My top 10 summer nail polishes

Hi everyone,

I, like many other females out there, own far too many nail polishes. But what can I say, I just cant help it. Your in Boots and you see these cute nail colours. Its hard not to buy them. I do love painting my nails and especially in summer. As I own so many nail polishes I thought I would share with you some of my favourites. Also with summer right around the corner I thought this would be perfect timing.

1. OPI Nail Lacquer: Gone Gonzo

This one was made for all you glitter magpies out there. This is truly a stunning nail polish and well who doesn't like a bit of glitter in summer. This is the only nail polish I own from OPI and I love it. I would love to try more of their polishes, so any recommendations? Let me know in the comments. As you can just see in this picture this polish is well loved and is nearly gone. The colour of this is a clear polish with blue and silver glitter in it. This can be worn as one coat over another polish or is absolutely stunning when layered up and worn alone. This is perfect for them summer nights when you have that special event to attend. Very glitz and glam.

2. Barry M Nail Paint: 307 Lemon Ice Cream

This one is just one of the cute pastels you will see on here today. This looks amazing when you have a tan and I especially like wearing it on my toes when I am on holiday. I know yellow doesn't suit everyone, but if yellow suits you, you need to check this one out. The name of this is perfect because I would describe this as the perfect lemon shade.

3. Barry M Nail Paint: 317 Blue Moon

This colour is ultra cute. Here you are looking at your perfect baby blue. This does need a few coats but once applied looks amazing. I just love the pastel colours from Barry M and this one does not disappoint. Its the perfect colour for those girlies that want to paint their nails this summer season but are not ultra girlie girls. 

4. Barry M Nail Paint: 304 Mint Green

I have always been a kind of mint green kind of girl and as I have grown up I just seem to love it more and more. This colour is so nice. The only way I can describe this colour is it reminds me of mint choc chip ice-cream, just without the choc chip. Although a pastel shade this is lovely and bright and pops extra nice with a nice golden tan.

5. Barry M Nail Paint: 318 Peach Melba

 Again peach melba is a colour that not everyone can pull off. I am not saying I can, I just love this colour. This is the perfect peach. What can I say this one is another that looks incredible on your toes. I always think there is nothing better than being on holiday and walking along the sand. Looking down at your toe nails and seeing an amazing colour, which let me just say, makes your feet look incredibly tanned. I mean come on if the name isn't enough to make you purchased this perfectly perfect summer shade. What is?

6. Barry M Nail Paint: 308 Berry Ice Cream

Another one where the colour is compared to ice-cream. This is a stunning girly purple. Which is pastel yet bright at the same time. I really love this colour and it is the perfect berry toned polish. You really couldn't ask for anything better. So all girls out there that love all things girly, this one is for you.

7. Rimmel London 60 Seconds: 206 Funtime Fuchsia

This is actually the first nail polish I ever bought, I know can you believe that. This is what it says on the tin. This is a fun fuchsia. I love how bright this is and as you can see I love pastel colours. But I just cant resist a bright colour for summer, especially a pink. This is probably the hottest pink I have ever seen. But that's what I love about it. Also 60 seconds, come on girls what else do you want?

8. No7 Stay Perfect: 240 Cheeky Chops

This is super cute. I would describe it as a muted hot pink. No7 polishes are absolutely beautiful, they also apply to an amazing standard. This colour is what it says on the bottle, cheeky. Wear this and you will be turning heads. This really is a stunning pink to help get you through those summer months.

9. Barry M Nail Paint: 295 Pure Turquoise

Here is one for those who aren't that girly, another blue. The difference, this one is super bright. I love this one. I think this was one of the first Barry M polishes I ever purchased and trust me it has been used many of times. Sometimes we don't fancy all these pinks and purples, that is where a pretty turquoise comes in. So if your looking for a bright blue but something that you can wear throughout the coming summer months. This may be the ticket you are looking for.

10. No7 Stay Perfect: 340 Dollar

I know what you must be thinking, Zoe you said summer shades. This one surely is too dark to be a summer shade? But no. What I love about it is the glittery (see told you I would get plenty of glitter in), metallic shimmer that runs through this polish. This is a stunning green/teal colour. Trust me when the sun catches this shade this summer, you will see what I mean. I highly recommend you give this one a try. Especially if you don't normally wear dark colours, come out of your comfort zone. Its so worth it.

