Everlasting Brows NEW Double Sided Eyeliner Pencil

 (sample)

 I had been thinking about buying a new eyeliner for a few weeks (I know this is a lot of time to spend pondering something so menial) before I was gifted the Everlasting Eye-Edge Double Sided Eye Pencil from Everlasting Brows. I was after something that was easy to work with and versatile, with good staying power and decent pigment, and it just so happens that this eye pencil ticks all those boxes.

Made in Italy, the eyeliner feels like it’s of very decent quality and, at a similar price point to many big-name-brand eyeliners you’ll find in Boots or Superdrug, I think it’s fantastic value too. The eye pencil is currently available in Heavenly Black and Glitter, with a rich black shade at one end and a beautiful, iridescent glitter at the other.

Both shades glide on smoothly, with minimal tugging and the black shade ‘sets’ in a few minutes, so there’s plenty of time to smudge out your line if you’re wanting a smoky look. Equally, the lasting power of the liner means it’d be perfect for a cat eye or extended liner look, though I’ve lost my nerve lately when it comes to creating a cat eye. I’ve used the black pencil on my upper and lower lids and found that it stays put pretty well – I was actually a little amazed that it still clung to my upper lash line and waterline after walking my son to school and back again in the wind and rain last week!

I’m not a very glittery person, so to speak, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the glitter end of the pencil, but it turns out that it’s one of those ‘fairy wing’ shape-shifting, glowing glitters, that’s sort of holographic and absolutely gorgeous. This glitter will be featured on my eyelids at least once this festive season I think.

If you don’t already know about Everlasting Brows, I’ve written about them before here. The company specialise in professional Microblading and Permanent Makeup, so they know their stuff.

The Everlasting Eye-Edge Double Sided Eye Pencil is £7.95 at Everlasting Brows.

Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil

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A decent cleansing oil or balm really should be considered a staple in every bathroom cabinet. Whether you prefer an all natural oil that needs to be removed with a flannel or cloth or a silky balm that emulsifies and turns milky on contact with water, balms and oils are simply the best when it comes to taking off that first layer of makeup, dirt and/or SPF.

The cleansing oil by affordable, no-nonsense skincare brand Simple is a really good option whether you're a skincare enthusiast with plenty of existing products or you're looking to try an oil cleanser for the first time. I've tried my fair share of cleansing balms and oils over the years and this no frills option should, in my opinion, be a staple in everyone's bathroom cabinet.

Formulated with no colour or artificial fragrance, the unscented cleansing oil might seem basic - and it is - but basic is often best, especially when it comes to removing makeup and doing that first cleanse that takes all the grot off your face. If you have sensitive skin then this was made for you as it's hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested and approved for skin that's on the sensitive side. That said, if you don't experience sensitivity then this is still perfect, I think it's that good!

The Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil is a blend of Grapeseed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, emollients and Vitamin A and E. It leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable, even before you follow up with serums and moisturisers.

How to use an Oil Cleanser

If you've never tried an oil cleanser before, you might be wondering how best to use one. It's quite simple really (pun?) but the key thing is to make sure you have a dry face and hands to start with. Simple Cleansing Oil is packaged in a recycled plastic bottle that you use by tipping it upside down and squeezing gently to dispense the product. Add a few drops to dry palms, then massage the oil onto a dry face - this oil provides plenty of slip so it's really easy to massage into the skin. Once you've given your face a nice little massage, either rinse with warm water to emulsify or use a wrung-out warm flannel or cloth to remove the oil, taking dirt and makeup with it.

As it's an emulsifying formula, the oil transforms into an easily removed milk once water is added, so it does the job pretty quickly.

When removing mascara and eye makeup, it's a good idea to add a drop or two to a cotton pad or reusable/washable round, press on the eye area gently to help the oil loosen the makeup, then gently wipe away vefore rinsing.

Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil seems to be pretty widely liked thanks to the effective formula and afforable price point. I'll continue to use it as a first cleanse and leave the pricier, more sensorial cleansers for the second cleanse.

The cleansing oil has an rrp of £6.99 for 125ml but it's often on special at Boots.

Winter Healthcare Tips That Just Make Sense

 (Collaborative Post)

Now that we’re entering the colder months of the year, you might be feeling a little down in the dumps. After all, the glorious summer has now been and gone, nights are drawing in quicker, and you may have already caught the first of many winter colds. However, all seasons should be enjoyed, and there are a plethora of things you can do to give yourself a bit of a health boost, both physically and mentally. Here are some winter health care tips that just make sense.

Exercise more

While you may not feel like going outside much in the gloomier weather, exercise is great for both your physical and mental health. If you don’t enjoy exercising alone, why not build a team of friends doing your favourite sport? You can find affordable sport kits designers online to design a kit so that you can enter competitions and continue to enjoy the sport from here on out.

Switch to organic

Organic foods haven’t been treated with pesticides and insecticides that could be harmful to the body. While it’s a little bit more expensive to switch to organic produce, the quality and nutrients the produce provides is bar none. You’ll wonder why you’ve never made the change before!

