Sorry for not posting in a long time but I've been busy finishing my University work which is now officially over! The first year has flown by and I am enjoying relaxing in the warm weather before the job hunting begins... I've been trying out a few summery products and generally being outside a lot more so I thought I would share what I've been enjoying.
Apologies for the bad quality picture, it was the only spot in my room not covered in moving boxes and clutter!
My favourite book at the moment is called 'The Opposite of Loneliness' which is a collection of essays and stories by Marina Keegan, a very talented writer who tragically was in an accident and died shortly after graduating from Yale. Being aware that she is no longer with us made reading the non fiction sections quite difficult as I found it really upsetting hearing her dreams for the future. The short stories were enchanting and there are so many hopeful and inspiring quotes that I've actually written down to keep. I've since begged everyone I know to read it as she really captured the potential of our generation and the struggle when dealing with uncertainty, something we can all relate to.
BIG by Lush is a shampoo I talk about this
here and I am still just as obsessed. With seaweed, coconut oil and sea salt this shampoo adds a lot of shine and volume and the fresh scent stays in my hair for the entire day. If you wash your hair everyday, this isn't suitable as it can be drying. I only use this once or twice a week and it cleanses my scalp and really helps with scrunching hair while it dries to make it extra curly. I've only got a tiny bit left of this and I will be repurchasing for sure as it's lasted a really long time!
Another Lush product I've tried recently is the Rub Rub Rub shower scrub which came in a gift box given to me by my lovely friends Lizzie and Laura! The blue scrub has a light floral scent and the salt gives it a sea-air vibe. I used it on dry skin, like my feet and elbows for a rough scrub and on wet skin on my legs so that it would be a little less harsh. Both worked really well and made me feel a little more confident about wearing shorts to the beach as my skin looked less dull and actually glowed. I'm yet to try this in my hair but if it's as good at adding volume as Big then I'll be chuffed!
I bought The Body Shop's Banana shampoo for my boyfriend and have fallen in love with it myself! it is creamy with a lovely strong banana scent which reminds me of holidays. This leaves my hair really noticeably shiny,which might be thanks to the honey in the shampoo. Cheap and gentle, it's one I'll definitely buy again.
Normally I find that a majority of toners are mainly water and don't really see the point, but I received a sample of the balancing toner by Grown Alchemist and thought I'd give it a try. A quick swipe in the afternoon, when my face is feeling too hot or gross after travelling and it feels really refreshed. This has Rose Absolute, Ginseng and Chamomile which gives it both skin calming properties and a fresh scent. If you suffer with redness or general oiliness throughout the day, this is a really nice option as it feels cleansing without drying the skin out.
Another skincare favourite is the Cucumber gel mask by Peter Thomas Roth, which feels amazing on tired, burnt or post-waxed skin. With papaya, pineapple and aloe on the ingredients list, this has a really tropical, plant-like scent which I love and the gloopy texture melts onto your face leaving it moisturised and refreshed. Using this when cold from the fridge also feels incredible, especially if you have puffy eyes.
Now the weather might be sunny, but my skin is definitely still dry from the winter and needs intense hydration. I've been using Soap and Glory's Sugar Crush body buttercream on my legs for a few months now and it's great. The scent is one of my favourites, it's filled with lime oils and smells like a sugary fruit pastille! If you are after a budget friendly, summer scented moisturiser then I would definitely recommend trying out the Soap and Glory range.
