tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40152957212558396512024-03-16T21:38:06.024+00:00VOGUE BY MAYABeauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blog.Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-28863431152592501822021-11-14T16:56:00.010+00:002022-01-28T20:24:33.349+00:00REVIEW || PIXI BY PETRA ON THE GLOW BLUSHER TRIO<div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Pixi on the glow blusher in a stick" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLgTVS9_o80/YQboQwE9D3I/AAAAAAAALZk/mwz6nAJv2bwzkDoktNKFIZt1s2rIbdF5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pixi%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bglow%2Bblush%2Breview.1.JPG" /><br /><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains gifted items and affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't think I've ever liked the formula of cream blushers until trying these <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bytk2" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Pixi On-the-Glow Blush Sticks</span></i></a>. I've tried a few in the past including MAC cream blushers and just felt like they were too hard to work with, especially when it came to blending.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As these are in a handy stick packaging, they're super easy to apply and blend as well as travel-friendly. I always keep a shade in my makeup bag, often switching between shades based on what look I'm going for on the day.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Pixi on-the-glow blush stick in shade juicy" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oy5da6XKwE0/YWL051Eg8sI/AAAAAAAALac/AvzgHqwvApArSPa6eC7aFzB_iwibZVJcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pixi%2Bbeauty%2Bcoral%2Bblush%2Bstick.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>PIXI On-the-Glow Blush in shade Juicy:</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">This is definitely my favourite shade out of the 3 that I was sent by Pixi. It's a gorgeous bright peachy-orange shade with a lot of warm undertones. It looks absolutely stunning on the skin, very fresh and sun-kissed, with a natural glow. I love wearing it with either an orange lipstick or sometimes put the blusher on my lips straight from the stick followed by <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bytlv" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">my favourite lip oil.</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The formula of these blushers is different to any other products I've used as it's not too creamy and not too dry. I don't really use it straight from the stick (only when I wear a tinted moisturiser) so I like to use a stippling brush to apply it to the skin on top of foundation to avoid smearing it before setting it with a translucent powder.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Pixi On-the-Glow Blushers Swatches" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nocf_I4JbnE/YW2snLBQC4I/AAAAAAAALas/DYRveJYTflEWYBVpKOfqiCE_KcqpVEQhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pixi%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bglow%2Bblush%2Breview.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpEUq0hrHms/YZFA7J0Wf4I/AAAAAAAALbE/nz1GPItPfTUbWwfK6AgYLkeeiDQpYomlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pixi%2BBeauty%2BBlusher%2Bin%2BRuby.JPG" title="Pixi Blusher in shade Ruby" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">PIXI On-the-Glow Blush in shade Ruby:</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">This is my least favourite shade from the trio but only because it's too dark for my complexion. I think it will look absolutely stunning on darker skin tones, or maybe toned down slightly by blending for lighter skin. This Pixi On-the-Glow blusher is a deep pinky-red shade, that's reminiscent of a winter rose - perfect for the holiday season! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I actually ended up passing this shade onto my sister who has an olive skin tone as it looks great on her after being out in the sun. I'm sure she'll get more use out of it than I would.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Swatched of the Pixi On-the-Glow blushers in shades Ruby, Juicy and Fleur." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8z3Z0jy3SjQ/YZE0u4KjN-I/AAAAAAAALa8/9q59Gm8Xj28v1sG8BF0vgnCXtx7ymlyDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pixi%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bglow%2Bblush%2Breview.5.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvcioWGAN2c/YZFBFYrisaI/AAAAAAAALbI/0wtIk7DklyAPkCt1Yat6sVFtlzLwUatrACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pixi%2BBeauty%2BBlusher%2Bin%2BFleur.JPG" title="Pixi Blusher in shade Fleur" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">PIXI On-the-Glow Blush in shade Fleur:</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">This gorgeous blue-toned pink blusher looks stunning on the skin. I feel like it really suits my neutral undertone, but would look equally as lovely on cool undertones too. The formula is the same as the other two shades, but I find that this colour has a bit more depth to it and almost gives a sculpted look when applied in the right places. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I think that these blushers are great to use on the go (as the name clearly suggests) as they are very easy to blend with just your fingertips! The only downside to them is if you wear a full-coverage foundation then you’ll need a brush to apply the product without it smearing and separating your foundation (trust me on this one - I’ve learned the hard way). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Longevity-wise I found that I do need to re-apply the product throughout the day which isn't something I do when wearing powdered blush, but this could be due to not applying enough product. I have read somewhere in the past that apparently blusher is the first product to start wearing off on the face, hence why some makeup artists recommend to layer blush on!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I were to recommend only one of these shades then it'll have to be Juicy as I truly think it suits all skin tones and is a very wearable colour all year round.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #999999;">Have you tried any cream makeup products recently? Would you try these blushers?</span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains PR items and affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0Nottingham, UK52.954783199999987 -1.158108624.644549363821142 -36.3143586 81.265017036178833 33.9981414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-35361240903193834022021-06-17T19:40:00.000+01:002021-06-17T19:40:00.324+01:00BEAUTY || KIKO MILANO COSMETICS LIPLINERS SHADES & SWATCHES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko cosmetics lip pencil review - the best affordable lip liners." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZKmW-sElYo/YMEfHEUw-PI/AAAAAAAALTE/mUXRxxd6I-0lt5jT5G9DQarKemioBHTFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/KIKO%2Blipliners%2Breview.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for good quality and affordable lip liners then you've clicked on the right post! Over the years I have spent hundreds of pounds on lip liners (I would be going into thousands if I mentioned lipsticks 😳), and I can confidently say that I've found the best liners out there for a very affordable price of just £2.99. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I understand that if you're on a tight budget or don't have much disposable income that you will be seeking the cheapest products out there, but you must be aware of the actual ingredients of the products and their performance - hence why I think that Kiko Milano's Smart Fusion Lip Pencils are 100% worth more than what they are!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I currently own 7 of the Smart Lip Pencils and have lots of room in my collection to add more. However, with my extensive collection of beauty products I realised that adding more instead of using up what I've got is not a great idea! So remember - if you have something similar in your collection already then you do not need another one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko lip pencil swatches - shades 511, 513, 535, 533, 536, 525 and 524." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hX8R6vUFRs/YMHUNKiIoJI/AAAAAAAALTM/TPYjy2WQY64QebqlNiqRrI8i3ex2FSBkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Kiko%2Blip%2Bliner%2Breview.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My most recent additions are the shades 533 (Light Rosy Brown) and 536 (Cold Brown) which I purchased around Christmas time last year and have worn the shade 533 nearly every single time I've worn makeup. Since comparing the liners I already owned from the brand, I have noticed a few changes on the labels such as the shade numbers have changed, and the lids are now black to match the rest of the product packaging.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The older lip pencils that I have are the shades 702, 704, 705, 710 and 715. These shade numbers do not exist anymore, but I will try my best to match them up with the current ones available on the website as I believe that all had changed was the packaging and names of the shades rather than the actual colour of the pencils.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko lip liner review in shade coral" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akjQW0yI7iU/YMHWCwSQBUI/AAAAAAAALTU/eoKENOmuQkkS98Axeh59IVbSwKRNEX9fACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Kiko%2Bcoral%2Blip%2Bpencil%2B511%2Breview.JPG" /></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Kiko Lip Pencil in shade Coral £2.99</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">I've been after a decent and affordable coral lip liner since about 2012. I love a <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/04/beauty-lip-colours-you-will-love-this.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">good bright lip in the summer</span></i></a>, especially when it comes to achieving a solid colour without any streaks or bleeding (a term used when a lipstick/liner "bleeds" into the lines around the mouth area, making the lips look uneven).</div><div style="text-align: left;">This lip pencil is very creamy and the colour is lovely but I would say it is more of a pale peach shade rather than coral. I usually wear it with a LE MAC lipstick in the shade 'the fashion flock' as they pair up very nicely, but I have found it hard to find the perfect match for this lip liner colour. Maybe it would suit a Kiko branded lipstick best, but I know that I won't buy this colour again as it's not the colour I was expecting (it isn't coral).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko red papaya lip pencil review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AMmLVpjAZA/YMIQUIfCaPI/AAAAAAAALTg/jwVlCtxAx-0gZGZKTBRoxd4lT-XZ7ba8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Kiko%2Bred%2Bpapaya%2Blip%2Bpencil%2B513%2Breview.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Kiko Lip Pencil in shade Red Papaya £2.99</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Now this is what I call a summery lip colour! I absolutely adore the colour of this lip pencil, I think it looks gorgeous as an all-over lip colour topped up with gloss, or paired up with a bright orangey-red shade like the Smashbox Fireball lipstick (<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bvf43" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">similar shade here</span></i></a>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko lip pencil review in shade Scarlet Red." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4KS5lwgs74/YMIja9raD3I/AAAAAAAALTo/IZcwBheT7co6XYzFrPh4l9IVrOHHvHJ0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/kiko%2Bscarlet%2Bred%2Blip%2Bpencil%2B535%2Breview.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Kiko Lip Pencil in shade Scarlet Red £2.99</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">This lip liner was given to me by my sister as she purchased it thinking it was going to be more of a browny-nude shade but instead it has more dark brwonish-red undertones. It's still a nice colour but might not be for everyone. I like to pair this up with a light nude lipstick and a gloss on top for a 90's grunge look.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko lip pencil review in the shade light rosy brown." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiinziM_yvM/YMIlcRtveXI/AAAAAAAALTw/jWeQgWXl5i0cfZ1PLoDi-7IZHclj7lQUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Kiko%2Blip%2Bpencil%2B533%2Breview.JPG" /></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Kiko Lip Pencil in shade Light Rosy Brown £2.99</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Like I've mentioned at the beginning of this post, this lip liner is my absolute favourite! For only £2.99 is definitely beats my favourite high-end lip liner (MAC Boldly Bare), although the colours aren't that similar so it's not an accurate comparison - only comparing the two as they're my favourites. </div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the perfect shade of a rosy-brown nude for fair skin tones (this is my skin tone and this shade suits me perfectly), but of course it will also look gorgeous on all other skin tones paired with the right lipstick/lipgloss. I like to line my lips with this shade and then fill in the middle with either JS Celebrtiy Skin or Maybelline 930 Nude Embrace, and then top up with an <a href="https://www.emibavision.com/store-1/p/iv42hqebcwkwyvirve7wo6wgaxd49j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Emiba Vision lipgloss in the shade Crawford</span></i></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko lip liner review in shade Cold Brown" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTCz01MpzXU/YMIsVm1JwBI/AAAAAAAALT4/yLw9nsY6qtUGEEVpG8-Gx1ztBwHdPy8lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Kiko%2Blip%2Bpencil%2B536%2Breview.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">Kiko Lip Pencil in shade Cold Brown £2.99</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Now, this is the perfect dupe for MAC's Stone lip liner. It's a nice deep cool brown shade that will really suit darker skin tones. I don't wear this one very often as I do own the MAC Stone lip pencil, however, it's gorgeous worn on its own with a clear gloss for a 90's grunge look.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko lip pencil review and swatches of deep violet." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7kGK1jgIEM/YMPSFVV5AuI/AAAAAAAALUU/hOOzYk1hLxsb33CK717AveHxIbbqe3CpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Kiko%2Bdeep%2Bviolet%2B525%2Blip%2Bpencil%2Breview.JPG" /></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">Kiko Lip Pencil in shade Deep Violet £2.99</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">This shade used to be my favourite for Autumn/Winter time paired up with MAC Rebel lipstick (oh wow this takes me back haha). It's a nice warm toned deep burgundy shade, I wouldn't say it's violet as it does show up more red on the skin. This is still a nice colour, especially to wear in the cooler months paired up with a gold halo eye (very Zoella circa 2014). I remember my first ever Kiko haul like it was yesterday - <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2015/07/kiko-cosmetics.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">you can read all about it here</span></i></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kiko lip pencil review and swatches in shade peony violet." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XN_dp3iuR4s/YMPSXGwaZqI/AAAAAAAALUc/ZshYgXomI2oNduVH4Qq5THUHiHMGHggdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Kiko%2Bpeony%2Bviolet%2Blip%2Bpencil%2B524%2Breview.JPG" /></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">Kiko Lip Pencil in shade Peony Violet £2.99</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Last but not least -Peony Violet - a very muted greyish-lilac colour which isn't for everyone but I used to love it so much, especially when worn together with MAC's Up The Amp (yes, I used to be obsessed with MAC lipsticks). This pencil is a nice shade of a bright lilac but doesn't show up as bright on the skin so might not be the best option if you're looking for something vibrant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are interested in trying out more Kiko items then I'd suggest their <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2017/05/review-30-days-extension-daily.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">mascaras</span></i></a> as some are pretty good!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are on an even tighter budget and wanted to treat yourself or someone else, then always buy during Kiko's offer period as they often do 3 for 2 or buy 3 get 3 free! That's when I tend to stock up on my favourites or try something new. At the moment there is the buy 2 get 1 free offer available to the points club members (you should join if you haven't already as you can get customised offers and money off on your birthday etc.), and a few new collections - I know that the Dolce Diva collection isn't included in the offer which makes me super sad as I love both of the eyeshadow palettes included in the range.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">What are your favourite lip pencils and why? Have you tried these Kiko Smart pencils before?</span></span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com1England, UK52.3555177 -1.174319724.045283863821155 -36.3305697 80.665751536178846 33.9819303tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-64591533681571694132021-05-21T20:47:00.001+01:002021-05-21T20:47:29.213+01:00REVIEW || PIXI BY PETRA VITAMIN-C RANGE (AD/GIFTED)<div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="pixi vitamin c review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1712" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8ESiuNWXoc/YFuAevb65rI/AAAAAAAALPI/kGsGr1OUwIwhFoIOsS3XSST6I25vtt6pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/pixi%2Bbeauty%2Bvitamin%2Bc%2Brange.JPG" /></div></i></div><i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">*This post contains gifted items.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Pixi has to be one of my favourite skincare brands, and believe me when I say that I've tried a lot of drugstore brands. The price point isn't too high, the quality is superb and the packaging is cute and not OTT. I'm so pleased to be an ambassador for the brand and very grateful to have received their whole vitamin-C range to try out for myself. </span><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">If you're a Pixi fan then you might already know about their amazing glycolic acid toner which can be a bit harsh on certain skin types, so the vitamin-C range might actually be a better option for you. However, if you're interested y</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">ou can read my </span><a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2021/02/review-pixi-by-petra-glow-tonic.html" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">review of the Pixi Glow Tonic here</span></i></a><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">.</span></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Without further ado, let's get into this (very long) review!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://pixibeauty.co.uk/collections/vitamin-c-collection/products/vitamin-c-juice-cleanser?variant=13255753498691" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Pixi Vitamin C Juice Cleanser £18</span></a></span></b></h2><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Described on the website as "<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">This powerful yet soothing cleansing water not only removes pesky impurities from your skin, but it also preserves and protects your complexion while boosting your natural luminosity. </span></i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Pixi Beauty Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser helps revitalise and brighten your skin on a daily basis. Enjoy our Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser daily or as needed.