The Exposé: August 2014

Sunday 31 August 2014

August Favourites

I can't believe it's the end of another month already...this year is flying by way too quickly.

With Summer bidding us farewell, I spent this month hanging on to it as much as possible. So when the rains weren't pouring I was found donning my beloved Zara slides. They have definitely been one of my favourite purchases over the summer and have been so easy to style. I wish this love affair could continue but I don't think my toes will thank me for the frostbite.

When I had my hair cut I stocked up on lots of new haircare products, one of which was this Toni & Guy sea salt texturising spray. As I'm not having my beach holiday till November I decided to recreate the beach hair look right here at home. It took me a few tries to work out how much was the right amount to use to get the perfect look, but now that I have I will definitely be repurchasing once this bottle has gone.

My love of monochrome stretches far and wide...even to the tips of my fingers. This month I've forsaken all colour and opted for either black or white nails depending on my outfit, and with these Essie polishes I can ensure my nails stay chip free for days.

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Monday 18 August 2014

Grid Locked

Top: Topshop | Skirt: Zara | Shoes: ASOS | Bag: Celine | Bracelet: Tiffany & Co

Last week was definitely an eventful one for me, as I finally started my new job...which I love! I really feel like life is now getting back on track and I can resume all of the wedding planning which has seriously taken a back seat of late. (Trying not to have a mini panic about that right now though).

But this weekend, was a time to focus on another wedding and for me what I would actually wear. I have to confess I'm not very good when it comes to these sort of events. I always seem to have a bit of a melt down about my outfit a week before and rush out to buy a backup. And this was no exception.

After I purchased a pencil skirt from ASOS last month, I began to think of all the things that could go wrong. Would it split down the back when I tried to sit down? (it was quite tight!), would my Spanx show through? Would I actually be able to walk or would I have to waddle like a penguin?

In the end I decided that I should branch out and try the A line midi, so I set off for my old favourite Zara where I picked up this white cut out skirt for a bargain £12.99! Paired with my mules I thought this skirt was perfect and I have to say I think I'm converted.

This week I also rewarded myself with a lovely new DSLR camera. So this should hopefully mean that better photos will soon follow on here...just as soon as I work out what on earth I'm doing!

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Wednesday 13 August 2014

August Love Me Beauty Box

I received my first Love Me Beauty Box last month and was not disappointed, so after making my selection I couldn't wait for my August box to arrive.

The boxes this month consisted mainly of make-up with four full sized products available, although I went with Edition 1 as I really wanted to try out the eye cream on offer.

Oriflame - Ecollagen Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream - £16.95

This was the main reason I chose the Edition 1 box. I've been a sufferer of dark circles for as long as I can remember and no amount of sleep seems to shift them. That coupled with the fact that I'm now the wrong side of 25 means I also have those dreaded wrinkles to try and keep at bay.

The Oriflame e-collagen wrinkle correcting eye cream is enriched with Plant Stem Cell extract to help stimulate collagen production and re-plump wrinkles from within. It also has a rollerball applicator to provides a cooling effect and combat puffiness.

I really like this product, the cream absorbs really easily and has instantly moisturised a little dry patch I had by my right eye. I'll have to see how the dark circles fair with a bit more use though.

A La Carte - Smudge-proof eyebrow definer in Blonde - £23

When you have sparse brows like me then you can never have enough brow related beauty products. I do usually use the Benefit Brow Zings Kit, although I can definitely see me using this on those mornings when I'm running a little late. The precision, skinny tip pen makes it really easy to apply and versatile as it can also be used as an eyeliner.

The product only comes in the Blonde shade in all Editions of the Love Me Beauty Box, however as a Brunette I use the medium Brow Zings Kit and the colour is very similar so this shouldn't be an issue for those with darker hair.

Mirabella - Lip Luster Liner "Bashful" - £10.50

This was the product that I was least keen on this month. I actually use lip liners all the time as a replacement to lipstick to fill in the entire lip and create a matt effect. However, this product has a shiny finish which unfortunately just isn't my thing. It does contain Aloe Vera which helps to keep lips soft and if you are putting a lip gloss on top then the shine probably won't matter anyway.

Marsk - Mineral Eye Shadow "You're Toast" - £14.49

I totally love this golden pigment and it was another reason why I went for this box choice. I do probably own more brown and gold eyeshadows than I can possible ever need but hey why not add another one into the mix.

This eye shadow is a 100% natural, mineral based loose powder shadow that blends really easily. Marsk products are also produced using all natural and organic ingredients as well as being cruelty free...what's not to love?