Monday 10 July 2017

2017 || JUNE FAVOURITES


June was yet an another big month full of new products for me to try out. I got my hands on some amazing limited edition products from MAC as well as my very first Milani product, but my favourite thing about June was finishing second year of university and getting a very good grade too! Happy days!


Unfortunately, June has also brought many devastating events such as the Grenfell Tower fire, the Finsbury Park attack, and many more terrible, terrible events. This month will definitely not be forgotten and my love and sympathy are with those affected by the terrible events. However, I don't want this post to be depressing and uneasy to read as we should all try to move on and share love around the world, so let's get into it.


Were coloured mascaras ever a proper thing? I remember experimenting with different colours when I was younger and going to school discos, but now it's so rare to find a wearable shade that isn't too 'in your face'. Ever since discovering the YSL Luxurious Mascara False Lash Effect in the shade Extreme Blue, I was hooked and can safely say this is my favourite summer mascara. I think the blue really complements my eye colour, especially if worn with bronze eyeshadows and a bit of liner.



Most of you probably already know that I'm a massive sucker for pretty packaging, so when I saw that MAC brought out a new Summer collection including a coconut scented Fix+, I knew I had to buy it. So, quite naturally I picked up the Fix+ which smells absolutely divine, and also this cute Hawaiian looking bronzer which makes a perfect addition to my little collection. I've said it before and will stick to it, that MAC's limited edition packaging is over-rated however, I still fall for it every time... Being a huge fan of anything coconut scented and the original Fix+ spray I knew that it was a no-brainer that I'll love this newbie (I wasn't wrong - it is amazing). On the other hand, the bronzer is so beautiful to look at that I haven't given it a proper go yet as I'm scared I'll ruin the pretty pattern! I bet I sound so whiny but I just love the pattern too much! I was the same when it came to my Elizabeth Arden bronzer but now I've used it plenty of times.


I've not tried a lot of Lancome products but the ones I have tested out were pretty damn good. Who doesn't love a new fragrance? When my mum gifted me with the Lancome La Vie Est Belle I was very happy and surprised with how much I actually loved it. Not only was I intrigued by the perfume because of the beautiful Julia Roberts who is the face of Lancome, but also because of the unique shape of the bottle and its not-so-old-fashioned scent as I expected it to be.


Finally, the star of the month. I must admit that I've not been a religious user of blushers these past few years of me using makeup however, I started to get back into wearing blusher recently and this little guy has completely won me over that I NEED the whole collection like, right now, please! I bought the shade 'Tea Rose' which is very cool-toned and I thought it'll work best with my skin tone without making me look too flushed or unnatural. I have my eyes on the other shades, so who knows maybe I'll feature another one in my next monthly favourites?

What have you been loving last month? Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Wednesday 5 July 2017

HOW I CLEARED MY ACNE IN LESS THAN 90 DAYS (AD)



*Personal post alert*

I don't even know where to start... I have been struggling with bad skin for 12 years and it's something that has bothered me since I started secondary school and met some horrible people. I wasn't too fussed about having spots and looking after my skin more until I got bullied for it - how can someone say a bad thing about something so natural? Either way, I tried a great number of different products which were either a hit or miss, but all I can say is that going to see a dermatologist was the best decision I made.

I was given yet another set of pills which were so strong that if I got pregnant while taking them, the baby would have been deformed... Is it healthy to put your body at such risk just to get off some damn spots? Either way, they did go away after a year of being on those meds but along with losing spots, I have also lost my good eyesights and now will have to wear glasses for the rest of my life.

Guess what? The spots came back, haha. At the age of 21, I still feel like a hormonal teenager who can't wait to get rid of bad skin. It might be due to my contraception method (I'm on the implant) but I can't blame all my unwellness of that, can I?


When I came across Proactiv+ I thought 'it's just another brand claiming to fight blemishes', but when I received a 90-day sample to try out for myself I was very excited to try it out for myself - got nothing left to lose, eh? I researched into the company and have seen many adverts in which Jorgie Porter shares her acne story - I knew she suffered from bad skin as I watched I'm A Celeb while she was on it. So you can imagine how much I was looking forward to trying the Proactiv+ Trio (I was also sent their face mask).