So they are my top 10 summer shades. What colours will you be wearing this summer. Let me know in the comments. Have you tried any of the polishes that I mentioned? Let me know. I would love to hear. I hope you enjoyed this post.

See you next week.

Love
Zoe x 



My top tips for caring for coloured hair

Hi everyone,

 

Being a hairdresser I have a lot of clients who come into the salon for colours. But they don't know how to care for their coloured hair to keep it in good condition. Colour is such a strong product that is put onto the hair, to the point where it changes your actual hair. Having said this I colour my hair like many other people, and I love it. I currently have pink hair as I just love trying new things. But all this comes with a price to pay, you have to look after your hair. So I thought why not write a blog post on my top tips so that I can give anyone out there any advice that they may need. If this type of post interests you, keep on reading.

 

1. Use a colour care shampoo and conditioner:

 

This is only a small change you can make, but its something. Using a shampoo and conditioner that is aimed at coloured hair helps to maintain your colour. Also it contains ingredients that help to care for your hair to stop it becoming damaged. Some colour care shampoo and conditioners I love using at work are the Matrix Color Obsessed , Matrix Hello Blondie and So Silver shampoo.



Picture: http://canadianbeauty.com/matrix-total-results-color-obsessed-shampoo-and-conditioner



 



Picture: http://www.lyko.se/matrix/total-results-ny/matrix-total-results-hello-blondie-paket

2. Avoid colour build up:

 

By this I mean that you shouldn't repeatedly apply colour on colour. If you do this you will find that the ends will become damaged. So when you apply your colour, only apply it to the roots. As really if you use the same colour every time you shouldn't need to cover all of your hair. Doing just your roots will be fine. Also if you do have your colour done at the hairdressers again you really only need to have your roots touched up. That is what most of our clients do. The only reason you may need a full head of colour is if you have a semi permanent colour or are completely changing the colour. 

 

3. Use hair masks:

 

This is one of my favourite products to use on my hair. I use a hair mask about once a week. These are incredible for caring for your hair. I love the thick consistency and the way they leave your hair feeling so soft. These are awesome for people who suffer with dry, damaged hair. Whether this be heat damage or chemically damaged over processed hair. One I am currently using is the Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Intensive Mask. 



Picture: http://missbudgetbeauty.co.uk/hello-hydration

4. Avoid using too much heat:

 

This is a major one. Heat is the biggest problem when you have colour on your hair. Because too much heat means that it could cause your hair to break off. This is a massive no no. To avoid this you should only blowdry your hair when you really need to. Yes that means leaving it to dry naturally. Straighteners, do you really need to use them everyday? No. I have clients that have come to me at work and said about their hair breaking off. Every time they just don't realise its down to the amount of colour on their hair and the amount of heat they put on it. Colour and heat just don't mix well, so try to avoid it as best you can.

 

5. Use heat defence:

 

Back to my last point if you do need to use heat on your hair, then use a heat defence spray. To me this is just the normal thing to do. I wouldn't apply heat to a clients hair without using a product with heat defence in it. But when it comes to being at home clients don't think about it. This is such a simple and easy thing to do, so just remember to do it.

 

6. Use colour specific shampoos:

 

This is mainly aimed at blonde hair. You can buy specific shampoos aimed at avoiding brassiness in blonde. These tend to come with a purple undertone, as this corrects brassiness. I love using these on my hair and they really do work. I use it about once a week. Ones I love using at work are Matrix So Silver Shampoo and Matrix Hello Blondie Shampoo and Conditioner.



Picture: http://versandfriseur.de/shampoo/frauen/matrix-total-results-color-obsessed-so-silver-shampoo-300ml.html

7. Leave in conditioner and hair oils:

 

These are my two saviour products. First off leave in conditioner should become your new best friend. I have found this has helped to keep my hair in such an amazing condition. I know what you are thinking, I am talking about a lot of conditioner. But you need these things to keep your hair in good condition. Secondly hair oils are absolutely incredible. You can apply them to dry hair or damp hair. But one of my favourite ways to use it is to add it to your conditioner. I then apply this to my mid-lengths and ends and then leave it on for about 5 minutes. Then I rinse it off. This is amazing for a good pamper evening as well.