</span></i><span style="color: #4e4641; font-size: 14px;">"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The packaging:</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I've never used a cleanser with a dispenser like this one. It has a flat pump, so when you press it the product comes out upwards rather than outwards - if that makes sense? This way the product will saturate your cotton pad quicker and more precisely which I liked a lot about this cleanser as it was quick and efficient.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The size of the product is a decent 150ml, I have been using it daily (at least once a day) for 2 months and I still have a tiny bit left so it's definitely worth trying. It is very travel-friendly as it won't spill on its own, hence why the pump is so great! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The formula:</u></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">I personally only like a face cleanser that I can wash off as I don't think that a water cleanser does the same job, so I've been using this cleanser to remove my face makeup before washing my face with a proper face wash (I'm currently using Lancome Gel Eclat). It feels really soothing on the skin and leaves it feeling super soft. I used to be a massive fan of the Garnier Micellar Water but I think that this product will replace it, even if the price tag is a bit high for a drugstore item.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes I will use this instead of a toner, especially in the evenings, and I find that my serum and moisturiser sink in deeper when I do this. I wouldn't recommend using this product as a toner, but instead, maybe use it every night and during the day try something like the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/btZbC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Origins Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion</span></i></a>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The overall verdict</span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">:</span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have noticed that my skin looks a lot brighter and is less dehydrated. I love that it is an antioxidant cleanser as this helps to protect the skins' barrier against pollution and the environment. I love the scent and the way this product makes my skin feel, but I'm not the biggest fan of a water-based cleanser so it isn't my most favourite product. However, now that I am running low on the product I can honestly say I will be repurchasing it in the future as I love it for removing my makeup. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><br /></span></span>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><a href="https://pixibeauty.co.uk/collections/vitamin-c-collection/products/vitamin-c-tonic?variant=13255768768579" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Pixi Vitamin C Tonic £10</span></a>/<a href="https://pixibeauty.co.uk/collections/vitamin-c-collection/products/vitamin-c-tonic-250ml?variant=13257914548291" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">£18</span></a></b></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>Described on the website as "</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i>This Vitamin-C Tonic helps create a smooth and vibrant complexion and is perfect for prepping the skin for future skincare steps. The skin-loving ingredients were carefully chosen to provide a fast, easy and no-fuss way to reap all those benefits with daily use. Some of these radiance-boosting ingredients include Probiotics, Willow Bark Extract and Citrus Fruit Extracts.</i></span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4e4641; font-size: 14px;">"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The packaging:</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Like all of the Pixi tonics, this one comes in a handy travel-size bottle which is a great size to trial it out before committing to a full-size bottle. The actual applicator has a small opening to squeeze enough product out to cleanse and tone whilst making sure you don't pour too much product onto a cotton pad (I have recently switched to <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/buCgT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">reusable eco pads from Garnier</span></i></a> which absorb the toner well).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><u>The formula:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This toner has a lovely subtle citrusy smell to it, which makes it even more enjoyable to apply, especially during a facial! It has a yellow tinge to it which can be seen on cotton pads, so if you are using reusable pads then it might stain them, so bear that in mind. It's gentle enough to use daily, although I would recommend patch-testing it first if you have sensitive skin.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The overall verdict:</u></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />I think that this is a good enough toner for cleansing the skin and prepping it for a serum. It feels nice on the skin and gives an instant glow. I wouldn't replace the glow tonic with this toner, however, I think it's a nice addition to a weekly routine. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Full review of Pixi Beauty Vitamin C Range" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sodH05lWXE/YH7h9dSNNNI/AAAAAAAALQ4/S8caNrVYlbsrCT5yOx9l1vmlW2FUcRkAACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/pixi%2Bvitamin%2Bc%2Breview%2B1.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;"><a href="https://pixibeauty.co.uk/collections/vitamin-c-collection/products/vitamin-c-serum?variant=13255947649091" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Pixi Vitamin C Serum £26</span></a></span></span></h2><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>Described on the website as: "</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><i>If you're looking for a serum that provides a radiant glow - and so much more - you'll find it with Pixi Beauty Vitamin-C Serum. This enriching serum helps improve skin tone and creates a smoother complexion while reducing the effects of sun damage and free radicals.</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The packaging:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The packaging for this product is just like any other regular oil or serum with a pipette applicator. It's super easy to get the desired amount of product out and makes it more hygienic than dipping fingers into a pot.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The formula:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This serum is nothing like what I thought it'd be. It is very dark in colour (yellow-orange) which can be seen on the skin - this could be because my skin is very fair though. It is very odd in texture as it is watery and oily at the same time,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> making it easy to spread evenly all over the skin, but also easy to overdo so be careful with how much product you use! I have noticed small granules in this serum which I'm not sure are supposed to be in the formula, but they do dissolve on the skin so might be similar to the ones inside the balm.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The overall verdict:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I think that this serum is nice, but it is definitely not amazing. It feels nice on the skin and smells pleasantly citrusy but I've had much better serums in the past with instant and long-term results. However, if you are looking for a vitamin C serum then this might be a good one to start off with before moving onto more premium products.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://pixibeauty.co.uk/collections/vitamin-c-collection/products/vitamin-c-lotion?variant=13255783088195" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Pixi Vitamin C Lotion £24</span></a></b></h3><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Described on the website as "</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><i>This Vitamin-C Lotion provides the finishing, radiant touch your skin deserves. Not only is your skin treated to rich hydration, but you'll also enjoy the benefits of key ingredients known for their abilities to revive, protect and revitalise the skin.</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The packaging:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">A cute handy tube, easy to squeeze out which is great and travel friendly as doesn't come in a big pot. However, I found that it was difficult to squeeze out the last bit of the product to use up and not be wasteful which is probably why I tend to buy moisturisers in pots. But bear in mind that a tube moisturiser is always more hygienic rather than dipping dirty fingers into a pot with every use (unless you use a disposable wooden spatula - this is also quite wasteful). So all in all, a tube moisturiser is great! Just a bit annoying that I couldn't get the last bit of the product out, but then again I could have always cut the tube open and dug the rest out.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The formula:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have been used this product up quite quickly and I must say that it isn't my favourite moisturiser. It feels soft and smooth on the skin and gives me a nice glow, but this glow turns to unwanted oil at the end of the day. As a religious makeup-wearer, it is important to me for my makeup to last long, but sadly this moisturiser allows the oils to shine through. I think that the oiliness is much worse when I don't wear makeup, so I used this product as a daytime moisturiser only.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The overall verdict:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I think that this is a lovely moisturiser if you're after something low maintenance with vitamin c as the main ingredient. However, this might be better for normal-dry skin types as I do find it quite oily and a bit too rich for my skin type (dehydrated oily).</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666; font-size: large;"><a href="https://pixibeauty.co.uk/collections/vitamin-c-collection/products/vitamin-c-caviar-balm?variant=13255820574787" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Pixi Vitamin C Caviar Balm £24</span></a></span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Described on the website as "</span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">This Vitamin-C Caviar Balm provides rich, heavenly moisture for your skin. This brightening leave-on mask hydrates and protects your skin all day or night while promoting the production of youth-preserving collagen.</i><span style="background-color: white;">"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The packaging:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The packaging of the vitamin c balm is exactly the same as the lotion, so comes in a tube and is easy to squeeze out. I often forget that this is a mask and that I shouldn't wear it too often (especially as it can easily be mistaken for the lotion), so I think that putting this product in a jar might have been better, but then again I should probably just put it away with the rest of my face masks.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The formula:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">A little goes a long way with this product, that's for sure. I try to use this 3-4 times a week when my skin feels like it needs a bit extra moisture and hydration. The vitamin C really helps to brighten up my complexion which is really great to see when I wake up in the morning feeling super groggy 😂</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The consistency of this is very sticky and thick so a little goes a long way, however, I like to layer this product on like there's no tomorrow because it makes my skin glow like nothing else! This mask contains small granules which dissolve when applied to the skin. I'm assuming that they are oil-infused solid microbeads as it does not say much about them on the website.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>The overall verdict:</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If I were to recommend just one product from this range then it would definitely be this balm! It shows instant results and makes my skin feel super smooth and look intensely glowy. For £24 you definitely get enough product to last at least 6 months, thus making it so much more worth it!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you are interested in more vitamin-based skincare products then you must check out the most affordable line from Superdrug - the <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2019/01/review-superdrug-vitamin-e-skincare.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Vitamin E skincare range</span></i></a>.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">One thing you have to bear in mind is that using Vitamin C infused products will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so make sure that you are wearing a decent SPF as it is absolutely <b>essential</b>. My favourite SPF to wear all year round is the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/btMGg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50</span></i></a> (I also use the tinted version in the summer) and a more affordable alternative that is equally as good is the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/btMEY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light SPF50</span></i></a>. If you have a more sensitive skin type then I would recommend trying <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/05/review-garnier-skinactive-rose-soothing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Garnier rose skincare range</span></i></a> as I really enjoyed using the toner and mist over the past few months.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">Have you tried any of Pixi's Vitamin C products? If so, which one was your favourite? <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">My favourite has to be the .....</span></span></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; text-align: left;"><i>*This post contains pr items & affiliate links.</i></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lots of love,</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Maya xo</b></span></span></div></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com6England, UK52.3555177 -1.174319741.307652293174812 -18.7524447 63.403383106825189 16.4038053tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-20764885539962927042021-05-19T12:07:00.002+01:002021-05-19T12:07:36.176+01:002021 || APRIL FAVOURITES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="April favourites in 2021. Includes a silicone scalp massager, nail polishes and iridescent blushers." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHF0cfT9abQ/YKTqHChlRfI/AAAAAAAALSg/hZJqc79Hr_w_VcdAb_u06Ydqfm6rzBjNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/April%2BFavourites%2B2021.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In April my favourite thing was the weather :) the end. Jokes aside, I must say that Spring is in full bloom this year and I cannot wait for hotter days to come our way soon! After last year's first lockdown it will be very difficult to beat the weather but please let the sunshine continue throughout the rest of SS21!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">April 2021 has been a month of trying out lots of new products - some I've loved and others maybe not so much. Either way, I will be focusing on the items that I really enjoyed using throughout the month. Let's get into it!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my new favourite gadgets, which's actually a new addition to my haircare routine, is a <a href="https://amzn.to/331hjrk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">silicone scalp massager</span></i></a>. I've been seeing so many people rave about scalp massaging on TikTok that I thought I needed to give it a go as I suffer from a very dry and (at times) sore scalp. I've always had sensitive skin so I've been using gentle <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/07/review-aveda-shampure-shampoo.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">hair products from Aveda</span></i></a> for years now, but I needed something else to help relieve my scalp from any itchiness and product build-up. So far, I have noticed that my scalp does not feel as itchy anymore which was getting a little bit out of control at times to the point where I would make myself bleed from excessive scratching. I tend to use this product on hair wash days after massaging hair-growth oil into my scalp or when I need an extra thorough cleanse with the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/buBZU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Aveda Scalp Cleaner</span></i></a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="SS21 nail fashion - designs and colours for spring." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnmZl3bgfK8/YKTt-zcnJHI/AAAAAAAALSo/5LreluO-lOQIDQJdRdQd8qwT8uhZeXiywCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/April%2BFavourites%2BSS21%2BNails.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another item that I don't think I have ever mentioned in a monthly favourites is nail polish! I've really been enjoying using the Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine polishes recently (mostly due to trying out different styles for a Tribe post). I have the shades 'Chin Up Buttercup' and 'Lovey Dovey' which are perfect for SS21 and really compliment each other when put together. I've been wearing the purple shade more often as I really love the undertone of it, and it goes really well with a lot of my SS21 outfits - especially all my purple clothes! I love to mix and match different shades of the same colour.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The other nail product that I've been using for a while and enjoying is the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/buB09" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Barry M Gelly Plumpy Top Coat</span></i></a> - this is a bloody brilliant product! It takes a while to dry but it is so worth it as the shine you get from this product is salon-quality. For only £2.99 it should be a staple in everybody's nail care!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Orange blushers for Springtime." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3fjNauGDq0/YKTu9tGKgbI/AAAAAAAALSw/2T3P4rb9ADw2whllwwj5Hcxo4FUroUfeACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/April%2BFavourites%2B2021%2Borange%2Bblushers.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is anyone else obsessed with blusher at the moment? I feel like I've always loved a bit of blush - my love for it started with the Natural Collection Peach Melba blusher. Having such a fair complexion, it is difficult to find the right shade of blusher to suit my skin tone without looking too flushed and 'sunburnt', although I know that a lot of people aim for this type of look...