Step 1: Cleanse and Exfoliate

The Skin Smoothing Exfoliator contains blemish-fighting salicylic acid and gentle exfoliating beads to slough away dead skin cells, dirt, oil, grime and makeup. It reveals fresh, smooth skin while helping to calm irritated skin as well as being oil-free and dermatologist tested + suitable for all skin types - hooray! I apply this product twice a day - once in the morning as soon as I get up, and once at night before going to bed. This exfoliator retails at £29.99 however, you can get it at a discounted price of £23.99 if you join the membership programme. I find this product very gentle for my skin without any irritation, if you have read my recent skincare routine you will already know that I have a combination skin type which makes finding the right products very difficult, so this one is honestly amazing for those who have sensitive skin.


Step 2: Target and Treat

The Pore Targeting Treatment is probably my favourite item from the collection. It's described as a blemish-fighting 'powerhouse' of the system which contains an exclusive Smart Target technology, helping to deliver salicylic acid into the pores where blemishes begin. It kills bacteria and eliminates excess oil and debris, and works deep in the pores to break down dead skin cells, dirt and sebum. Now you know why I love this product!! I feel like this treatment works very well as it pushes out all the nastiness from the debris (middle layer of the skin) which makes spots come out on the epidermis so that your skin feels fresh and clean from underneath as well as on top. I do find that when the nasties are pushed out on the surface of my skin, it makes me break out a lot but that's when I knew the product was working as it was clearing out my skin from the inside, plus the spots would only last a few days with continuous use. This little gem also retails at £29.99, and you can get it for £23.99 like the exfoliator. You get less product in this one but I would suggest buying this one over the other ones I've tried if you're after only one product.


Step 3: Hydrate and Perfect

The third and final step of the treatment includes the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator which is specifically designed to hydrate and nourish acne-prone skin. It addresses the skin tone, texture, post-blemish marks, oil, dryness, and lack of brightness. The salicylic acid helps keep pores clean and looking smaller, as well as leaving the skin hydrated, supple, smooth, even-toned and bright.
I use this as my daily moisturiser after the Pore Targeting Treatment sinks into my skin, I find it very cooling and smoothing which makes a great base for my makeup (I wear a full face of makeup most days). This moisturiser is also £29.99 but £23.99 at a member price, which will cost less than £1 a day to clear up your skin in just 90 days if you buy all 3 products.


Skin Purifying Mask:

Like I've mentioned before, I was also kindly given the Skin Purifying Mask to try out. This mask is formulated to help clear existing blemishes and help prevent new breakouts from forming. It's very tightening on the skin which makes me feel like it's actually doing something to my skin, such as clearing out and minimising my pores and getting rid of sebum. I try to use face masks once or twice a week, so I usually switch between this one and a moisturising mask each time.



The Results:

After using the Proactiv+ 90 Day 3-Step Core System and face mask, I can honestly say that I have noticed a massive difference in how my skin looks and feels. Unfortunately, I don't have a good enough image of my skin before starting the treatment but if you've been following me for a while then you'll know how bad my skin can get (the bumps are usually visible in makeup posts). I highly recommend the trio to anyone who is suffering from bad acne and has tried many products which they weren't happy with. If you're not wanting to spend a lot of money then I suggest you try out a 30 day 3-Step Core Kit with Proactiv's membership programme which allows you to get the whole bundle for only £19.99 (special discounts apply to members and occasionally regular visitors).


*The kit was kindly sent to me by Proactiv+ however, all opinions are my own. The post may include affiliate links.

Would you try the Proactiv+ kit? Do you suffer from acne?

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Wednesday 21 June 2017

REVIEW || XLASH SERUM AND MASCARA


Has anyone actually ever found a mascara that they're 100% happy with? I know that after 10 years of religiously wearing mascara (either clear, brown or black) I have become very fussy with the formula, wands, and even packaging! So when I was sent some of the Xlash products to try out I was super excited to see what all the fuss was about.


The packaging is alright, nothing fancy yet it's different to the ones I've tried before. I prefer the packaging of the serum, but having my MAC False Lashes mascara next to the other two kinds of makes them look worse - don't be fooled by the packaging though as I do not get on very well with the MAC mascara.


I love the fact that the mascara is infused with vitamin E as it's a great treatment for those with thinning lashes - I've noticed a huge difference in the thickness and quality of my lashes as this mascara doesn't pull them out when I take my makeup off. At first, I found the consistency very odd as it was crumbling off my lashes in a rubbery sort of way - if that even makes sense?? Either way, it didn't rip any lashes out which I thought was great as my usual mascaras come off with 1000 lashes every time!