 

8. Regular trims:

 

This is one of my main points and most important. Regular trims will keep the ends of your hair in good condition and will stop it from breaking. So I cant stress how amazing trims are for your hair. I know most people come into the salon and say not too much off I am trying to grow it. But trust me, you need the trim.

 

So they are my top tips for caring for your colour. They are all very simple and easy to do. How do you care for your colour between applications? Let me know in the comments. I hope that you enjoyed this post. If you want to see anymore hair posts, let me know what in the comments.

 

Love

Zoe x



My top 5 favourite desserts

Hi everyone,

I am that person that when you go out for a meal, I am already looking at the dessert menu before my main. I know what you must be thinking from all my previous posts I have given the idea that I like to eat healthily. Which is true I do, but when I go out I just cant refuse a dessert. What can I say I have a sweet tooth. So I thought today I would talk about my top 5 favourite desserts.

1. Profiteroles

These are my weakness. Firstly they are light and fluffy and full of cream. Then they are drizzled with chocolate. I know right heaven. I also love making these myself, they are so easy to do.

2. Chocolate panna cotta

This is a new try for me and I loved it instantly. It again is such a light dessert and the texture is like nothing I have ever had. I highly recommend this. So next time you are out for a meal and panna cotta is on the menu, give it a try.

3. Pavlova

This is my summer dessert. You cant beat nice crispy meringue on the outside and a soft gooey centre. Topped off with mounds of cream and fresh strawberries. You can top your pavlova with whatever you like. Another version you can make is a chocolate pavlova. Which let me just tell you is an epic dessert.  

4. Cupcakes

I LOVE cupcakes. These are one of my favourite things to make for the family. Be they simply cupcakes with just frosting on or cupcakes with soft centres and mounds of butter icing. You cant go wrong with a cupcakes. Perfect for every occasion.

5. Chocolate cake

As you can see I am a chocolate addict. But chocolate cake is normally the dessert I go for if we go out. Be this served with cream or ice cream, I am not really that picky. I believe you can never go wrong with a slab of chocolate cake.

 So they are my top 5 desserts. What is your favourite dessert? Let me know in the comments. I hope you enjoyed this little insight in to my sweet tooth favourites. All the food in the pictures featured in this post is all homemade. I love baking. Is there anything you would like a post on that I could bake? Let me know in the comments. See you soon.

Love 

Zoe x  

My top 5 tv programmes

Hi everyone,

I have to admit I am a sucker for a TV series on box set. If I am not watching a DVD guaranteed I am watching a box set. So I thought why not round up my top 5 and tell you about them. Now I do have to say this was so hard for me to cut these down to five. As I just love too many. These don't go in a particular order, they are just 5 of my favourites. So here we go.

1. American Horror story

This one I started watching on the TV and I will admit I am not a horror kind of girl. So I actually got my sister to watch the first episode first and tell me if she thought I would like it. We were both hooked from that moment on and have watched all the way to season 4. So currently there are 4 season out on DVD and they are all different storylines. Season 1 is Murder house, season 2 is Asylum, season 3 is Coven and season 4 is Freak Show. All of these are incredible. I will be honest with you I cant even rank these 4 seasons as they are all so different and all so gripping. They are based around real life situations of things that have happened in the past. Which to me makes these all that more interesting. I wont go into detail about each one of these, as lets be honest, if I do this blog post may never end. The titles to each season do give you a good idea what they are about though. So even if your aren't into horror I really do highly recommend you give these a try. I am so glad I went out of my comfort zone to watch these. 