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My current favourite blushers are <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/buxjD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Nars' Orgasm</span></i></a>, and KIKO Metal Fusion Blush in Tangerine (I think - it doesn't say the shade on the compact) but sadly this blusher was limited edition so you can no longer buy it. I can't find a similar metallic-orange shade, however, the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/buxhP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>L'Oreal Life's a Peach blusher</i></span></a> is a close match. If you're looking for another product to add some natural-looking glow to your skin then you should check out these <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2021/01/review-jolie-beauty-second-skin.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">second-skin highlighters</span></i></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are a fan of cream products then keep an eye out for my future posts as I have some new Pixi blushers to review (gifted), and I wanted to re-test some cult favourite beauty items such as Benefit's High Beam and Nars' Orgasm Liquid Illuminator!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">What were your favourites this month? Have you used anything that I've mentioned in this post?</span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-64204290189788914742021-04-26T13:03:00.005+01:002021-07-24T15:19:52.332+01:00TOP TIPS FOR UPDATING YOUR DIGITAL BRANDING (AD)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Top tips for updating your digital branding using free software." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t97Hbytjq04/YIaeRv5f9xI/AAAAAAAALRY/a05YnKYl6pQWZ_LQRZrNI3BToW6oJWEpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/updating%2Bdigital%2Bbranding%2Bguide.png" /></div><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post is sponsored.</span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I tell you that I've been crying over the smallest things when it comes to my blog, I ain't lying 😭 Especially domain authority - MOZ you have been very mean to me over the past few months but I forgive you as I've been working super hard to make my blog stand out even more (which has helped me improve said DA). One of the main things I've been doing over the past few weeks is updating my digital branding, starting off with the ads that I place on my website and the way I structure my paragraphs.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of you may already be aware that I have recently opened <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/11/lifestyle-i-opened-etsy-shop.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">my very own Etsy shop</span></i></a> during lockdown in 2020. I have created all of the brandings myself with my partner creating the logo for Luna Lava using Gimp 2.0 (I believe that he has the paid version of this software). Although I was very new to creating graphics for a brand, I feel like I have learned a lot of new ways to drive more traffic to my shop and blog since experimenting with all types of software during the past year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Utilise free editing programs</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My most used online software for creating most of my graphics, including YouTube thumbnails, Instagram posts & banners, is <a href="https://www.canva.com/join/dkj-xck-fpv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Canva</span></i></a>. Canva is definitely one of the best programs I have ever used and I feel like I won't go back to anything else now. You can create pretty much anything for free, but the premium version of the site/app is also really good (I've tried the 30-day trial and loved it, but have gone back to the free version for the time being). Once you become familiar with how to use this, you'll be making so much more visually pleasing content! There are thousands, if not millions, of free templates to choose from if you're finding it hard to create something specific. Some of my blogger friends have utilised Canva so much that they offer a lot of different guides created on Canva for free or for a small fee - this is a great way to make some money if you're wanting to monetise your work.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Schedule your posts ahead of time</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my favourite websites to use recently is <a href="https://www.hootsuite.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Hootsuite</span></i></a> as I've been able to schedule when to re-share some old content, as well as scheduling new posts on Instagram and other social media accounts. This has drastically helped with my blog's traffic as I have gone from around 6000-7000 views per month to 17000 so far in April and the month isn't over yet! For the past few years, I was using the free version of Hootsuite, but I recently decided to try the premium trial which lasts for 60 days, to see how much it's actually going to help me. One thing I've noticed is that I have to be consistent with re-sharing and posting regular content, otherwise, it's not worth it as the premium membership is very pricey so I would recommend getting it if you're serious about your blog and make enough money to cover the monthly/yearly cost of the subscription. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Try something new and unique to your brand</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are after a specific font that you'd like to use for your branding and don't want to use any of the generic ones then you should look into getting a personalised font, this way your digital graphics will be 100% unique to your brand. You can actually get <a href="https://fontbundles.net/free-fonts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">fonts for free online</span></i></a> that will be tailored to suit your own branding. I've had a look through so many of these fonts and downloaded a few to use for my own re-branding project for my blog and Etsy shop. I can't wait to share my creations with you - let me know if you download any of these fonts for your own use!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">An example of a header I've created using the <a href="https://fontbundles.net/free-fonts/script-fonts/mocha-frappuccino-font" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Mocha Frappuccino font</span></i></a> (free) from FontBundles:</span></h4><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="blog header created using free font from fontbundles.net" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1140" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-896queWuLy0/YIae9WMjYLI/AAAAAAAALRg/HddOg65qxYE_TUsrdw7u5EFvAWUnkhEvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/blog%2Bheader%2Bedited%2Bin%2Bcanvas.png" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see from the picture above, I have played around a little bit with a new font that I've downloaded and added a butterfly and flower to the image on Canva. This was super easy to create (once I learned how to download the font onto my MacBook - all downloads come with instructions), that I've actually also downloaded the font onto my phone to use on the go!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another one of my favourite free editing software is <a href="http://x.photoscape.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">PhotoScape X</span></i></a> which I have actually used since I was in primary school! It's very simple to use and you can do a lot with it - I've used this to create my current blog graphics and some of my YouTube thumbnails when I first started my channel. I find this program great for creating collages as it doesn't leave a watermark on the finished image, so it's great for creating <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/06/2020-summer-skincare-wishlist.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">wishlist posts like this one</span></i></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope that you found this post helpful! Please don't hesitate to ask for help on how to use these programs in the comment section down below 😊</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Have you considered updating your digital branding? What software do you use to create your content?</span></span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post is sponsored and contains affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597327.067817163821154 -38.592223 83.688284836178838 31.720277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-86411713009440207582021-04-25T19:41:00.003+01:002021-04-25T19:55:01.567+01:00LIFESTYLE || DATING IN NOTTINGHAM - WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO? (AD)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Where to go on a date in Nottingham." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--poA3sEnu5U/YIRkPyS3QfI/AAAAAAAALRE/XWRUBrfka4IcC2EAq7pJG2jc-grA4CPcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/what%2Bto%2Bdo%2Bin%2Bnottingham.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;">*This post is sponsored.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those living in Nottingham might not appreciate it for the multi-cultural city that it really is, with so many different types of people visiting/moving over here every year. Having lived in Nottinghamshire for over 13 years I can say that sometimes I forget about the lovely places there actually are to visit, especially the ones that are <i>free </i>where you can meet all kinds of lovely people. I've met some of the best people that I know will be in my life forever, especially during my time at university and working in the beauty industry. I can also proudly say that my friendship group is very diverse and that we all bring something culturally unique to the group (food being the most important thing of course 😂).</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, let's talk about dating. It's hard to find new people that have similar views as you, especially if you're looking for someone that you haven't met before (I couldn't imagine anything worse than getting set up on a blind date with someone I went to school with). But there are also so many other things to consider such as age, interests, religions, etc. So after taking these factors into consideration, you should feel more comfortable about <a href="https://www.maturenottinghamshiredating.co.uk/" style="color: #999999; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Nottinghamshire dating</a>, knowing that there are so many sites that have been specifically designed to suit people with different preferences and interests.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">Ways to meet new people</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've heard so many funny stories from my friends about the ways they've met new people. My favourite story was about one of my best friends meeting her long-time partner at a park! I mean, that's literally saving you so much money and you can meet like-minded people (maybe even a pet owner?!) that love a little bit of the outdoors! Local dating might feel quite daunting at times as you might feel like you already know everyone or have met people 'worth meeting', but honestly you just have to open yourself up to new opportunities. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another fun way of meeting singles is through online dating websites and apps. One of the great ways to meet new people in your area is through this <a href="https://www.nottinghamshiredatingsite.co.uk" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Nottinghamshire dating site</span></i></a> - super simple to use and effective! Please note that this site is aimed at heterosexual persons. You might have already tried out apps that have either attracted the wrong type of person or just haven't worked for you in general so I'd definitely recommend trying out online sites too.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're feeling a little bit unsure about online dating, then you should write a list of pros and cons about your feelings towards dating sites. What is actually putting you off? If you don't have a social media presence then this is probably the best way to meet someone new, as I find that people who use dating sites instead of apps are more likely to have fewer social media accounts (so this might be something that you're looking for too).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">Showcase Cinema De Lux</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although I'm quite partial to visiting Cineworld more often, I do prefer going to Showcase. I bloody love a Tango Ice Blast, I think that's what I look forward to the most when going to the cinema haha. My partner and I went on our first date to the cinema, which you might think will not be the best way to get to know each other but it's honestly the best place for an introvert! We met up at least 30 minutes before the movie started so was able to have a little chat and get to know each other a bit better in person (we were chatting online for a few weeks prior to meeting up in person). Then you can enjoy a movie together and have something to talk about after, so for me, this is a win-win situation, especially if you're an introvert and find it hard to think of something to talk about with someone new.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alternatively, you can set up a cute little picnic in your back garden and set up a laptop in the shade to watch a movie. I think that this is a brilliant idea, especially if you have a spacious garden. Sadly, I can't really do that in my own garden as it is too small :( But I will definitely have a mini BBQ and picnics this summer with my partner! There are lots of things that you can do as a <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2017/06/what-to-do-in-summer-holidays-if-youre.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">mini "holiday" in the UK</span></i></a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="The Alchemist Nottingham - best place for drinks in nottingham." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laaXZv3bJFs/YIWC_RI5oQI/AAAAAAAALRQ/uhrHPxJCDQkwngKzn8I6bIDVPsJMUv2RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/the%2Balchemist%2Bnottingham.jpeg" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">The Alchemist</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you been to the Alchemist yet? I've only been once and I absolutely loved it! I think it's such a fun way of trying out new drinks, especially when you get to mix them yourself and create little potions - this is perfect for any Harry Potter fans that want some local magic.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you unsure what to wear for a date or want to improve your confidence in time for your hot date? Then check out my post all about the different ways of <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/07/lifestyle-looking-and-feeling-your-best.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>looking and feeling your best this summertime</i></span></a>. I talk about all the different approaches I take to make myself feeling better - starting off with drinking plenty of water!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">The Lost City Adventure Golf</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I absolutely love playing mini-golf! I've only been a couple of times and had so much fun that I'm already planning my next trip when we're allowed out again. This is a really fun activity to do in a group setting, so if you're being set up by one of your friends maybe consider going on a double date to ease the tension and to get to know each other better without any awkwardness - you can always go on a second date just the two of you 😃</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you do end up venturing off to play some mini-golf at Lost City, then I would recommend going for the bigger pack of 36 holes = means you get to have more time to get to know each other's competitive sides, haha.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">Virtual Dates</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously, the current circumstances have made it quite hard to go out on a date (the current new restrictions are making it a bit easier now though!) so why not opt for a cool virtual date? Myself and my partner actually got to know each other a lot over Skype before meeting in person. So if you wanted to find out what your potential love interest is like without committing to meeting up in person (this could be due to lots of reasons like social anxiety, having children, or just feeling more comfortable in a home setting) then why not have a little virtual date? You could do something really fun like cook the same dinner and see who made it look nicer? Or even do a wine tasting session over zoom! I think that this sounds like such a good idea that I might even try it out with my partner (whom I live with) but just from different rooms 😂</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're happy with taking things slowly and getting to know each other online then you should take a look at the <a href="https://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/05/2020-fun-things-to-do-in-lockdown.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>different fun things to do during the lockdown</i></span></a>. My personal favourite has to be learning new recipes together, or playing games! This is also a great thing to do for couples that live together and are finding it hard to try new things at home to ✨spice✨things up a bit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">What is your favourite place to go on a date? Have you been to the places that I've mentioned?</span></span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">*This post is sponsored. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lots of love,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maya xo</span></b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0Nottingham, UK52.954783199999987 -1.158108624.644549363821142 -36.3143586 81.265017036178833 33.9981414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-63374639984478063352021-04-12T16:31:00.005+01:002021-04-12T16:31:25.767+01:002021 || MARCH FAVOURITES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOQ8FmtiyFg/YHRlNxENUYI/AAAAAAAALQY/9csQ0BC0MJ0JnZS85da2uzYgxO3orb04wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/best%2Biced%2Bcoffee%2Brecipe.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">March was a bit different for me than the past few months as the weather began to change into warmer days meaning that I've been going on more walks and trying to keep myself busy. Whereas the past few months seemed so dreary and not very enjoyable due to the cold! <br /><br />In all honesty, I have been using the same products that I usually do in my skincare and makeup routine as I'm not in a position where I can spend a lot of money to try new things. However, I will try and change it up a little bit each month so I have something new to talk about! I do have a massive collection of beauty items that I have never opened so this might actually be a good excuse to start opening up some bottles!<br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;">One of my favourite things in March was experimenting with different types of coffee with my <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/btoah" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Nespresso machine</span></i></a>. I've had this machine for a few months (coming up to a year soon actually) and I must say that it is one of my favourite gadgets in my kitchen. My current machine is actually my mum's old one that she stopped using a while ago, so one woman's trash is another woman's treasure ;) I was also given a milk frother for Christmas last year by my parents which has massively upped my coffee game! Now that I have added a couple of syrups to my collection I think I can call myself an amateur barista in the making lol.