I find the serum also helps with strengthening my lashes and letting them 're-charge' overnight as that's when I like to apply the product. I was expecting the applicator to be a wand but weirdly it's a liner sort of brush which makes the application a lot easier.


Here you can see the applicator which I think is fab for precise application that allows all lashes to be covered and replenish overnight. I also believe that this product will last a while even with daily usage as I've had it for a few weeks now and feel like there's an infinite supply of it!


I apologise for the quality of this photo - it took many attempts to try and get the camera to focus on the wand rather than the background but stubbornly it wasn't having any of it. As you can see, the wand is medium-sized with sparse bristles for a natural look. It's also curved for an easier application and natural curve which I love for work, especially during days like today.

Overall, I really enjoy using both products but if I had to recommend one of them then I'd say try the serum as I have honestly noticed a difference in the thickness and length of my lashes!

*The Xlash mascara and serum have been sent for me to try out and I am a part of the ambassadors' team for the company. All opinions are always honest and my own!

Have you tried or been thinking about using any of the Xlash products? If so, which one(s)?

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Monday 19 June 2017

WHAT TO DO IN THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS IF YOU'RE STAYING IN THE UK



I must say that the past few days this month and a few days last month have been absolutely amazing and the heat has made me very excited for my holiday this year!
For those who are staying local for the Summer but not sure on what to do to make the most out of it - here's a few tips:

1. Have a picnic with friends and/or family

I love having picnics, it's one of my most favourite things to do during hot summer days (other than BBQ's). I always message my friends or just turn around to Kieran and say 'let's have a picnic' and off we go to a lovely park for a few hours and enjoy our own company with no social media (minus taking lots and lots of photos haha).

2. Have a BBQ

I feel like this one is so obvious to those who live in houses and have their own gardens, but what should you do when you want a BBQ but live in a flat? Well, what I like to do is buy one of those BBQ Oven inserts and make my and Kieran's favourite on those! We usually have burgers, sausages, chicken skewers/fillets, and lots of veggies! Then, all that you need now are cold drinks and a big fan for an illusion of the wind!

3. Rent a Camper Van

I used to have an obsession with camper vans when I was younger, so when I heard that you can hire a camper van I was over the moon! Now I'm just waiting to get my driver's license so I can cruise around in my very own Fillmore (excuse the Cars reference, it's one of my first memories of falling in love with camper vans). The best camper vans and closest to my area are the Cozy Camper Hire in Manchester. I think they're great and are something I would definitely be interested in as I hate camping out in a tent! If you're a lover of festivals and can drive then maybe this would be a great option if you don't like sleeping on the floor!

4. Go down to the seaside

I love the sea. I find it so relaxing being at the beach and reading or listening to music. Unfortunately, the closest beach to me is around 2 hours away so I only go when it's planned out well and knowing that I haven't got a lot of work to come back to.

5. Have brunch/lunch outside

One of the things I love to do the most all year around is eating hahaha. I love going out for afternoon tea, and yummy lunch, but the best thing about this weather is that you can eat out on the terrace in restaurants or even go to a rooftop bar for midday drinks - yummy!

*This post is a collaboration with Cozy Camper and does not include affiliate links nor is it sponsored. All opinions are always my own.

What are your plans for this Summer? Are you going away or staying local?

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Wednesday 14 June 2017

OOTD || A TRIP TO WOLLATON PARK


When May decided to bring the most gorgeous week to England, I knew I had to get out the house and away from revision, so I decided to go to my local park in Wollaton. I believe it was around 28 degrees Celsius which is amazing for England! Shame the weather isn't keeping up with us now...


~Dress, Shoes & Bag are from Primark. Sunglasses are Oscar De La Renta.



Do excuse my bad roots - I'm in desperate need of a haircut & touch up but I find it very hard to trust hairdressers in my area as I'm never fully satisfied! :(





Kieran went all out taking pictures of me haha, I do love the fact that he takes my passion for blogging seriously and encourages me to work harder! This man is honestly amazing.




I feel like this outfit is so easily wearable! I remember when I bought this dress when it first came out and then my sister bought it as soon as she saw me wear it which not only is a huge compliment but it also means that it's suitable for all people, no matter what age or size. The mules are very comfy and I wear them literally alllll the time! And for the bag - do I need to say much? I mean, micro bags are very in right now (click here to see what's fashionable in SS17), plus the marble pattern is just music to my ears, or should I say heaven to my eyes??


What have you been up to during the lovely weather we had recently?

Lots of love,
Maya xo
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