2. Breaking Bad

This again was one we started watching on TV and before we knew it, we had the box set on order. I loved this the moment I started watching it. Lets start with the fantastic acting from Bryan Cranston (Walter White) and Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman). All the actors and actresses were incredible but these two were the main roles and they nailed it. If you don't know anything about this programme let me give you a little low down. It is about a high school chemistry teacher called Walter White who is diagnosed with lung cancer. Who in order to be able to provide for his family once he has passed decides he wants to make crystal meth. But to do this, he has the brains to create a formula like no other on the market but he doesn't know how to shift it. This is where Jesse Pinkman comes in. Jesse is Walters former student who is also a drug dealer now later in life. These two pair up to make up the duo for Walters incredible plan which will leave enough behind that his family will never have to worry again. You see Walter and Jesses bond grow through the highs and the lows they go through. Walters story is heart breaking. Bryan Cranston really does pull you in so you feel every moment of pain and joy that Walter goes through. And Jesse, what can say, I fell in love with his character the moment he walked on screen. Aaron portrays the role of Jesse to a high standard. Starting with the bad boy we all loved the moment he walked in, to the guy behind that, who you learn so much more about as the story goes on. This is full of surprises round every corner. 

3. Friends

An old favourite that I can remember spending my days off watching. I cant express to you how excited I was when my sister bought me the box set for Christmas. I will just add I haven't watched every episode yet but they still make the top 5. This is the programme to watch when you need a good laugh. This is a programme based around six friend who live in New York City and are all in their 20s who all hang out in a coffee house. These friends are Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey and last but not least Chandler. The show follows the friends through sex, love, relationships, careers and everything in between. Every situation a group of friend could go through is shown in this programme. All the characters are fun and all fit in the show perfectly. They have a friend for every situation you would find in real life.  Expect mad clothing choices and lots of giggles. This is the perfect programme to watch when you have the girls round. 

4. The Vampire Diaries

For all you vampire fans out there, this is the one for you. I started watching this when it was first ever aired in the UK, and I have watched it ever since. The story takes place in a small town in Virginia, called Mystic Falls. This is a town that is home to many humans but also the supernatural. The story is based around three main character which are Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and two brothers, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder). Who as the storyline goes on falls in and out of love, with the two guys fighting for this one amazing girl. But lets be honest this doesn't happen without a few bumps in the road. This is an amazing series, you follow the characters through their highs and their lows. As they fall in and out of love. Finding out that life at high school just isn't as normal as they thought it would. I highly recommend this if you are into vampires and romance.

5. The Originals

So anyone that takes my above advice to watch The Vampire Diaries or have already seen it, this is what you need in your life next. This is the spin-off and it is just as good. This one is set in New Orleans. Which is why when I first started watching it I knew straight away I was going to love it. This one is set around the Mikaelson family who are all vampires, which were also in The Vampire Diaries. It is based around them coming home to New Orleans to run it again to find that Klaus's dear friend has taken charge, and he's going nowhere. You follow the families struggle to regain their city as their own. Following their love interests, friendships, loses and reunions. This one really is worth the watch. 

So they are my top 5 TV programmes that I have seen. What TV programmes do you like to watch? Let me know in the comments. Also if you have any recommendations for box sets I should watch leave them in the comments. I hope that you enjoyed this post and hopefully found something new you would like to watch.

Love
Zoe x

The body shop nutriganics smoothing serum review

Hi everyone,

Today I have another little review for you. I recently tried The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Serum and boy do I like it. So I thought why not write a blog post about it so you can find out a bit about it and what it does. So here we go.

 1. What does it do?

This serum softens, revitalises and improves skins suppleness. Which is amazing as everyone wants soft skin. Also the main feature of this product is that it helps with first signs of ageing. So anyone out there who are starting to see their first signs of ageing, this is the skincare range you are looking for in your life. The reason I use this product is because it helps to give you a more energised and healthy looking complexion.

2. How do you use it?

To apply this product I use it after I have cleansed and toned my skin. I then take one pump of this and apply it in an upward circular motion to my skin. This is best used morning and evening before applying your moisturiser.

3. What is different about this serum to others?

The ingredients to this product are incredible. First off 99% of the total ingredients are from natural origins. 34% of them are from organic farming. This includes ingredients such as community fair trade organic babassu oil, organic buddleja and thyme, community fair trade organic olive oil and aloe Vera. I mean you can see for yourself how amazing these ingredients are, and together they make a awesome product.

4. What is good about this product?

- The packaging is simple yet sleek.
- The pump makes it easy to get the right amount of product.
- It smells amazing, I think it smells a bit like sherbet.
- The consistency is light and is easily absorbed into the skin.
- Fights first signs of ageing.
- My complexion has looked healthier since I have been using it.
- The bottle size is perfect as you can fit it in your handbag/makeup bag.