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My favourite combination for a hot coffee is the Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast capsule with Oatly Barista Oat Milk (frothed up on the highest setting) and 5ml of Monin Caramel Syrup. And for iced coffee, I really love the Nespresso Vanilla Eclair capsule poured over ice with fresh coconut milk (Asda's own brand is great) and 10ml of Monin Vanilla Syrup (this also works great as a hot drink and tastes just like Costa's Coconut Vanilla Latte).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf8Vq679Bn0/YG3HObDxMLI/AAAAAAAALQE/e4Bvrl2Vr78eU_FWmwtF4_sIwEetE_QWACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Nars%2BLaguna%2BBronzer.jpeg" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH0Dq0Fx2io/YG3HObH6bdI/AAAAAAAALQA/ueLmK2TM-UkUkh4PpjNSQx5VINPDzgqbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Nars%2BLaguna%2BBronzer%2B1.jpeg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moving on from my caffeine addiction, another favourite of mine during March was <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/btoaF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Nars' Laguna Bronzer</span></i></a>. I received a giant limited edition size of this bronzer from my lovely friends for my birthday and it is my favourite bronzer I've ever tried (this might partially be due to the scent). The first layer of this bronzer was full of gold shimmer which sadly isn't in the original formula but boy does it look beautiful on the skin. I have actually been avoiding using up the shimmer in a corner of the bronzer just so I can use it for a special occasion 😂</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nz5_M2dWkY/YHRnryBGLWI/AAAAAAAALQg/8Z5OwnUviToKxiR_6cDGD3KGjnbqd14-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/boots%2Bpapaya%2Bmango%2Bshower%2Bgel.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly, my favourite skincare item this month was Boots' Zingy Mango and Papaya Shower Gel. This is by far my absolute favourite shower gel scent as it is so fruity and tropical - it makes me feel like I'm on holiday (which is a very distant memory haha). This shower gel is super affordable at only 75p for 250ml so whenever it's in stock in stores I pick a couple of bottles up (the first time I was able to get my hands on this scent in absolute ages was this month). I have tried a few different scents from Boots own shower gels but this has to be my favourite! I have previously bought a hand wash in this scent which was very nice but not as hydrating as I thought it'd be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">What were your favourites in March? Have you tried any of the items that I've been loving?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597332.405798394045817 -38.592223000000004 78.350303605954181 31.720277000000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-62896400102172509652021-03-15T12:04:00.003+00:002021-03-30T15:33:47.490+01:002021 || FEBRUARY FAVOURITES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNerPNNNkio/YED9TA_zr4I/AAAAAAAALOQ/Cqzbik_pddceqbbIfuvoR9nQkHnvRL-IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/February%2BFavourites%2B2021.JPG" /></div><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains affiliate links and my own product (</span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LunaLavaStore" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Luna Lava Store</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">).</span><br /></i><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My routine hasn't changed much since January, I have maybe switched a couple of skincare and makeup items so it was hard to pick the top products I've loved during this month. After careful consideration and narrowing it down to just 3 items, I have decided which products to feature in this blog post.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My most used beauty item this month has been the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bsGCF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Nars Oil-Infused Lip Tint in the shade Orgasm</span></i></a>. I received this as a part of a gift set for my birthday in January which I have been using pretty much daily since receiving. It's a non-stick formula, makes my lips look super juicy and hydrated, so it's like a gloss and balm in one - a must-have in my opinion! I will definitely repurchase this item, maybe even get a couple of different shades to wear as I love the look of the shades Reef & Laguna (I love the Laguna bronzer).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next up is a sample of the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bsGGY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Benefit Porefessional Pearl</span></i></a> which is pretty much the same as the original primer but with an added glow that looks absolutely stunning on the skin with a light coverage foundation. I actually have the full-size version of this primer but didn't want to open it until I tried out the sample just in case I did not like it. I think it's a decent primer, makes my skin feel super silky-smooth and helps my foundation stay on for longer without separating. I will probably write up a review of this primer at some point this year, as I really want to buy the new hydrating version (I've had a sample in the past and absolutely loved it!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last, but not least, I've been obsessed with the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/912057220/spring-showers-wax-melt?ref=shop_home_active_19&sca=1" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Spring Showers wax melts</span></i></a> from my own brand (AD). This scent is absolutely gorgeous and filled my whole house with the scent by burning it for less than 30 minutes. Obviously, this might sound a bit biased but honestly, if you like strong floral scents then you need to try this wax melt! It's my current favourite one and I haven't been burning any others as I want my whole house to smell like Spring Showers! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">What have you been loving in February? Are there any particular things you tend to just use in Feb?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com6England, UK52.3555177 -1.174319730.617352701178604 -36.330569699999984 74.0936826988214 33.981930299999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-73093817459707226062021-03-01T12:20:00.001+00:002021-03-01T12:20:59.563+00:00REVIEW || GARNIER ULTIMATE BLENDS PLUMPING HAIR FOOD WATERMELON & POMEGRANATE SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER AND MASK<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1j0oQen1zU/YDENwrOViZI/AAAAAAAALNc/LCAle4X7N8EwUz0jtjbo1_sKOwXD6RB5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Garnier%2BUltimate%2BBlends%2BWatermelon%2BReview.JPG" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I first saw that Garnier brought out a watermelon scented range of their <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseFj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Ultimate Blends</span></i></a> collection I knew I had to have it because if you know anything about me you will know that I love anything watermelon scented. I'm a huge fan of the Banana hair mask from Garnier and I haven't tried any of the other products, including the shampoos or conditioners. On my recent walk, I decided to go into my local Boots store and pick up the shampoo, conditioner and mask from the watermelon collection and I just couldn't wait to smell them!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to open the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseFc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">shampoo</span></i></a> bottle to smell it as soon as I left the shop and was so pleasantly overwhelmed with the scent of watermelon (one of my favourite scents). So as you can tell, I already had high hopes for the products - they all smell the same just in case you were wondering.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first time I used the shampoo and <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseFb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">conditioner</span></i></a> I wasn't that impressed. The smell is absolutely gorgeous but it doesn't stay in the hair after drying which was disappointing. I didn't use the mask until my second hair wash of the week as I had a bit of a disaster last time I styled my hair which resulted in me putting so much oil in it that I couldn't wash it out properly, so using the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseGY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">hair mask</span></i></a> would have made it much worse.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second time was a much better experience as I had used the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseGI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Aveda Pramasana Scalp Cleanser</span></i></a> (a must-have product if you suffer from scalp itchiness/flakiness/psoriasis) followed by shampooing twice, conditioning through the lengths and applying a bit of the hair mask after and leaving it on for 5 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After towel drying my hair, I went on with my normal blow-dry routine to see what my hair would look like once styled as always. Once I was all done with the styling I tried to smell my hair to see if it still had a little bit of a watermelon scent but sadly my hair just smelled like heat from blow-drying. My hair did not feel nor look as lifted as I had expected, but it felt nice and smooth. I do find it hard to get my hair to look voluminous and lifted from the root as it does feel quite heavy and I'm in a desperate need of a haircut, but I have been using <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseFj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this watermelon range</span></i></a> for over a month now and I am not that impressed with the results.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYNqgeMb6vc/YDzX8l1b2bI/AAAAAAAALN8/4kjf4Sb_fZQz-cB9pgtYlSKhLnBDLEtcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Garnier%2BUltimate%2BBlends%2BWatermelon%2BReview%2B1.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, does this collection do what it's supposed to do? Does it plump my hair without weighing it down? The simple answer is sadly <i>no</i>. These products smell great and look pretty on my shelf, but they don't exactly do what they're supposed to. I'm disappointed with the results as I was really hoping to find a cheaper alternative to the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseFh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Aveda Sap Moss range</span></i></a> (which by the way is really good) but this isn't the one. The best thing about this range is the scent as it is really fresh and fruity, but does not last long after washing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Would I recommend this particular range to you? Not really, as I don't think it does what it claims to achieve. My hair doesn't feel or look more plumped and it also does not feel weightless. I think the shampoo and conditioner are very basic, but I like them for the fact that they are vegan and made out of over 95% natural ingredients - making them a better option than products with loads of plastic in the ingredients list.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although this range did not work for me, I really love the banana hair mask which I will repurchase again as soon as I've made my way through the watermelon one! I will most likely pick up the banana shampoo and conditioner to test out too, so keep your eyes out for a review of that range too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Have you tried any of Garnier's new </span><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bseFj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Ultimate Blends range</span></i></a><span style="color: #666666;">? What was your favourite scent? I think mine has to be the banana one!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><i>*This post contains affiliate links.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-84079183550779136992021-02-17T18:27:00.004+00:002021-02-17T18:27:23.300+00:00FASHION || FEMME LUXE HAUL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tU-ee_akGe0/YA2Hrsr2NsI/AAAAAAAALKE/lgNxAIU3u_Ipw337cV70CH7CvbA9aPiswCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/femme%2Bluxe%2Bblack%2Bjoggers%2B1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">*This post contains PR items from Femme Luxe.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another day, another haul! Who remembers my Recent Buys & New News posts from back in the day haha? Well, today I have a little <a href="https://femmeluxe.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Femme Luxe</span></i></a> haul to share with you all and I'm so excited to talk about some of these items.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All the products in this post were sent to me by Femme Luxe in exchange for a blog post. This doesn't mean that my opinions are biased as I have worked with this brand on a few occasions now, and have loved most of the products I've tried. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkXWdl4fvVU/YA2H96fTFVI/AAAAAAAALKM/-z40YN15RaQpZXwYndsbCatuI8j9FhLMACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/femme%2Bluxe%2Bhoundstooth%2Bgrandad%2Bvest.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moving on, let's talk about my favourite piece from this haul - the Grandad Vest! This <a href="https://femmeluxe.co.uk/black-white-oversized-houndstooth-sleeveless-rib-detail-mini-jumper-dress-kristen/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Oversized Houndstooth Sleeveless Jumper</span></i></a> is my ultimate accessory to make an outfit go from a 7 to a 10/10. It is sooo cosy, I can get away with wearing it on its own without a coat (if it's not raining of course, as then I will be wearing my raincoat lol), and with the pattern being very on-trend this year it will make any outfit stand out. I like to wear it with an all-black outfit, like in the image above I'm wearing faux suede trousers and a ribbed high neck top which is what I wore when I went to do some Christmas shopping at the beginning of December.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The quality of this jumper is really good, it feels thick and cosy, and the pattern is continuous so feels more luxurious than the price tag. Although this might not be everyone's cup of tea, there are so many ways of styling this jumper! I also tried it on with a <a href="https://femmeluxe.co.uk/white-pleated-long-sleeve-shirt-mini-dress-kelby" target="_blank"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">White Pleated Shirt Dress</span></i></a> and a pair of strappy heels and woweee I looked so good if I do say so myself! It's definitely a versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down for any occasion and I must say that I've worn it plenty of times since receiving my order. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn_pmwZkFuI/YC1ebzo-skI/AAAAAAAALNE/wXJ62SpFoRE_mzaii3KbNR7dInjwCZ8ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/femme%2Bluxe%2Bvest%2Band%2Bshirt%2Bdress.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The white shirt dress looks really nice on, very flattering thanks to the pleated details on the waist and the cuffed sleeves make it the perfect going out dress (or maybe I should say 'the perfect staying-in dress'. My only issue with this dress is that it is <i>so</i> see-through - as in you can see e v e r y t h i n g.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't think I would wear it on its own unless I had a seamless bodysuit underneath as underwear, but I think it looks great paired up with the houndstooth sleeveless jumper as you can see in my picture.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YB1pEIeMko/YBP1weCNywI/AAAAAAAALKY/rLh8t72u-mkJBUohk39u9fpMSaRkgAXCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/femme%2Bluxe%2Bblack%2Bjoggers.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Moving onto my second favourite item from this haul - the famous <a href="https://femmeluxe.co.uk/black-cuffed-joggers-lizzie" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Cuffed Joggers</i></span></a> from Femme Luxe. I have tried these joggers in 3 different colours now (including white and copper) and I think that the black ones are my favourite as they are the best quality I've tried so far, super comfy and stretchy around the waist (a very important feature) and they are not see-through which was an issue for me with the white joggers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The pockets are super deep so there's plenty of room for snacks (also a very important feature). As you can see in the image above, I have paired up my joggers with another ribbed high neck top - I own about 10 of these in different colours as they are really comfy and my favourite long-sleeved tops to wear in Autumn and Winter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUIuJStZP3s/YC1fp0gTNeI/AAAAAAAALNM/DXOWUMAZxaAv_ZLI1XzSnkMikvRgBREdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Femme%2BLuxe%2BPink%2BLoungewear.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last but not least, is the <a href="https://femmeluxe.co.uk/pink-ribbed-belted-loungewear-set-asia" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Pink Ribbed Loungewear Set</span></i></a> which I had my eyes on for a while in different colours but thought I'd go for the pink set as Spring is just around the corner. I went for the size S/M which is a UK 8-10 because the size up was a UK 12-14 so I thought it would be too big, but I now wish that I had gone for the bigger size, as the S/M is pretty much a Small rather than a Medium. The quality of this set isn't the best as it is quite thin and see-through (I wore seamless nude underwear with this set), so it might be a set to only wear around the house. I usually tend to go for sets that I can wear outdoors for walks etc, so this one isn't the best loungewear set I've tried. The sizing was a bit confusing too, I think they should just stick to their usual sizing as I tend to go for 10-12 (as this is what usually is meant by an S/M) as this set is too tight for me. I could still wear the top as that is slightly oversized, so if you like the look of the top only then it might still be a worthwhile purchase as the leggings are poor quality and don't have any stretch in them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I really love the knitted vest and the black joggers, the shirt dress is nice but too see-through to wear on its own and the loungewear set is just not what I had in mind when picking my order.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #999999;">*This post contains PR items sent to me by the brand. All opinions are honest and my own.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-79229218072644599562021-02-09T12:02:00.001+00:002021-02-09T12:02:26.905+00:00LIFESTYLE || CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY AT HOME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeJgssw_wqo/YCJ5jdrClTI/AAAAAAAALMk/fBi8wW3oajwEK1CcpZU1_MOiVS90svV8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/valentines%2Bday%2Bideas.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My usual plans for the <i>*day of love*</i> are either having a takeaway and watching a new movie or going to the cinema and out for a nice lunch or dinner (ah, those were the days). </div><div style="text-align: left;">This year won't be much different as we're not big celebrators of this holiday, but I still like to make some effort. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A lovely home-cooked meal is always a great idea, especially if you're both cooking your favourite dinner together! Mexican food is always a great idea if you're a fan of spicy food, I rarely make enchiladas so they would be a great option for us. A chocolate pudding is definitely a must, so if you're looking for an easy to follow recipe for a melt-in-the-middle pudding then check out <a href="https://bit.ly/2LxvZJG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this one</span></i></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But then again, you might feel like getting a takeaway instead which is also a lovely treat for everyone as you won't have to cook and can get some lovely food! Why not try a new takeaway near you? Or even an all-time favourite that the whole family will love?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you fancy a nice meal but don't want to cook or spend a lot of money then one of those special meal deals might be a great idea. I have seen them in most supermarkets for under £15 and they often include a 3-course meal and a bottle of wine which is great if you're not in the mood for cooking and on a tight budget.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are spending Valentine's Day with your family or alone then you must have a movie marathon! My favourite movies to binge-watch are Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings or you can go down the lovey-dovey route of Sex and the City, Pretty Woman, and anything that was based on a Nicholas Sparks novel.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My plans for Valentine's Day this year will consist of eating lots of chocolate, ice cream and strawberries all day long, followed by one of my favourite meals - Thai seabass with rice, fried egg, lettuce and seafood sauce (this meal is absolutely beautiful). There are also a few new films out on Sky (originals) which are on my watchlist that I will definitely be spending hours watching on Sunday!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">If you still haven't found the perfect gift, then check out my Valentine's Gift Guide </span><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2021/02/2021-valentines-day-gift-guide-for-him.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a><span style="color: #666666;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-79929891385740185812021-02-06T15:26:00.002+00:002021-02-11T19:28:17.385+00:00REVIEW || PIXI BY PETRA GLOW TONIC<div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZjdphJyoeE/YB0uhAXgBJI/AAAAAAAALL0/cbSfItbwOPApFEy4SrI9yHz1UUoGqjrNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Supersize%2BGlow%2BTonic.1.JPG" /><br /><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains gifted items.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone and their mum knows about the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bru3v" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Pixi Glow Tonic</span></i></a>, but maybe feel a bit sceptical about trying it out as it contains glycolic acid that can be a bit too strong for some to use. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The first time I got to try this tonic was when my dear friend, Sophie, gave me some of her travel-sized bottle to try out. At first, I didn't see any results, but that might have been due to the amount I used and not being consistent enough. Now, I use the glow tonic twice a day after cleansing and have noticed amazing results - keep on reading to find out more</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At first, I felt a bit of tingliness every time I used it until my skin became a bit more resilient and accepted the product. Personally, I like to use this tonic twice a day after cleansing (I'm currently using <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bru6y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this face wash</span></i></a>) applying it all over my face including ears and neck, but I try to avoid the eye area as it is rather tingly and stings when near the eye. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGmFjl-8Gd8/YB6sWIk-AlI/AAAAAAAALMI/PAX9vLxi-8A1FEMHZi-ywxsDbdHNUo48wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Supersize%2BGlow%2BTonic.2.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Before using the glow tonic my skin was dull, oily and had dry patches. A few weeks of using this product twice a day I have noticed my skin had become brighter, more luminous and smooth. I still get oily throughout the day, and I don't think that there's been any change in that since using this tonic but there might still be some improvement in that area in the future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are worried about the strength of this toner, please try it out by patch-testing first. This means that you can test the product out in one area of your skin to see if it will cause a reaction. This shouldn't happen as it doesn't contain any harmful ingredients, and the glycolic acid amount is only 5% which is not too strong yet very effective. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After 6 weeks of constant use, I can say that this is my favourite toner for brightening my skin and I use it with the <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/05/review-garnier-skinactive-rose-soothing.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Garnier Rose Water Mist</span></i></a> to soothe the skin after. I also make sure to use a hydrating serum and moisturiser to ensure that my skin doesn't feel dry or dehydrated - a facial oil is also a great addition to your skincare routine, especially when using this toner.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can buy the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bru3v" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Pixi Glow Tonic here</span></i></a> from £10 for 100ml. I would recommend buying the supersize when it is available (best deal for your money), although you should probably try the smaller size first to see how it works on your skin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This product is so great, it featured in my <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2021/01/2021-january-favourites.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">January Favourites post</span></i></a>. It is definitely worth every penny if you are after a skincare product that will make you glow brighter than a star ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">Have you tried the Pixi Glow Tonic yet? What are your thoughts on it? Let me know in the comments down below!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains gifted items by Pixi, and affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-83485415070136811242021-02-02T15:58:00.006+00:002021-02-03T12:16:36.748+00:002021 || VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM, HER & THEM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1666" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2dCQCjX1L8/YBl1Tt-Jc8I/AAAAAAAALLk/uiP4WFWGGBEwGghcluWUX0zhz46CFJBOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Valentines%2BDay%2BGift%2BGuide.JPG" /></div><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">The notebook in this picture is from a few years ago (it's from Paperchase).</span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are approaching the most romantic time of the year soon, where we like to gift our loved ones with meaningful items. I for one, like to either make something myself or treat others with something small but useful (there's no need to spend loads of money) and I'm here to help you find the perfect gift for your loved one.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not the biggest believer in Valentine's Day and don't really celebrate it, but I still like to give at least a card to my partner and maybe cook a nice meal. This year is very different from any other year that I could celebrate V Day, as I am currently not working and we can't go out to the cinema or for a meal, but I still want to be able to enjoy it the same way as always - by telling everyone I love how much they mean to me! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's a variety of items that I have included that are suitable for different budgets - this isn't an amazingly detailed gift guide, but it should help you find something suitable for your other half ☺️I have also included gifts that can be sent to friends and family, as we all need a little bit more love this year!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Let's get into it!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>If your loved one really enjoys reading then I would recommend these items:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3oGRVzE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Kindle</span></a></i> (make sure you choose the one without ads to avoid interruptions during reading!)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2021/01/my-woodsworth-editions-book-collection.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Limited Edition Books</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Waterstones or WHSmith Gift Card</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/770439788/handmade-padded-harry-potter-hogwarts?ref=shop_home_active_30&pro=1&frs=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Book Cover</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/865246828/floral-resin-bookmark-personalised?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=resin+bookmark&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&organic_search_click=1&bes=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Resin Bookmark</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3rdJL3p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Women Don't Owe You Pretty Book</span></a> </i>(Perfect for your Galentine)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>If your loved one enjoys bullet journaling or keeping a diary then check out these items:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://paperchicplans.com/collections/full-kits" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Paper Chic Plans Weekly</i></span></a> Stickers</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EllenBeeMakes?ref=shop_sugg&section_id=26151331" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">EllenBeeMakes Cutie Stickers</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://juniper-moon.co.uk/collections/stickers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Juniper Moon Stickers</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <i><a href="https://www.paperchase.com/en_gb/stationery/notebooks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Paperchase Notebooks</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://amzn.to/36zae3F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Manifestation Book</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>If your loved one likes Disney then these would make great gifts:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Limited Edition <a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/disney-store-minnie-mouse-sweetheart-medium-soft-toy-412501639885.html?cgid=2000607" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Minnie</i></span></a> or <a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/disney-store-mickey-mouse-sweetheart-medium-soft-toy-412501639700.html?cgid=2000607" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Mickey Mouse</i></span></a> Plush Toy</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <i><a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/disney-store-beauty-and-the-beast-journal-466041646711.html?cgid=2000607" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Beauty and The Beast Journal</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Scrunchies - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/906643775/disney-stitch-and-angel-watercolour?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=disney&ref=sc_gallery-1-4&plkey=9178a41db4471b310da46adef0d8f5a3d92f2e0c%3A906643775" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this one is my favourite</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/806175961/handmade-double-layered-pleated-washable?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=disney&ref=sr_gallery-1-14&organic_search_click=1&pro=1&frs=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Face Masks</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <i><a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/disney-store-winnie-the-pooh-journal-466041235786.html?cgid=2000607" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Winne the Pooh Journal</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/disney-store-beauty-and-the-beast-mug-and-tea-infuser-465031655047.html?cgid=2000607" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Belle mug with a rose loose tea strainer</i></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/disney-store-lady-and-the-tramp-bag-charm-427271636088.html?cgid=2000607" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Lady and the Tramp Bag Charm/keychain</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/disney-store-pinocchio-80th-anniversary-mug-465030701349.html?cgid=2000607" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Pinocchio Limited Edition mug</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>When you have no idea what to buy but want to get something (under £5):</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=valentine%20card" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Greeting Cards</span></i></a> (I really love Etsy for Valentine's cards)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/953196429/treat-box-with-flowers?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=chocolate+box&ref=sc_gallery-1-3&plkey=85d100d14741f9a226c6abcc79f04a1e55d3d237%3A953196429&pro=1&frs=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Chocolate</span></i></a> or <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/881874278/pick-n-mix-retro-sweets-choc-box-kids?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sweets&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&bes=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Sweets</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>- </i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LunaLavaStore" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Wax Melts</span></i></a> (this is my own business)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/brmTY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">The Ordinary Hemi-Squalane Oil</span></i></a> (can be used on skin and hair)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://amzn.to/3r8QBqO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Flavoured Coffee</span></i></a> (other flavours available)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- A selection box of <a href="https://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/impact-whey-protein-sample/10529583.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">protein powder</span></i></a> (lots of flavours available, my personal favourite is the Coffee Caramel)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If there are any other items that you think would make a great addition to this gift guide then please tell us about them in the comments section down below!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">I hope this post helps to inspire you for what to get your loved ones this Valentine's Day!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains affiliate links.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-52222914080461993572021-01-31T18:48:00.004+00:002021-04-08T13:58:10.311+01:002021 || JANUARY FAVOURITES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37-hEp6t3Oc/YBb6igGMQBI/AAAAAAAALLY/vkkABj6jGagCU8J9HwSB4pZ6z0ysrYsZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/january%2Bfavourites%2B2021.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here we are, it's the time of the month and year where I try to stick out writing monthly favourites posts - let's hope that this time they are here to stay seeing as I've got lots of free time to write!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One item I kept picking up this month randomly was the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bri07" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation</i></span></a> (I wear shade F2), and although it doesn't look that great set with powder it is a stunning AF foundation on its own. It glides beautifully on the skin, making it look healthy yet flawless and only costs around a fiver? If you haven't tried this foundation stick already then you must do, as it looks absolutely beautiful on the skin. I apply mine with a sponge from the stick but you can also go in straight with the stick on your skin and blend out using your favourite foundation tool (it also works well with a dense foundation brush).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, you would have seen me go on about how much I love the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bri0Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Pixi Glow Tonic</i></span></a> many times, and it has previously featured in a monthly favourites on my Instagram, but I had to mention it again this month. I have recently opened my huge bottle (gifted) of the tonic and it is so handy! If you're a big fan of this product then I would recommend getting the bigger bottle as it lasts longer and the pump is super handy when trying to get the right amount out of the bottle. This bottle is limited edition so make sure you grab it when you can!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another beauty item that I've been loving in January is the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bri1h" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Smashbox Cali Contour Palette</i></span></a> as it is super handy when trying to get my makeup done real quick (and quiet) in the mornings because it has everything you need to finish off your base. It has a setting powder (slightly too yellow for my skin tone, but still works well), a bronzer, a contour shade, two highlighters and a blusher - perfect, right? It's like one of those <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2017/06/the-most-perfect-blushbronze-palette.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Benefit Limited Edition palettes</span></i></a> that I absolute love, but with half the size that will fit through your letterbox (obvs a hint to treat yourself).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This wouldn't be a favourites post if I didn't include a piece of stationery in it, now would it? If you know me or have followed my blog for a while then you will already know that I am obsessed with stationary and have a notebook for every occasion, but I was recently sent a <a href="https://uk.collinsdebden.com/diaries.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>diary by Collins</i></span></a> to try out and I think it's bloody brilliant for the price! The cover is really thick and smooth - I think it's very similar to moleskin in touch, but what I love the most about it are the features such as a monthly tracker, a dotted page per every week for anyone who enjoys a good old BuJo, as well as a few other useful pages. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been decorating mine with some stickers, which brings me onto my other favourite piece of stationery which are these gorgeous stickers from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EllenBeeMakes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>EllenBeeMakes</i></span></a> on Etsy. I had these in my basket since before Christmas and then to my happy surprise, Ellen had a 25% sale on after Christmas so I had to buy everything in my basket and now I want more! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But to round this post up, these are my monthly favourites for January - keeping it short and sweet but precise!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">*This post contains some affiliate links and gifted items.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #666666;">What have you been loving this January? Can you believe that this month is already over?!