Are Vegan Make Up Brushes Any Good?

We're more aware than ever of the provenance of the items we buy - where they come from, how they're produced and the environmental impact they have on the planet. Green beauty is definitely having a thing right now. Even my Mum has gone 100% vegan at home. Natural beauty products used to suggest a compromise in quality but that misconception is a thing of the past. Large brands such as Garnier, M&S and L'oreal are all getting on the natural bandwagon. 

I'm all for sharing some #veganlove because there's more to being vegan than tofu and soya milk. An easy forte into the world of natural beauty is to start with your makeup brushes. There's no needs to comprise on quality as there are some great options out there - here are a few of my favourite...

B.
I love me some own brand - why pay more for branded goods when you can save some dollar? B. is a Superdrug own brand and they not only do excellent makeup brushes; they also have a fab skincare range, affordable cosmetics and have dabbled in Men's skincare. My favourite thing about these brushes is the price. The range is very budget friendly and they are always on some sort of offer. 

Eco Tools
Not only are these brushes RIDICULOUSLY soft (like baby panda soft) they have a brush for every single part of your face. Cupids bow? Try the Lip Blur brush. Corner your nose? Micro Blending brush. Outer eyelid? Defined Crease brush. The high quality bamboo brushes are also good for the environment so it's a win-win. 

Real Techniques 
The brand that graduated me from my pink Argos set of brushes that scratched my face and my eyeshadow. If you're looking for a airbrush finish with highstreet prices look no further. The Expert Face Brush is the holy grail for applying liquid foundation. If you haven't tried RT before you are seriously missing out. 

The Nail Colours I'll Be Reaching for This Summer

Earlier this year I went through a real 'can't be arsed' phase when it came to nail varnish. I'll always have some sort of glitter polish on my feet because even I don't want to see them naked *shudders*, Let alone anyone else have to witness that horror. Recently though, I'm back in the nail polish game. I've allowed my nails to breath long enough. It was 'Resort Romanza', from the new Essie 2017 Resort collection, that lit a fire in my belly for varnish again. It's a interesting shade; a passionate pink with a spark of hot red. Catch it in the light and you'll see a subtle gold shimmer which makes me yearn for lazy weekends at the beach. An eye-catching colour that would look amazing on tanned mitts - the perfect summer nail colour?

The rest of the Resort collection is well worth a look too. Inspired by the Italian Amalfi Coast, the shades reflect the colourful villages, embodying the relaxed, natural beauty and warmth.

Resort Romanza
Add some passion into your life with this exotic pink. The red undertones only add to the desire. I'll be wearing this one on my toes.

Strike a Positano
Fans of Mint Candy Apple will love this sophisticated version. A calming aqua blue with hints of pale grey.

Sorrento Yourself
The Velvet Teddy of the nail varnish world. A light, creamy chocolate milkshake hue guaranteed to bring all the boys to the yard.

Ciao Effect
This creamy pastel that really packs a punch. The dusty lavender colour has a slight grey undertone giving it extra depth. A serious contender for Summer weddings.

Has this collection got you in the mood for a Summer getaway? You better be quick - these limited edition shades are here until 4th July!

Vegan Tinted Lip Balm Review

Lip balm is one of those cant live without products for me. One in my handbag. Check. In the car. Check. On my bedside table. Check. Countless coat pockets. Check. In the fridge(I know). Check. You can imagine my delight when this new launch from Weleda landed on my desk.   

The demand for tinted balms and lip stains is at an all time high (think Glossier tinted balm, Clinique Chubby Sticks, Clarins Lip Perfector). Great for those days when lipstick is an unnecessary effort but you want to seem put together despite the fact you're wearing dirty socks and ate leftover pizza for breakfast.

Now, if your lips are drier-than-sawdust stay clear of these and invest in some Carmex/Blistex. This is more of a cosmetic item than skincare. But, if you want a slight shimmer and a pop of colour to enhance your lips look no further. The non-greasy formula glides on effortlessly. Simply squeeze directly from the tube onto lips for a baby- soft pout with a subtle hint of colour.


Available in three different shades there is something to suit every complexion.

NUDE
It may be the shade of Elastoplast but don't let that put you off. This won't leave you with concealer-esque lips but instead a subtle radiance that leaves your lips looking plump and hydrated. version 2.0 of your usual lip balm.

ROSE
My favourite shade and probably the most wearable. Again, offers a gentle flush of colour giving you that I'm-naturally-this-chic-all-the-time vibe. If you're feeling adventurous you could even use this on cheeks for a flattering sheen and rosy-pink tint.

BERRY RED

A sheer wash of blackcurrent without the jammy stickiness. Dark shades usually require your full attention but this colour is so forgiving and uses minimal effort. Ideal for mirrorless moments.


At £6.95 per 30ml this isn't the most affordable lip balm on the highstreet. However, if you're into your green beauty or looking for Vegan make-up options you'll want to give these a go. 

available to buy from www.weleda.co.uk

6 Beauty Steps I CBA To Do

1. Removing cellulite
Because even Beyonce has it.
2. Getting rid of arm hair
I can't be bothered to shave my legs let alone my arms. Plus they keep me warm in the Winter.
3. Moisturising my cuticles
Twice a day? You're having a laugh.
4. Applying neck cream
The moisturiser I use on my face is good enough for my neck, stop trying to make me spend more money.
5. Using a face toner
RIP to the 3 step skincare routine

Which beauty step are you too busy to tackle?

Is Your Postcode Killing Your Career?

My very first job provided me with the shortest commute (a three-minute drive) from a big house with the cheapest rent (thanks Mum). I swapped rural Dorest, famous for its sandy beaches and OAPs, for London - famous for having everything else. Including extortionate house prices.

Nearly two skint years on, house and rent prices are continuing to rocket through the roof and my chances of becoming a home-owner before 50 are quickly fading away. My boyfriend and I decided to invest more in our mental health than a property we didn't own.We said no to £6.40 Mocha's. No to £900 monthly rent on our small one bed flat. No to expensive, and unreliable, train journeys. We aren't the only ones being outpriced from London, many others are flocking from the capital to more affordable regions of the UK. From June 2014 to June 2015, more people (77,500 in total) left London than anywhere else.

Both of us are creative types so after some research we settled on Bristol. It has everything we want; affordable office space, regular festivals and events, great food and most importantly, cheaper rent. In September 2016, the average property in Bristol cost £272k. That's £210k cheaper than London's average. In greater London we could afford a small, damp one bed flat but in Bristol we can get a luxury apartment which is still £100 cheaper! It's a no-brainer.

London once loomed large as the place to be to get ahead in your career. While the capital still has plenty of opportunities, it now has more competition. Why not explore the rest of the country before committing. Manchester, Cambridge and Brighton are just a few popular places where ex-londoners have been emigrating to. Your next career move is no longer already mapped out.