5. What is bad about it?


I literally have one thing that I can pick this product up on. This is that due to the design of the packaging, you don't know if you finish all the product up. You just have to assume that when you cant get anymore out of the pump that it is finished.

6. Who is this product aimed at?

This product is aimed mainly at people between 30-40 years old. Which I know I am not anywhere near but I don't use this for the anti ageing effects. I use it because I was looking for new products that would help my complexion. This does just that job. I also think that this would be amazing for people with dry skin as well. But as I said this is mostly aimed at people hoping to help their first signs of ageing.

7. Where can you buy this?

I purchased this product off of the body shop website. But sadly I cant find it on there now. I have been in contact with someone from The Body Shop and they have reassured me that it will be making a reappearance on their website and to keep and eye out for it. If you wish to visit their website just click here.

So this is my review for this body shop serum, I hope that you enjoyed it. This is actually the first ever skincare product I have used from The Body Shop. I hope to try some more in the future. If you have any recommendations please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear them.

Love
Zoe x 

My yankee candle scenterpiece collection

Hi everyone,

So as you know I am a candle addict. Well at Christmas, I know that was ages ago, I got a Yankee Candle scenterpiece warmer. Ever since I have been buying scenterpiece meltcups and I love them. Let me give you a bit of the basics on what the scenterpiece range is. First you will need the scenterpiece warmer, which as you can see in the picture below I chose a black one, as it is simple and goes with my room décor. You then plug this into the mains and place a scenterpiece meltcup into it and it slowly melts. This then infuses the room with the scent. The best thing about these is that if you want to change the scent you simply change over the meltcup. So here are the meltcups that I own and a bit about them.

 

1. Pink Sands

This one I fell instantly in love with the moment I smelt it. This one includes scents of citrus, floral and vanilla. Believe me I haven't met anyone yet that hasn't liked this one. This is the perfect meltcup for summer. The fragrance of this is on the strong side when you smell it but as it melts it is more of a lighter fragrance. If you are near a shop that sells Yankee Candle you should totally go in and have a smell of this one.

 

 2. Pineapple Cilantro

Say hello to summer scent number two. If you are a pineapple and coconut fan, this one is for you. When you take a sniff of this one you are welcomed with the wonderful scents of pineapple, cilantro and coconut. So this summer if you are looking for that perfect scent to make your house smell like a exotic holiday destination, look no further.

3. Summer Scoop

As you can see I am a sucker for the summer scents. But this one quite literally is summer in melt form. Who likes strawberry ice cream? If you do this is the only meltcup you will ever need in your life. With the fragrance of strawberry ice cream, this is pure luxury. Lets start with the colour, I mean come on, could that look anymore summery. Then you pop open the lid and you are hit with this blend of creamy strawberry goodness. This was made for the ultimate foodie.

4. Wild Fig

This one is a bit different. Wild fig is a very rich, fruity aroma. Which some may say is too over powering, I know my sister does. But this meltcup is rich in the scent of ripe figs. Figs never really appealed to me as a scent, but do not be put off. I am so glad I purchased this one. If you like rich aromas, give this one a smell.

5. Mango Peach Salsa

I know what you are thinking, why would you want your house to smell like salsa? My answer to you is, because it is just so good. I personally love fruity scents, as you can tell from most of the above. This one is sweet zesty mango, peaches, citrus, ginger flowers and pink pepper. Sounds a bit mad? The combination is incredible. That really is the only way I can describe it. You really do need to go give this one a smell, just to realise the amazing combination these fragrances create. It will blow your mind.

6. Kilimanjaro Stars

This one is the exception among my collection, I literally have nothing like this. This is described as nightfall on the ice covered peaks. The scent is cool mint and earthy patchouli. This combination is out of this world you can just smell the mint coming through the earthiness of the patchouli. When I first smelt this me and my sister both said, men's aftershave. I know this sounds strange but believe if you smell this I guarantee you will think the same. 