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-12450417748086381712021-01-30T19:29:00.002+00:002021-01-30T19:29:42.115+00:00FASHION || KATCH ME HAUL - LOUNGEWEAR<div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6PmLJwFaa4/YBQDA_UwAFI/AAAAAAAALKk/_yNmxlj04osQ3OrJtsQQSSFOfyjPAm0HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/katch%2Bme%2Bfluffy%2Bloungewear%2Bset.jpg" /></div></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;">*This post contains PR items. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, it's not been too long since my last <a href="https://www.katchme.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Katch Me</i></span></a> <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/11/Katch-Me-Haul-AW20.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>haul</i></span></a> but I feel that this one is even better than the last one as it includes my new favourite word = <i>loungewear</i>. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Firstly, I have to talk about the star of the show - the <a href="https://www.katchme.com/collections/loungewear/products/cream-teddy-co-ord-shanice" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Teddy Loungewear Set</span></i></a> in cream. Although it makes me look bigger than I am because of how thick the fabric is (this is not a bad thing, just an observation) it is the cosiest and fluffiest loungewear set I have ever laid my hands on. I feel so warm all day long when I wear it and feel like I don't even need to turn the heating on as it's super warm and cosy on its own. I have also slept in it which was a bit too much, even for me! I got this set in the size M/L (for reference I am a size UK 10-12) and it fits perfectly. There is a little bit of room in the trousers for me to snack, and the jumper is oversized but very cropped.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VbgtGaKRoE/YBQGE8V6GkI/AAAAAAAALKw/_69gcYmpllUOXXhmH0ahD-u88CrMoPVxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/katch%2Bme%2Bbeige%2Bloungewear%2Bset.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The second set is also super cute as it comes with wide-leg belted trousers and a cropped open sleeve jumper. This <a href="https://www.katchme.com/collections/loungewear/products/beige-chunky-knit-loungewear-set" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Beige Chunky Knit Loungewear Set</span></i></a> retails at £29.99 which is a reasonable price for the quality of the material and the design. The jumper is cropped (there are a lot of <i><a href="https://www.katchme.com/collections/cropped-loungewear-sets" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">cropped loungewear pieces to choose from</span></a></i>) but it isn't too short so it's great for those that prefer more length on a jumper. However, if you prefer a more cropped jumper then you can always tuck it into your bra (if you bother to wear one haha).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I got this set in a size M/L again, it is a bit too loose around my waist so I find the belt very useful in this set. I love the colour of this set, it is so on-trend at the moment, and I have worn it out a few times with a pair of chunky boots and a big faux fur coat for extra warmth and comfort. If you're after some new loungewear to add to your wardrobe then check out the <a href="https://www.katchme.com/collections/new-in-loungewear" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">new releases from Katch M</span></i></a>e.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knLxfDdm5lA/YBWo-3mK-0I/AAAAAAAALK8/0QuKVtgIpS0JwxLTfXklleWC6rr6ThmTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/katch%2Bme%2Bwhite%2Blounge%2Bset.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Last but not least, is this <a href="https://www.katchme.com/collections/loungewear/products/white-turtle-neck-loungewear-set" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">White Turtle Neck Ribbed Loungewear Set</span></i></a> which looks super cute and is very cosy. Sadly, this set is very see-through and the trousers aren't as high-waisted as I was expecting so I tend to wear this set with a grandad vest over it to cover my underwear (although I am wearing a white bra and nude pants in this photo). I have worn this set out a few times, even with a black faux leather blazer and chunky boots - such a chic look! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can find lots of loungewear pieces on the Katch Me website <a href="https://www.katchme.com/collections/loungewear" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a>, but brace yourself as there is a lot to choose from!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you'd like to see what these sets look like on me properly then check out my YouTube video <a href="https://youtu.be/Ge2P3xqb_yY" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>here</i></span></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">*This post contains PR items sent to me by the brand. All opinions are honest and my own.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #666666;">Have you been living in loungewear like me? What's your favourite piece from my haul?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-5224283579934757712021-01-21T14:39:00.001+00:002021-01-21T14:39:43.448+00:00MY WOODSWORTH EDITIONS BOOK COLLECTION<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVD1Q3Ahw2E/YANC5VfeqmI/AAAAAAAALJE/gz4TAEzZEasEZGm8F0s2pTI6agfIAntWACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Woodsworth%2BEdition%2BBooks.JPG" /></div><div><br />Some of you may already know that I have joined Beth's Book Club at some point in 2020 when I needed to have some sense of community. Thanks to the beautiful pictures that often get re-shared on the Instagram page for the book club, I have come across the most gorgeous collector's editions of classic books that include some of my favourite titles.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't help myself but add all of the titles from the Woodsworth Editions onto my wishlist to then give to my partner for any special occasions, and to my delight, he surprised me with a few of the books for Christmas!</div><div><br /></div><div>The books I have received as presents are: Anne of Green Gables, Treasure Island, Wuthering Heights, and Great Expectations. Since taking these pictures I have also received Alice in Wonderland as a birthday gift from my partner. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoixcNhk6t4/YAcETIU14AI/AAAAAAAALJU/robmmFIod6MCq0sAMc26nhBRlH0ok-tYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Anne%2Bof%2BGreen%2BGables%2BWoodsworth%2BEdition%2BBook.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2NdnXWZ" title=""><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Anne of Green Gables</i></span></a> is my favourite childhood book of all time. I remember falling in love with Anne as soon as she was introduced and my connection to her character has been like no other ever since. A red-haired girl (like myself as a child) who was wise beyond her years (I’m not gonna blow my own trumpet with this one haha), who has a heart of gold. If you’ve never read this book or are wanting to gift it to someone you know, then definitely opt for <a href="https://amzn.to/2NdnXWZ" title=""><span style="color: #999999;"><i>this gorgeous limited edition cover</i></span></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnV3RQ07wRE/YAcEdfXdFRI/AAAAAAAALJY/6bdm8fnpl4En3IUZzmauIH2XYv5CRPPYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Treasure%2BIsland%2BWoodsworth%2BEdition%2BBook.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/35Nbtfd" title=""><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Treasure Island</i></span></a> is a book that’s been on my TBR list for a while, so why not add it to my beautiful collection when it’s available in such a lovely cover? I think that this is going to be a very fun and adventurous book to read to my children in the (distant) future, <i>sorry dad</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIwKwxhTPk0/YAmJgU9ff4I/AAAAAAAALJs/CV34audZibgKiTFonJamVIE7MnQXTYZLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Wuthering%2BHeights%2BWoodsworth%2BEdition%2BBook.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another limited edition book I received was the classic that is <a href="https://amzn.to/360JjNX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Wuthering Heights</span></i></a>. I feel like everyone has read this book but me? Even my little brother read this in his spare time and he’s only 12! I can’t be the only one that’s not read this book yet, so it’s one that’s made my TBR list in 2021 and I cannot wait to try not to bend the spine too much 😂</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeiJOYbO9DE/YAmJtKlhJiI/AAAAAAAALJw/-_nj_DIXLlozi7ihBTQBU1MtTjbAuOlvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Great%2BExpectations%2BWoodsworth%2BEdition%2BBook.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least, is the <a href="https://amzn.to/2KE3xWe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Dickes' Great Expectations</i></span></a> which I’ve heard of before but have no idea what it’s about. I probably sound really ignorant saying this, but I am super excited to read this book <i>because</i> I know nothing about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I previously mentioned, I was also gifted <a href="https://amzn.to/360JyIR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Alice in Wonderland</span></i></a> for my birthday which is the most beautiful and fun cover of them all (in my opinion, but mostly because it is a lovely pink colour). I have read Alice in Wonderland a few times as a child because it was one of my mum's favourite books, making it that extra bit special to me. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you have any collectables on your bookshelves? What is your favourite book of all time?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains affiliate links.</span></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div><p></p>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-21336859637547577812021-01-15T17:20:00.005+00:002021-01-15T17:20:54.011+00:00REVIEW || JOLIE BEAUTY SECOND SKIN HIGHLIGHTERS IN SAINTLY AND DREAMING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNhsGJO3Ji8/YAHFrdB5IvI/AAAAAAAALIE/tkmkJjaKbLAckiahh-s-XDjA_FbmjGwvACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/jolie%2Bbeauty%2Bhighlighter%2Bon%2Bskin%2B1.png" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2S8BVK4ofE/YAHFrD0dwuI/AAAAAAAALIA/h0jePlEKZQAuzhOYbiY3cjsT-WxuSHMdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/jolie%2Bbeauty%2Bhighlighter%2Bon%2Bskin.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">*This post contains PR items from </span><a href="https://joliebeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><i>Jolie Beauty</i></span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">. In this picture I am wearing the shade 'Saintly'.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I recently came across the brand Jolie Beauty on a blogging assignment website where I could apply for a collaboration to review a highlighter from this company. I was pleasantly surprised to receive two of the <a href="https://joliebeauty.co.uk/collections/second-skin" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Jolie Beauty Second Skin Highlighters</i></span></a> in shades 'Saintly' and 'Dreaming'.<br /> <br />Jolie Beauty is a brand created by experienced makeup artists, wanting to make products that are the highest quality with an affordable price tag. All products are cruelty-free and most are vegan; thus being very ethically-aware when it comes to cosmetics. I don't tend to buy any makeup or skincare items that aren't cruelty-free, and mostly I look for the vegan labels too.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tD2DeXxYIw0/YABR247UVfI/AAAAAAAALHc/WFSaTlpszvwqJQB-Vwqs_0kfv-JSA1_pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.1.JPG" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8jZkei8Elw/YABR3Hq9MCI/AAAAAAAALHg/IxjCFD46R-0urIwaiz2jxkDgKgF9ny-mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.2.JPG" /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jolie Highlighter in shade 'Dreaming':</h3><div style="text-align: left;">This gorgeous shade of highlighter is called '<a href="https://joliebeauty.co.uk/products/second-skin-powder-highlighter-shade-dreaming" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Dreaming</i></span></a>' and is recommended to use on light-medium skin tones on the website and is described as a <i>gorgeous pop of light warm champagne</i>. I really like this shade when I wear fake tan, as it is too warm for me on my natural skin tone. <br /><br />The first time I swatched this highlighter I was in absolute awe at the pigment and creaminess of the product. It swatched very nicely on my fingers and there wasn't much fallout either which I guess proves how creamy this highlighter actually is.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oPWUlfzngg/YAHCtHaA9WI/AAAAAAAALH0/gZxm0v48zqkCNeceuMRzxGi-uogbc2OXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.4.JPG" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6w4gR8rvsM/YAHCtFKvd5I/AAAAAAAALHw/pRN3o-ZIyPY0jfemvRY7G9FR6-LsDV5lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.5.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, the packaging of this highlighter is a lovely copper colour, and comes with a mirror on the inside of the compact. The packaging is very lightweight, therefore super travel friendly however because the packaging is so light it almost lacks the premium feel to it that some of my other highlighters have. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the most important aspect of a product, but I do like a premium looking/feeling makeup item.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQLt_Zdhtcs/YAHHEgIQj0I/AAAAAAAALIU/x2yvaAoBqQElNAXPmyQzQbQBQ3Szea5gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.6.JPG" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGKlZ33QLbg/YAHHE1gEEOI/AAAAAAAALIY/T9Prj6D1gfYoOqw7BwxYM4csaAhmDap5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.7.JPG" /></div><div><h3>Jolie Highlighter in shade 'Saintly':</h3></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now moving onto the shade '<a href="https://joliebeauty.co.uk/products/second-skin-powder-highlighter-shade-lit-up" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Saintly</i></span></a>'. This one is definitely a shade that's very suited to my natural skin tone which is fair-light, and you can see me wearing it in the first two pictures in this post. I have also filmed a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJypeMJjoUC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">first impressions reel on my Instagram</span></a> for this highlighter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Like I've mentioned throughout this post already, the texture of this highlighter is very creamy and doesn't have much fallout when used with a brush. The packaging looks very pretty and is super lightweight - making it travel-friendly. This shade, however is very pretty and I don't know about you, but I find it really hard trying to find a more gold-ish toned highlighter that's suitable for fair skin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ARHG5AQ4T8/YAHMaoZHkII/AAAAAAAALI4/4Xa0_d0T6yYsdFxAtOjy3jkzXywUUtz4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.9.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWWjD2sEDtw/YAHMAcaZQuI/AAAAAAAALIs/CNoIVJLbbHcCcZe2ItgKn2uTvdihmSHEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Jolie%2BBeauty%2BSecond%2BSkin%2BHighlighter%2BReview.10.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've been wearing this highlighter nearly everyday since receiving it, and I must say that I am pretty chuffed with it! It looks beautiful on the skin, not too bright and more natural; although it still looks pretty bright on the skin ✨<br /><br />Overall, I will say that these highlighters are lovely if you are looking for something that's middle-end and vegan & cruelty free. I think that for the price per product, it is worth the money as it does last all day long and looks goregous on the skin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Have you tried any products from </span><a href="https://joliebeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #999999;">Jolie Beauty</span></i></a><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> before? What is your favourite highlighter of all time?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">This post contains PR items sent to me by Jolie Beauty in exchange for a review. All opinions are honest and my own.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-6041633187870729242021-01-04T16:46:00.000+00:002021-01-04T16:46:21.226+00:00REVIEW || ELF COSMETICS PORELESS PUTTY PRIMER <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tuqu3N9-uI/X9HnfnUhtlI/AAAAAAAALFE/6U7ec9DQpzE8n20R5jedz5mu9pg1RovxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ELF%2BPutty%2BPrimer%2BReview.2.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I feel like this product has been sold out in my local Superdrug stores for absolute ages until I was able to get my hands on it in December 2019. I've been using it for a few months now so I think it's the perfect time to finally review it. Since releasing the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1rN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Poreless Putty Primer</i></span></a>, ELF have also released a selection of primers in this range including <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1tv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Matte Putty Primer</i></span></a>, and <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1tx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Luminous Putty Primer</i></span></a> (which I haven't tried yet).</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />This product retails at only £8 which is a great price considering that you get 21 grams of product, as this can usually last around 4-6 months with daily use (a little goes a long way with this bad boy). I tend to apply this product using a stippling brush, but clean fingers work just as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The texture is very smooth and tacky, making it feel like it will adhere to the skin and foundation well. I have been using this product for a few months now (on and off with different foundations, and tools to test longevity), and I have found that this is a really good product for most skin types.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After applying the primer I wait roughly for 3 minutes for it to dry before applying foundation. The foundations I have tried with this primer that worked well are <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1tA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Estee Lauder Double Wear</i></span></a>, <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1r5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation</i></span></a>, <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1tN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>L'oréal True Match</i></span></a>, and <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1tP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Maybelline Fit Me</i></span></a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Once I have set my foundation with powder (I use the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqpoO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Laura Mercier Translucent Powder</i></span></a>) and with setting spray (I use <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqpta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Urban Decay's All Nighter</i></span></a>) I began the test of longevity. