we have another product that I use, so much, that I've actually run out and don't know what to do with myself; and that's Caudalie's Beauty Elixr, a spray that refreshes the skin and just makes you look luminous and lovely, sprayed on before moisturiser and used as a moisture boost whenever my skin needs it. Next up, we have Caudalie's Organic Grape Water Mist, I'll admit, this is a bit of something I've had my eye on, and I just like the sound of it. It sounds refreshing and wonderful, hopefully something I'll be spritzing to keep my cool on warm French evenings. The first product from Nuxe is the Reve de Miel hand cream, and I thought, since I love their lip balm so much, this is definitely something that I want to try.

Another product from Nuxe is their Huile Prodigieuse, an oil that can be used on the body, face and hair - it's an all 'rounder, and I love my little mini one, so you can be the large on will be put to good use. Up next, is Embyolisse, which needs no introduction if you watch any Pixiwoo video's, as Sam loves the stuff; but basically, it's an amazing 3 in 1 moisturiser that has a massive cult status, and I cannot wait to try it. And last, but certainly not least, is the Nuxe Unclogging Thermo-Active Mask, which is basically a mask that works with oily/combination skin to deep clean, refine and matte the skin - three things which I am all for.

I am so excited for this little holiday, and cannot wait to do a bit of beauty blogger shopping. Are there any products that I've missed? Let me know what I have to get. 

Soap & Glory 'Flake Away' Body Scrub

The body scrub of champions, and the original Soap & Glory scrub, for me. It was the first one I ever bought from them, and it's so good. Flake Away is an offering made from Shea Butter, Sugar and Peach Seed Powder that smells so, so good. It's one of those typical S&G scents, not too overtly floral, but floral enough to know that yes, it is a Soap & Glory product, with no doubt about it at all. Do you know that you get a massive 300ml for £8 (here)? Which I think is awesome for a body scrub, and is one that I've had to repurchase, as well as a few other scrubs (this one is totally coming on holiday with me), time and time again, because it does it's job so well. Not only does it have fine rinds of ...scrubby stuff (technical term, I know) but it's really moisturising as well, without being too greasy or heavy on the skin - it just makes you feel fresh, clean and wonderfully smooth, which is such a brilliant thing for summer... as everyone feels so overheated and sweaty... just me? Surely not.

Now, it wouldn't be a good ol' nourishing scrub if it didn't have some almond oils in there, as well a bit of sea salt (ugh, love this stuff. just makes everything better) to give the scrub an extra bit of kick, in the, uh, scrubbing area of things. Basically, I think this stuff is really wonderful, and would totally recommend it to those who haven't really tried anything from Soap & Glory, or have yet to try this little pot of wonder... I say little pot, it's not really. It's quite hefty, and will last a good while.

The packaging is typical S&G, gloriously pink and pretty, with those black and white pictures that have become synonymous with the brand. On the lid itself, it does mention turning reptile esc legs into radiant ones, but I use this scrub all over, especially on the back of my arms, as its fine grain really polishes away all of the dead skin cells that build up there. This is one of my definite choices for my holiday, and even though it may weigh quite a bit, it's still wondrous and it'll sit quite joyfully in my toiletries bag. What are your favourite scrubs? Any I should take a look at? Let me know.

Little TKMaxx Haul - Butter London and Burt's Bees.

I love having a good nose around TKMaxx, and since I became a beauty blogger, I've been far more interested in the beauty side of the store than the clothes and you know why? Because I've seen some really wonderful little treats in my local store, Butter London, Sally Hansen, OPI, Essie, YSL, Elizabeth Arden, Una Brennan, Korres, Burt's Bees, I could go on and on. My most recent wonder around the shop awarded me with these two little beauties. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream and Butter London Nail Polish in British Racing Green. The Burt's Bees cream smells like lemon curd and that is stuff dreams are made of, as I looooove lemon curd so much, as it's so zesty and yum. Makes me want lemon curd... or to eat the cuticle cream... which I won't do, I'll just buy some lemon curd (expect a tweet once I do actually buy a jar. I know how to live).

It goes on so lovely and creamy, making my cuticles look less dry and horrible, and it makes my fingers smell so nice... so it's pretty much all good. I can't stop smelling this stuff, it's ridiculous. It's so zesty and sweet, and I love it. It comes in such a cute little tin, that you twist and it's packaging is really lovely - citrus is always a massive selling point for me, anything lemon/lime esc is a winner, and there's a big chance i'm going to buy it if there's citrus in it. I picked it up for £2.99 in TKMaxx and i'm so chuffed that I did.