So they are the meltcups I own and love. Have you tried any? If so what ones? Let me know in the comments. I really think that this is an amazing idea from Yankee Candle. Especially for people who love Yankee Candles but are not keen on burning candles in the house. If you are interested what other meltcups you can get, you can find them here. I hope that you enjoyed this post and if you have any recommendations for other meltcups, let me know in the comments.

Love
Zoe x

A day in my life

Hi everyone,

 

On Sunday 8th May we spent the day at Holkham beach. So I thought I would film the day for you. From getting ready to going to bed. Now please bare in mind that all the clips I have filmed and edited have been done on my IPhone 5s. I absolutely loved filming my day and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it. On this particular day it was absolutely beautiful but there was a very cold wind. But the weather made the beach look so beautiful. I feel so privileged to have such lovely beaches in the area I live in. I tried to film as much as I possibly could. If you would be interested in more posts with videos or even me starting uploading to YouTube regularly. Let me know in the comments. I hope you enjoying seeing my day.

 

The video is actually to large to add to my blog post. So I have had to upload it to YouTube, this could be the start of something. Below I have added the link to the video. I would love if you gave it a watch.

 

https://youtu.be/T0uuDxQWM4s

 

Love

Zoe x

 

 



At home manicure routine

Hi everyone,

As you know I love a pamper session. So when it comes to my nails, I love trying to keep them looking their best. I use to be a nail biter and still sometimes do. But I do find that if I keep my nails in the best shape possible, I bit them less. I am also what I would call a stress biter, I bit my nails when I am stressed or extremely nervous. So this doesn't help at all. This is the routine I follow when I give myself a little manicure.

Step 1: Remove polish

This step only applies if you already have polish on your nails. If you do, just take your nail polish remover and apply it to a cotton pad. Then wipe this over your nails. I personally use an acetone free nail polish remover as it is kinder on my nails.

Step 2: Scrub

I like to include a scrub in my manicure routine just to remove any dead skin from around my nails. As my hands are constantly in water I do find that they get very dry, so this does help. What I do is I just wet my hands slightly and then apply the scrub one hand at a time. I work this in circular motions and then rinse off.

Step 3: Push back and remove cuticles

This step I always find is the most important. As a previous nail biter my cuticles are always awful as they grow up to protect the nail. So normally this gives me a lot of work to do. Sometimes I will apply a cuticle removing cream before I push them back. Or I just go straight in and push them back. Once I have pushed my cuticles back I normally snip them off with my cuticle cutters.

 Step 4: File nails

This step is easy peasy, you just need to file your nails in to your desired shape. I think I use a file that is an 180 grit. Make sure you file in one direction so that you don't damage your nail.

 Step 5: Apply base coat

Whenever you apply a nail polish you should always apply a base coat. This will stop the coloured polish from staining your natural nail. Make sure you leave it to dry completely before applying your colour.

 Step 6: Apply colour

So now you need to decide which colour you are going to apply. I personally apply two-three coats of this polish. Just make sure that every coat is dry before you apply the next one.

 Step 7: Apply topcoat

This step just finishes the polish off nicely. Giving it that lovely shine we all love. Apply this polish very thin and wait for it to dry fully.

Step 8: Apply oil

You should next apply oil to the cuticle area to keep it feeling soft and conditioned. I love applying oil to my nails as I find it helps to keep them feeling strong. To do this, just apply a small amount to your cuticles and massage that into your cuticles and nails.

Step 9: Apply hand cream

Lastly because I normally do this routine in the evening I end by applying a hand cream. As this leaves my hands feeling incredibly soft and helps with any dry patches.

So that is an at home manicure routine that I follow. As I have said I absolutely love doing little pampering sessions. Having said this I also love nothing more than paying my lovely beauty therapist a visit and a getting a manicure done. I hope that you enjoyed this post and it inspires you to have a little pamper session. While your there why not check out my Pedicure routine and be pampered head to toe. 

Love

Zoe x 

My haircare routine

Hi everyone,

For todays post I thought I would talk to you about my hair care routine. I personally try to keep my hair in the best condition I can. So I do follow a routine just so that I can keep it feeling incredible. Some of the basics of my hair is that I do colour my hair, I have bleach and a permanent blonde on there. I also only wash my hair three times a week. So here is the routine I follow to keep my hair in the best condition possible.