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkfk78xxWWE/X_MrAQ_aSsI/AAAAAAAALGc/wVI72oMux2gj-oDAF_GrOoyjdcLIp-9gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ELF%2BPutty%2BPrimer%2BReview.4.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My skin looked flawless upon application which I can confidently say was also due to my skincare, but the primer did apply like a dream. My pores were instantly blurred, and my skin looked super smooth. This primer reminds me of <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqpv9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Estee Lauder's The Smoother</i></span></a> in finish, minus the high price tag - so if you are a fan of the EL primer and are looking for something more affordable then I'd urge you to try this ELF primer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The longevity is quite decent, I did notice some separation around my mouth and chin after a few hours but that is something that happens to me often, especially when I talk a lot (which I do haha) and due to dehydration. If you get the same results as me with any foundation and primer you wear then I would recommend trying a hyaluronic acid serum, you can find them almost anywhere but my favourite one is <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqpNB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>this one</i></span></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoxd061r9UU/X_M_5MuEj0I/AAAAAAAALGo/Sw1OKwQJ_-c9qjxkIIPYaDNnUgcEvU0CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ELF%2BPutty%2BPrimer%2BReview.6.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I really enjoy using this primer. It is very long-lasting as I have now been using it since around April 2020 and there is still more than half left as a little goes a long way. This primer is also very durable and makes my foundation not only look flawless but also last longer than when not using a primer at all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For only £8 per pot and with everyday usage this makes the ELF Poreless Putty Primer cost only approx. 66 pence per month assuming it will last you one year. I definitely want to try the other two putty primers by ELF which I will most definitely review in the future!</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Other posts you might enjoy to achieve the perfect base:</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/05/review-mac-mineralize-skinfinish-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Review</i></span></a></li><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2018/02/review-new-and-improved-moisture-surge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Clinique Moisture Surge Review</i></span></a></li><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2015/03/review-estee-lauder-double-wear-maximum.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Review</i></span></a></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Have you tried any ELF products before? What are your thoughts on the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bp1rN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Poreless Putty Primer</span></a>?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">*This post includes affiliate links. This means that I will receive a commission if you purchase anything using these links. It won't cost you any more! </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-24221377639062983572020-12-14T15:56:00.037+00:002021-01-02T17:01:53.381+00:002020 || THE BLOGMAS TAG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Al_8M4wGEkk/X_BwEZ1AWXI/AAAAAAAALGE/CO4qjvPpmKcBFdkHpRORBkaDDhto2OJmACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/baileys%2Bcocktail.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You might already know that I love a good old themed post tag. I recently participated in a <i><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/10/2020-hallotober-tag-happy-halloween.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Halloween Tag</span></a></span></i> and was nominated to participate in a Christmas one by the lovely Kay from <a href="https://craftroomandbeyond.co.uk/?p=4754" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">The Craft Room and Beyond</span></i></a>. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1) Snowy Christmas or a Warm Christmas?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Definitely a snowy Christmas as I associate Winter with snow! I have never spent Christmas in a hot country before so can't really compare it, but I can't imagine spending this time of the year abroad (unless it's somewhere cold where I can go skiing, haha).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2) Favourite flavoured hot chocolate?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">I love flavoured hot chocolates so this one is hard to answer! But if I had to choose one it will be a <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2019/12/food-spiced-orange-hot-chocolate-recipe.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #999999;">spiced orange hot chocolate</span></i></a> - if you haven't tried it already then you have to!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3) What is one Christmas tradition you love?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Coming from a Polish household, it is my family's tradition to have a massive feast on Christmas Eve called 'Wigilia' where we get to open presents after dinner!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4) Do you do Elf on Shelf, and if so, what's your favourite prank?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Never done this, I don't think any of my family members have done this for their children either. I might do this in the future for my own children, but not 100% sure!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5) What are you most excited for this December?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">The food of course!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6) What is your favourite Christmas movie?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">It'll have to be Elf and Home Alone (please don't make me choose just one)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">7) Cookies or Mince Pies?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Definitely cookies, I'm not the biggest fan of mince pies.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">8) What is your warmest Winter-time memory?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">I don't have one as it's always cold in Poland and England during winter!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br />9) What is something you must have in the Winter-time?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">I would have to say Baileys?! Because that's the sort of festive drink I tend to have only in the colder months of the year (hence the main picture in this post).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">10) What is something you'd love to do in the snow?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Skiing and sledging! I haven't done either of those things since the first week on January 2008 :(</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">11) What is your favourite Christmas song?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Last Christmas - WHAM!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">12) What is your favourite part of Christmas dinner?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">I love it all, but it'll have to be the pigs in blankets!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you all enjoyed reading this Blogmas Tag and I urge you to try and asnwer some of these questions (not gonna lie, I found some of them very hard - especially when it came to choosing just one thing!). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">I want to tag you all in this post to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-weight: normal;">I wish you all a very happy Christmas!</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-83572829080645335362020-12-07T14:40:00.001+00:002020-12-07T14:46:56.048+00:002020 || AFFORDABLE CHRISTMAS JUMPERS FOR WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN<div style="text-align: left;">So, here we are. It's been a whole year since I attempted Blogmas in 2019 which I enjoyed but found way too overwhelming to keep up with over a short period of time, especially as I was working full-time and preparing for a very big Christmas! This year I have more time to myself as I'm currently not working (I guess I can call myself self-employed as <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2020/11/lifestyle-i-opened-etsy-shop.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>I have opened my own business</i></span></a>), but I decided not to do Blogmas this year. Sadly, I just don't have enough ideas for blog posts but will try and write as much content as possible. I would also love to do a giveaway soon for the new year to start it off as great as possible for one lucky person. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for more festive content then check out my other posts:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2019/12/food-spiced-orange-hot-chocolate-recipe.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe</i></span></a></li><li><i><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2018/12/top-holiday-movies-and-tv-shows-to-get.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Movies & TV Shows to get you in the Christmas spirit</span></a></i></li><li><i><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/search/label/Christmas%20Guide?max-results=5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Christmas Gift Guides</span></a></i></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u style="background-color: #f4c6e1;">Ladies' Christmas Jumpers:</u></b> </h3>
<div data-sc-widget-id="P-5fce3b071486e84bdb74aa2d"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u style="background-color: #f4c6e1;">Men's Christmas Jumpers:</u></b><div data-sc-widget-id="P-5fce3b961486e84bdb74cbb6"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u style="background-color: #f4c6e1;">Children's Christmas Jumpers:</u></h3><div data-sc-widget-id="P-5fce3be7ba0c75411053369e"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">*This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you purchased something through that link. This will not cost you any more, but it will support me massively.</span></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-67949087670820449902020-11-23T11:30:00.116+00:002021-01-11T09:57:19.646+00:00FASHION || MY FAVOURITE ACCESSORIES FOR DRESSING UP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG0Z9aT3Frw/X8Ykz-kx9KI/AAAAAAAALDg/Bea63SXVJSoZHDIALQrighOXXv6E3IESQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Fashion%2BAccessories.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a while since I got to dress up all fancy and be able to enjoy a normal night out where I can truly enjoy myself without any worries. But where those nights the best!! Over the years I have accumulated many accessories that never fail for when I'm looking for something to wear. Whether it's a lovely sunny day, or a dark cold evening these are my staples that can make my outfit go from a 7 to a 10 in minutes!<br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;">A statement belt is sometimes just what you need to put a whole outfit together. Some of my nicest dresses are a smock style which is great if I want to wear them during the day, but for a nighttime look, I like to accessorise and add a statement belt to my outfit. My favourite belt to wear with dresses is the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/boIPD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Gucci Marmont GG Buckle Belt</i></span></a>. I received this belt as a graduation gift from my dad in 2018 and I still love it SO much! I got a bigger size as I wanted it to fit around my hips as well as my waist based on what I'm wearing - I own the 80cm size and I'm a size UK 10-12. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shapellx.com/products/shapellx-detachable-straps-full-body-shaper-zipper-abdominal-control" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EwEIL9JCKc/X8YmqNkDjRI/AAAAAAAALDs/ymd2cI4HdoYtVZeBcBCprfbRvd-kgZJHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/shapellx%2Bbody%2Bshaper.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #999999;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Click on the image to view the product.</i></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another one might not be for everyone but I do like to wear some form of body-shaping underwear. This makes me feels super sexy and confident, but I know that I don't need to wear anything to 'alter' my body shape as there is nothing wrong with my (or your) figure! If you are interested in purchasing some shapewear then check out these <span><a href="https://www.shapellx.com/collections/bodysuits" style="color: #999999; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">thong shapewear bodysuits</a>, there are so many to choose from including different colours and types (even including built-in shorts!).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.shapellx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Shapellx</i></span></a> is a shapewear company established in 2019 that wants to make all women feel their best by improving posture and boosting confidence through their specially designed accessories. One of their best-selling products are <span>waist trainers</span> which are a great way to help with your posture! If you're looking for something to help with constant backache then definitely look into getting a waist trainer as they help to keep your back stiff and straight, which helps to avoid slouching! I wouldn't recommend sleeping in one though as I have done that in the past and woke up with the stiffest back ever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shapellx.com/products/airslim-power-control-full-body-shaper" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFY4ZUI_rfo/X8YnBSOOLgI/AAAAAAAALD0/5Amk8_9W1J8NBxB1GzX9GTi7d0b6yWQpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/shapellx%2Bbody%2Bslimmer.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>*Click on the image to view the product.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shapellx.com/products/neosweat-exclusive-waist-and-thigh-trimmer-butt-lifter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_QevnvtTPE/X8YxXhVaz4I/AAAAAAAALEg/BEKCfpcQiegkJODiTunhFJLHTyduxQ6qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/shapellx%2Bbutt%2Blifter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Click on the image to view the product.</i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are some amazing <a href="https://www.shapellx.com/pages/shapellx-black-friday" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Black Friday shapewear deals this year</i></span></a> over at Shapellx with up to 70% off! This offer will be available all throughout the Cyber week so grab yours whilst it's on offer because a deal like this won't be happening any time soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXAg6lXi7NA/X8YsYWBLyaI/AAAAAAAALEA/JD-RuHcPq2ES-RPVRtzMuvWC7ss7VhL0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ideals%2Bof%2Bsweden%2Bpouch.JPG" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hny9H9D9EZ0/X8YsePTMKoI/AAAAAAAALEE/cwfCjOanMFo5h7jpCKv5U3RR1HHv3dZKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ideals%2Bof%2Bsweden%2Bpouch.2.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>*This pouch was gifted to me by the brand for PR purposes.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A statement bag is a must for me when going out. It needs to be big enough to fit my phone, cards, keys and lipstick in. Oh, and maybe a small fragrance too! As part of my ambassadorship with iDEAL of Sweden, I have picked out this <a href="https://idealofsweden.co.uk/p/pouch-evergreen-croco" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Evergreen Croco Pouch</i></span></a> to include in this post and I must say I am <i>very</i> impressed with the quality of it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://idealofsweden.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>iDEAL of Sweden</i></span></a> is having an amazing 50% off sale all throughout the Cyber Week! Don't miss out on this amazing deal as it most likely won't come around again. And even better news - you can get an extra 5% off your order using my code '<b>missmayasx5</b>' (affiliate code).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another one of my favourite bags to wear is my Calvin Klein Camera Bag! It fits so much inside and is just the cutest little bag. I would highly recommend <a href="https://www.zalando.co.uk/women/?q=crossbody+bag+calvin+klein" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>getting yourself one of those</i></span></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z82YBs33sGM/X8YuJL3SRII/AAAAAAAALEU/D76tgWQUfYYuuzmE_Kk2NISew5fzz6mWACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Comfortable%2Bsandals.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cute shoes are my other statement piece to dress up an outfit. I really like wearing funky accessories but sometimes it's nice to go for something a little less in-your-face such as these comfy sandals. I bought this pair of heels for only £8 in the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bplMU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">H&M </span></a>sale last summer which I thought was an amazing bargain, especially to say how comfortable they are. Some of my other favourite companies to buy footwear from are <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bplMZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Public Desire</span></a> and <a href="https://www.topshop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Topshop</span></a>. You can also find some very affordable and brand new shoes on places like eBay and Depop which is where I try to get my items from to reduce my spending as well as help decrease the overproduction of fast fashion.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">I hope you've found this post helpful, let me know your thoughts on what you like to accessorise your outfits with! Don't forget to have an amazing day!! 💖</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>*This post includes an AD link as a collaboration with a Shapellx and PR item from iDEAL of Sweden. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>All opinions are my own and 100% honest. This post includes some affiliate links.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-61824941324788223812020-11-12T15:35:00.002+00:002020-11-12T15:36:18.600+00:00LIFESTYLE || I OPENED AN ETSY SHOP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSITD842kgE/X61Pb1bOkuI/AAAAAAAALCk/6kCaGkVzHdooR_fSnyxfe0K719QR5JXXACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Christmas%2BCookie%2BWax%2BMelt.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't have to remind you of what a shitshow 2020 has been because you all already know. So many people have lost their jobs, and not been able to pick themselves back up. This year I was made partially redundant and accepted the first full-time position I applied for due to desperation and wanting a change of lifestyle. I met some amazing people in my new job but I hated working there. I thought I was getting myself a lovely social media management job at a very well-known company, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a shitty call centre job that did not pay enough for what was asked of me. So here I am, nearly two months since I left my job and I'm still unemployed (looking for work DAILY). Now, with all this extra time that I've had, I finally started my own little business which is something I've been wanting to do for many years.