Next up is my Butter London polish in British Racing Green is such a gorgeous colour, and it makes me want a convertible Jaguar in that colour, whilst I wear driving gloves and the wing blows cinematically through my hair... we can all dream, right? But let's get back to the polish - it's one of those good ones; 3 free - no formaldehyde, no toluene and no DBP, making it a really natural one to wear on your nails, without worrying about it causing damage. It takes about two coats to be fully opaque and you can bet that this is going to get a proper review in my little Butter London centric post that will be posted soon. It's a gorgeous colour and it makes me want to be fabulous and flawless, y'know, more so than I usually am (; This was £4.99 in the shop and such a good brand for such a good price is all good by me. So I definitely recommend checking out TKMaxx for some little beauty products that will make your day. 

Marie Claire June featuring Aromatherapy Associates.

I love a good freebie, who doesn't, right? That's why I was very excited when I saw this months Marie Claire with some little mini Aromatherapy Associates included, all for the rather lovely price of £3.90. I've never tried anything from AA before, so this was an opportunity to dip into the wonder of their products (as i've read on countless blogs, apparently their oils are a must have). These little mini's will be zooming away with me on my holiday, where they'll have to contend with everything that France has to throw at me (for one week, at least). I for one, am quite excited. But for those of you who aren't fans of Rose in their products, then these freebies are not going to be your thing.

The little pack of three includes; Triple Rose Renewing Moisturiser, Renewing Rose Cleanser and their Rose Hydrating Face Mask - all of which are started for all skin types, which is brilliant news for those sensitive skinned beauties out there. The Marie Claire itself is always an interesting read, as not only do they discuss fashion (most of which I cannot afford. One day.) and beauty (obviously my favourite section) but issues regarding abortion clinics (that'll be controversial) and holidaying in The Hamptons - so there's an array of hard hitting, and other somewhat amusing articles, as well as the interview featuring the cover star, Elizabeth Olsen (huzzah for Wanda/the Scarlet Witch). Fancy a little read like I did, whilst getting some lovely little products? I think it's totally worth picking this up; this is stepping into a skincare brand without spending a whole load of money, only to find out that you don't like something/doesn't suit your skin. Marie Claire should be available in all supermarkets and newsagents. Mine was picked up from Tesco. Have you had any good freebie's recently? 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL 50+ Facial SPF

It's going to be Summertime soon (I hope) so it's time to properly break out the 50+ face SPF. Yeah, I do SPF 30 around wintertime, but Summer calls for some more effort, and that's where this little beauty comes in. It's not really more effort though, just... a higher SPF, and seeing as I'll be moseying off to France next month (only for a week, though), this is going to be taking pride of place in my skincare routine. La Roche-Posay are my current skin go-to's for all of it's ailments (stupid blemishes) and this has been with me since last summer, where it did it's job very, very well. Anthelios XL 50+ (£12.37, here) is in the formula of a 'dry touch gel-cream' which is perfect for my oily/combination skin as others will leave that somewhat oily residue, and make your skin feel tacky before you even put on your makeup, which is not a desirable look, in my opinion. It has double anti-shine and absorption, with an ultra-dry finish, which is more than us oily/combination lot can ask for. 

Using a 50 + SPF on my face is very important to me, as although I have very pale skin, it does tan well under the sun, or used to... to be honest, I haven't tanned for years. I don't mind using a lower SPF on my body, I tend to switch between 30+ and 50+, but I just don't like it on my face. On my holiday, I would gladly have my shoulders on display, but would constantly wear a hat to shield my face from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Don't get me wrong, I don't think going out in the sun is bad for you, on the contrary: Vitamin D is an essential to strong bones and good skin, but i'm all about moderation, and looking after your skin, especially your face. That's why this cream comes in so handy, as it protects my face, is targeted towards fair and sensitive skin (so if you have had issues with SPF before, this is where you should go next) and is completely hypoallergenic. My skin is sensitive, so much so, I never really realised how sensitive it was until a few products gave me terrible reactions (we'll talk about those in another post).

This cream is going to be a permeant attachment to my person this summer/when the sun actually comes out, and I cannot wait. It applied like a dream and gives you wonderful protection. I can apply it in the morning and reapply maybe once or twice more throughout the day, and under my straw hat, or whatever headwear i'm rocking that day, it gives me the best protection and is even waterproof, in case anyone wants to jump in the pool/lake/body of water. I would definitely recommend trying this out and letting me know what you this. Look out for this addition in my upcoming 'what i'm taking on holiday with me' post. What facial SPF's are you loving for summer?