Step 1: Shampoo

I start by shampooing my hair using the Bleach London Rose Shampoo. This shampoo is perfect as currently my hair is pink so this helps to maintain it. So I start by wetting my hair I then massage some of the shampoo into my hair and leave it for 2-3 minutes. I then repeat this.

Step 2: Conditioner

For conditioner I use the Bleach London Rose Conditioner. This again works incredibly with my pink hair and just helps to keep it looking fresh. To use this conditioner I apply it to my mid-lengths and ends. Then I leave it for 3-4 minutes.

3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner

I have to use a leave-in conditioner or there is no hope of getting a comb through my hair. I use the Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance. This smells absolutely divine. When I apply this I just spray it evenly over my hair and then comb it through.

4. Apply Oil

To keep my hair in the best condition possible I use a hair oil. The one that I use is the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil. Hair oils are perfect for people who want to get that extra moisture into their hair. They can be used on damp or dry hair and can be added to your conditioner for a conditioning treatment. I just take two pumps of this oil and apply it to the mid-lengths and ends of my hair when its damp. 

5. Leave To Dry Naturally

I always do this as it means I am not adding extra heat on my hair. My hair only takes a couple of hours max to dry.

The next day....

6. Apply Heat Defence

Before I style my hair the next day I always apply heat defence if I am going to use any heat on my hair. I personally like TRESemme Heat Defence. Heat defence is always a must if you are going to be using any heated appliance on your hair. To use this I just spray it all over my hair and comb it through.

7. Straighten My Hair

I don't always straighten my hair, sometimes I curl it. But I thought I would use straighten for this post as it is what I do most. That is if I do anything to my hair. I just straighten my hair section by section to get the best result.

So that's my basic hair care routine. I do use masks on my hair as well, if you would like a post about this please let me know in the comments. I hope that you enjoyed reading this post. I personally love these types of posts, so I hope you do too.

Love
Zoe x

My tanning routine

Hi everyone,

As you would know from previous blog posts I have written, I am a tanning addict. Yes that's right I do have quite a fake tan problem. This time of the year is when the tans start coming out and I use them weekly to maintain that "glow" I get from wearing it. I do stick to quite a strict tanning routine, just because I know this works for me and I achieve my best tan. So I thought today I would share with you my fake tanning routine. I hope you enjoy.

Application:

DAY 1:
1. Exfoliate and moisturise:

First I start by exfoliating my whole body when I am in the bath or the shower. I like to use the St Tropez Body Polish. This body polish is so lovely to use before you tan. St Tropez have formulated this body polish to be gentle yet effective when it comes to removing tired skin cells. This preps the skin perfectly for applying your tan. Once I have dried off my skin I next apply the St Tropez Tan Enhancing Moisturiser. This is a very light moisturiser, which is perfect for before a tan. This moisturiser helps to stop the tan breaking up, so helps to stop patchy tan. What I do with this is I apply it to my elbows, knees, ankles, hands and feet. This is because these are the main dry areas you will get and you will find you may get some patchiness here.

Picture: http://www.feelunique.com/p/St-Tropez-Tan-Optimiser-Body-Polish-240ml

Picture: http://www.boscovs.com/shop/prod/st-tropez-tan-enhancing-body-polish/368611.htm?utm_source=BingPA&utm_medium=CSE&utm_term=368611&utm_content=Beauty%20%3E%20St.%20Tropez&utm_campaign=CSE&cid=CSE:BingPA

2. Apply your chosen tan using a tanning mitt:

So once you have completed your perfect prep, its time for an amazing application. What you need to do next is take your chosen tan, I am using the No7 Perfectly Bronzed Quick Dry Tinted Lotion. This one is perfect for any first time tanners as you can build on it. No7 have made it with a lovely formula which is super moisturising because it contains babassu oil and passion flower seed oil. It also glides on like a dream. For my face currently I am using Garnier Ambre Solaire Light No Streaks Bronzer Dry Face Mist. This one works perfectly for me as I can find some self tans can bring me out in blemishes if I use them on my face. To apply my tans I simply apply the lotion to my St Tropez Tanning Mitt. Next I apply this to my skin and blend it out till it is well blended into my skin. I finish by evenly spraying my face with the tanning mist. 