<span><a name='more'></a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have opened an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LunaLavaStore" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Etsy shop</i></span></a> selling hand-poured wax melts! I use 100% eco soy wax in my products, and the fragrance oils I use are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free. I remember using my first ever wax melt back in, I don't know, maybe 2013? It was from Yankee Candle and to be honest with you, it wasn't that strong! I find that most of the wax melts I have tried in the past aren't that strong and the scent disappears after a while. So to make sure that my products are up to my standard I test them out and ensure they are perfect before selling them! Now that I have my own <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LunaLavaStore" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>shop</i></span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luna.lava.store/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Instagram page</i></span></a>, I keep noticing <i>so many</i> different small businesses selling wax melts! I feel like it's never-ending and it did put me off a little bit. But then I realised that the reason I am seeing so many other people selling gorgeous smelling wax shapes is because of my search history, cache and cookies!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkNQDyPRaPo/X61Ubj7njYI/AAAAAAAALC0/HfQwNUBkp-Yqi5ZJgqjTmVK-vwcjP2lBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Frost%2BSprite%2BWax%2BMelt.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My thought process behind this business was that I wanted to do something that required me to get creative and to make something that's environmentally friendly. I'm really glad I finally have done something useful with my time during the lockdown and turned a hobby into a potential regular income. I've also been trying to blog a lot more, but I'll save that for another post as it's not really relevant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have a notebook full of ideas of what scents, shapes etc. I'd like to release in 2021, and I really hope that I'll be able to continue doing so! I am currently looking for a full-time job and will continue to make these gorgeous little wax melts alongside. In the meantime, this is my main focus while I'm free (as well as blogging, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW1rt-jreRdO1eQazdd8NMQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>YouTube</i></span></a> and reading lol). At the moment I have 4 scents available online, with 4 new being released on Thanksgiving (26th November 2020) and I have just uploaded a special Christmas Gift Set including some of my creations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So if you are considering opening up your own shop or getting creative, don't let anyone/anything stop you! You've got this, and you can do it!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">*This post is a personal AD for my own business.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-2921985100095801482020-11-03T12:12:00.004+00:002021-04-08T13:59:13.783+01:00FASHION || KATCH ME HAUL AW20<div style="text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa14PENB4cA/X6E4SfTa2fI/AAAAAAAALA4/mFqVUsp1ZZck5I-n7sTy9vxSSWBIKMABwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Katch%2BMe%2BPolka%2BDot%2BDress.1.JPG" /><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"> *AD - This post contains gifted items.</span></i></div></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I was recently contacted by <a href="https://www.katchme.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">KatchMe</span></a> to try some of their AW20 staples, so me being me obviously said yes because I'm always on the lookout to test out new brands!</div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The <a href="https://www.katchme.com/products/yellow-puff-sleeve-polka-dot-milkmaid-dress-nia" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Yellow Polka Dot Milkmaid Dress</i></span></a> is soooo cute! I love the colour of it as it's not too dark or too pale, it's the perfect yellow for this season. The long sleeves are perfect for the colder weather and can be paired up with a cute pair of heels or thigh-high boots and a furry coat for ultimate comfort. </div><span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, with a new lockdown just a few days away I won't have anywhere to wear this dress to so I decided to pair it up with <i><span style="color: #999999;">high waisted relaxed mom jeans</span></i> and ta-da! It makes a super cute top too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnYoYsXpWs4/X6E_BU_RuVI/AAAAAAAALBs/lYIZ7_3B4awJ9e50bTFwc6iEIoZS084bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_4696.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div>The sleeves are stretchy so they sit comfortably on my arms, I do think that the puff sleeves are a bit loose as one kept falling off my shoulder (this isn't a problem as the dress also looks really nice with the sleeves being off the shoulders). It was easy to zip up and very comfortable to wear. I didn't feel restricted in this dress at all and it made me feel super cute! I'd recommend you to go by your regular size or size down for a super-tight fit.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBxojIYazZg/X6E5n3snMCI/AAAAAAAALBg/FxbwaK0RgWQ1-H41Spsr2sYHEvPwyUBzACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Katch%2BMe%2BFlannel%2BShirt.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /><br /><br />When I tell you this <a href="https://www.katchme.com/products/green-yellow-check-flannel-shirt-lennon" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Check Flannel Shirt</i></span></a> is the best quality shirt I've ever owned I am not lying to you! It is super soft and cosy, I feel like it can be worn as a top or as a jacket. I went for a size bigger (UK 14) so it's a bit oversized but I could have easily gone for my regular size as it is very roomy. The colour is really nice and festive - perfect for the Autumnal season. This shirt can be worn as it is or as a shacket as it is thicker than a regular shirt - a great item to add to your AW20 wardrobe.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kC3ypwevw84/X6FGoQ1nmaI/AAAAAAAALB4/htQOOB0QcpkWNmULXfu4MB1zPiCKHYi3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_4470.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The perfect skirt has arrived and it is this gorgeous <a href="https://www.katchme.com/collections/skirts/products/black-faux-leather-split-front-mini-skirt" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Faux Leather Split Front Mini Skirt</i></span></a> from <a href="https://www.katchme.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Katch Me</span></a>. I picked size M which is a UK 10 and it has enough room in it for me to have a big dinner. The material is thick and sits comfortably around my waist and thighs. It has a zip fastening on the back which was a bit trickier to do up than the dress, but nonetheless a great piece for AW20. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see the slit comes up quite high so it might not be for everyone, but if you're trying to channel your inner Rachel Green then this is the one for you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sizing of this skirt isn't the most inclusive as it mainly caters to small sizes, but I hope that this is something that the brand is looking to improve. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">*This post contains gifted items. All opinions are honest and my own.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-78395392999895681292020-10-31T19:04:00.003+00:002020-10-31T19:06:29.283+00:002020 || The Hallotober Tag - Happy Halloween!<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eci0fccSVn8/X52uRp7DiYI/AAAAAAAALAg/Hq0FSM_tKHEGcarbqEmTZWqXlY6eXxJfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Hallotober%2BTag%2B2020%2B-%2BVogue%2Bby%2BMaya.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eci0fccSVn8/X52uRp7DiYI/AAAAAAAALAg/Hq0FSM_tKHEGcarbqEmTZWqXlY6eXxJfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Hallotober%2BTag%2B2020%2B-%2BVogue%2Bby%2BMaya.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Halloween my scary witches and warlocks!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was tagged in this little Halloween Q&A by the lovely Kay from <a href="https://craftroomandbeyond.co.uk/?p=4254" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>The Craft Room and Beyond</i></span></a> to finish off this year's scary festivities!</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This tag was originally created by Jordanne from <a href="https://www.thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk/2020/09/hallotober-tag.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>The Life of a Glasgow Girl</i></span></a>, and the rules are as follows:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank the person who tagged you and link to their post</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Put the rules at the beginning</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can use the tag image somewhere in the post</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Answer the 13 questions</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tag 13 people to do the tag</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Delete question 13 and replace it with one of your own questions</span></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r-vDCCEze0/X52wLMWBpEI/AAAAAAAALAs/rMe3fWdbXn8S4IUK0MoathRB9Ko29gHaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/hallotober%2Btag%2B2020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r-vDCCEze0/X52wLMWBpEI/AAAAAAAALAs/rMe3fWdbXn8S4IUK0MoathRB9Ko29gHaACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/hallotober%2Btag%2B2020.png" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's get into it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. What's your favourite thing about October?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- It definitely has to be the colours of Autumn. Everything around me is yellow and orange, and almost everything is pumpkin oriented! I do think that Halloween is my favourite holiday, but sadly I won't be celebrating it this year :(</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. Are you a big celebrator of Halloween?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Yes! I love dressing up and decorating my home. Seeing kids smile as I give them lots of sweets and chocolate is also a bonus!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. What's your favourite horror movie?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- I don't have a favourite as I get scared of most films, but if I had to pick one it'll have to be Insidious or Coraline.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Would you rather a cosy night in watching horrors or a big night out in a costume?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- I've done both many times and had the best time ever, so I wouldn't turn either down. But I do prefer to combine the two together and have a monster bash at my house!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. Which has been your most favourite costume to date?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Harley Quinn back in 2015 - my boyfriend dressed up as the Joker!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. Bobbing for apples or pin the hat on the witch?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Well I haven't done the pinning one before so it'll have to be bobbing for apples 🍎</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. How do you celebrate Halloween?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Eat loads of food, dress up, open the door to trick or treaters, and watch a scary film!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. What's your least favourite horror?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Anything gory, I hate movies like The Saw.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>9. Do you have a favourite trick or treating memory?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Not really as I didn't go trick or treating much as a child.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10. What's your favourite thing about Halloween?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Being able to dress up and eat all of the <a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2017/10/review-bakerdays-personalised-letterbox.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">food</span></a>!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>11. Scary costume or silly costume?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- A mixture of both? 🤪</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>12. What's your favourite Halloween candy?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Those mini bags of skittles! I can't find them anywhere this year though :(</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>13. Ghost decorations or skeleton decorations?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Surely you can't make me choose just one?! Ermm... it'll have to be ghosts!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><b>Thank you, <a href="https://craftroomandbeyond.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Kay</i></span></a>, for tagging me in your post! I had a lot of fun answering these questions 🥰</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I want to tag ALL of you amazing people that are reading this post! You can share your answers over on your social media channels and tag me: @missmayasx in your responses!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>QUESTIONS:</u></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #22211f; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. What's your favourite thing about October? </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #22211f; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Are you a big celebrator of Halloween? </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #22211f; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. What's your favourite horror movie?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Would you rather a cosy night in watching horrors or a big night out in a costume?</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #22211f; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Which has been your most favourite costume to date? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Bobbing for apples or pin the hat on the witch? </span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #22211f; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. How do you celebrate Halloween? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. What's your least favourite horror? </span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #22211f; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Do you have a favourite trick or treating memory? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">10. What's your favourite thing about Halloween? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Scary costume or Silly costume? </span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #22211f; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 1px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">12. What's your favourite Halloween candy? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">13. Hermione Granger or Luna Lovegood? (Acceptable to say both)</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lots of love,<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maya xo</b></span></div>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4015295721255839651.post-682215976602912762020-10-18T14:20:00.009+01:002020-10-31T19:06:57.010+00:00THE BEST HALLOWEEN MOVIES TO WATCH AS A FAMILY - 12A AND BELOW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1mHulA95sI/X4xA3JeWRZI/AAAAAAAALAA/9y5LfKgeT0gdnUk-XVXJtsS13Xfl_xX7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_4590.JPG" /></div><p>If like me, you are a huge fan of watching family favourite movies during the spooky season then you have most definitely come to the right place! I am absolutely obsessed with Halloween and often find myself watching all of my festive favourites at random times throughout the year instead of saving them for the actual day. So, I thought that the best thing to do is to write up a post including my favourite movies to watch for myself to look back on, as well as for you to enjoy if you're stuck for ideas. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hocus Pocus <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Monster House <span style="color: #999999;">(Netflix)</span></li><li>Coraline <span style="color: #999999;">(£2.49 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>Monster Squad</li><li>The Nightmare Before Christmas <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Corpse Bride <span style="color: #999999;">(Netflix and Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>Edward Scissorhands <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Coco <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Frankenweenie <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Maleficent 1 & 2 <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>The Haunted Mansion <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Halloweentown 1, 2, 3 & 4 <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Twitches 1 & 2 <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>The Little Vampire <span style="color: #999999;">(£0.99 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>Goosebumps Movie 1 <span style="color: #999999;">(Netflix)</span> & 2 <span style="color: #999999;">(£4.99 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>The House with a Clock in its Walls <span style="color: #999999;">(£3.49 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>The Witches <span style="color: #999999;">(£3.49 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>Casper <span style="color: #999999;">(£2.49 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>The Sorcerer's Apprentice <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>The Kid who would be King </li><li>ParaNorman <span style="color: #999999;">(£2.49 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>Seventh Son <span style="color: #999999;">(Netflix)</span></li><li>Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 <span style="color: #999999;">(Disney Plus)</span></li><li>Beetlejuice <span style="color: #999999;">(£3.49 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>Signs <span style="color: #999999;">(£2.49 on Amazon Prime)</span></li><li>The Addams Family <span style="color: #999999;">(Netflix)</span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Best snacks to go with your Halloween movie night:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Butterkist Toffee Popcorn (my no1 favourite snack)</li><li>Candy Kittens - all flavours</li><li>Popchips - bbq all the way!</li><li><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2019/12/food-spiced-orange-hot-chocolate-recipe.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk/2017/10/review-bakerdays-personalised-letterbox.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Letterbox Halloween Cake</span></a></li><li>Toffee and Chocolate Apples</li><li>Nachos</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">*This post is not affiliated with Netflix, Disney Plus nor Amazon Prime but I do have subscriptions to all of these platforms. All opinions are honest and my own.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of love,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maya xo</b></div><p></p>Maya Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990413712672673890noreply@blogger.com0