 3. Leave to develop:

Each tan is different for their development times so make sure that you check with the one you are using. Personally the one I have used can be washed off after two hours, but I usually sleep in it. This is what I find works best for me.

4. Wash it off:

So once your tan has developed fully, you can now wash it off. Just make sure that after you have washed off your tan, you moisturise. This will keep your skin feeling soft.

DAY 2:

You may not want to follow with the second day, I personally do this as I want to achieve the darkest tan I possibly can. If you wish to take your routine to the second day simply start by moisturising those dry areas. Then repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 from day 1.

Maintain:

To maintain my tan I exfoliate twice a week. Once to remove the dead skin cells so my tan fades evenly. Second to remove my tan after the week. I then moisturise my skin everyday. To help my tan to fade evenly so it doesn't go patchy.

So that is the routine I follow for my tan. Have you got any tanning tips? Let me know in the comments. I hope that you enjoyed this post as much as I have writing it. What tan do you like to use? I am always looking for new recommendations. See you next week for more posts.

Love
Zoe x



My top 5 favourite blogs to read

Hi everyone,

I knew even before I started writing a blog, I loved reading blogs. This hasn't changed since I started writing mine, if anything I read more now. There is something about reading a blog post I find so special. Every blog post symbolises something that blogger is truly passionate about. That to me is the magical moment where you find out that tiny bit more about that person. I have blogs I have only just started recently, since I began blogging myself. But I also have blogs that I have read from day 1, and I have to say I feel incredible proud to have watched these ones grow. So I thought today I would share with you my top 5 blogs, be this new findings I have found or my old favourites.

Pamperedprune:

Picture: https://twitter.com/pamperedprune

  Amy from Pamperedprune is amazing. We have become such close friends since we started blogging. But most importantly her blog is amazing. If you are looking for beauty tips and product recommendations, this is your girl. Her posts are written incredibly well and her layout is beautiful. Amy does post regularly which is something I love. New content is a massive plus for me because if I am going be honest I just love reading Amy's content. You can check out Amy's blog here.

Charlene and Leanne:

I have read Charlene and Leanne's blog from day one. Leanne was my tutor back when I was in high school as I went to college two days a week to do hair and beauty. When I saw these lovely ladies where writing a blog (and now doing YouTube) I just knew I had to read it. Charlene is a hairdresser and Leanne is a beauty therapist, these combined make an incredible duo for writing such a perfect blog. The layout of the girls blog is just stunning and their content is always to a high standard. I also must say a massive thank you to these girls because they were the ones who made me think yes I could write a blog. So thank you to both of you for your endless advice and support you have given me. You can check out this lovely blog here.  

Lauren's look's:

Laurens blog is the holy grail of a girly blog. Honestly you cant look through her blog without seeing something pink, amazing cupcakes and cocktails. Also this girl is an absolute stunner to say the least. When I first came across Laurens blog I literally sat there all night reading as many of her post as possible. If you are looking for a blog with a stunning layout, amazing pictures and something that oozes girly, this is the place to be. She posts everything from personal posts to cute cocktails she has made. So if you want to check Laurens blog out, you can here.

Lavender and Honey:

This lovely lady is all the way from Las Vegas. Samantha's blog is so simple yet it looks absolutely stunning at the same time. She blogs everything from beauty and fashion to travel, music and life. Her posts are so well written and I could literally sit and read them all day. Also I just find the name of her blog extremely cute. You can check out her blog here.

Cayless:

Picture: https://twitter.com/cayless_blog

These two girlies are sisters and together they write one mean blog. They write about everything from beauty and fashion to travel. My personal favourites are their travel post, mainly because they make me what to go everywhere. But I love all their other posts too, these ones just attract me. If you are into travel posts please pop over and check out these girlies. They also post incredible photos of the places they have been, which just makes you want to go even more. You can check out Jenna and Laurens blog here.

So they were my top five. What are your top five blogs to read? Let me know in the comments. I am always looking for new blogs to discover whether they have been going for a while or are complete newbies. If you have any recommendations please leave them down below. Also if you write a blog, leave me you link in the comments so I can check you out.

Love

Zoe x