Drink more water

We all know that drinking water helps keep weight at bay, flushes toxins out of our bodies, makes our skin glow and more, but many of us still fail to drink at least 2 litres of water each day! If you’re struggling to consume that amount of water, consider trying out air up, a revolutionary new way of drinking water but with a more satisfying taste! Many consumers have tried it and found it makes a world of difference to the amount of water they consume.

Laugh!

Laughter is the best medicine, and sometimes it’s easy to take life too seriously and fall into a bit of a rut. Go out for dinner with the girls or invite your best friends over for a night of laughter and giggles. You’ll feel a thousand times better once you have.

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking should always be at the top of your list when it comes to self care and your general health. Aside from the obviously damaging side effects of smoking, you’ll be saving money, you’ll smell better, and you might even find that some of your senses were dulled as a smoker will come back! You can also wave goodbye to tobacco stained fingers and yellow teeth too.

Cut back on alcohol

The festive season is quickly approaching, and that often means a few too many eggnogs or glasses of wine with dinner. However, cutting back now will allow your body to have a rest before the festivities begin, and it’ll make you feel so much better.

Take vitamins

Finally, we’re all a little more susceptible to coming down with illnesses at this time of year, so it might be worth taking a multivitamin each day. Speak to your local pharmacist about which ones they recommend.

The Spark Company - Ethical Clothing That Makes a Statement

(affiliate)

 Have you heard of The Spark Company? They're a very cool female -founded, female-run fashion company creating fun, statement making, comfy and ethical pieces designed for everyone. At The Spark Company you'll find fabulous feminist prints and LGBTQ positive pieces.

I've linked the pieces in the above image here if you're keen for a look! 

Saint Dolly T-Shirt

Queen of Hearts Embroidered T-Shirt

I am F*cking Radiant T-Shirt

They Can't Burn Us All T-Shirt

Petrify the Patriarchy T-Shirt

Sounds Gay I'm In Socks

They mainly produce t shirts, vests and hoodies- in size 6 to 26 - made to fit every person.
I own a t-shirt in a design that's no longer available but I can confirm that it's made with soft, light and comfortable material with just the right amount of stretch. Often, printed t shirts are sort of stiff or scratchy and feel a bit cheap, but not these! The length on the Tee I have is excellent too as I have quite a long torso and it fits perfectly. With a T Rex illustration with Eat The Patriarchy wording beneath, this top certainly makes people do a double take as at first glance it could be the logo for what's probably the most famous dinosaur film in existence. As an alternative, you can currently purchase the Petrify the Patriarchy tee with an illustration of Medusa.

The products are created ethically and sustainably, with designs printed using vegan dyes. Items are reasonably priced too, with T-shirts at around £22. Keep an eye out for new customer discount codes and sales.

To sweeten the deal of purchasing from The Spark Company, you can sleep well at night knowing that your new buy helps the company to donate sanitary supplies (tampons, pads, liners) to shelters and drop-in centres for those in need. Anyone who has ever experienced a period will be well aware that this time of the month can be hard enough as it is, so the added stress of not being able to afford what so many of us take for granted must be pretty horrifying. 

I may only own one piece from The Spark Company right now but I can definitely see my collection growing, starting with this gem:

The Hold On, Let Me Overthink This T-Shirt is just saying what most of us are thinking...or over-thinking.

Travel Skincare from Nourish London

 (post features samples)

 If you’re fortunate enough to be jetting off to somewhere a little less dreary this summer, you’re probably thinking about the beauty bits you’re going to take with you. So many of us travel with hand luggage only these days, so we’re unlikely to be taking our full-sized favourites with us. With that in mind, Nourish London have us all covered with their range of beauty minis – perfectly portable and ideal for popping in your zip lock bag before you head through security.

Not only do Nourish have ready-made skincare kits packed with mini versions of some bestsellers, but they also offer a great selection of travel minis. If you’re a frequent reader you’ll know that I’ve tried a lot of the range over the years, so here are my picks.

Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser – Travel Size (15ml)

Designed to soothe and quench dry and dehydrated skin, this moisturiser is perfect for use after sun exposure. Omega-rich Argan Oil is the star of this cream, with Tripeptides to boost collagen and antioxidant Vitamin E also in the mix. It contains Frankincense, Myrrh (no gold though unfortunately), Borage and Rose of Jericho, and you can really smell the Frankincense on application, though this dissipates quite quickly so don’t fear if you’re not a fan of that scent. I like this cream at every time of year but particularly during summer and when winter dries my skin out and I need some relief.

Shop the Travel Size Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser for £11

Kale 3D Cleanse – Travel Size (30ml)

I’ve actually just finished a full sized bottle of this cleanser so I’m very much prepared to sing its praises! Kale 3D Cleanse is unique in that it changes colour as you cleanse, which adds a touch of novelty to the whole experience. My son in particular likes the fact that it turns green, Hulk style! The 70% organic cleanser is gentle yet effective, with Kale, Griffonia (a touch of shrub) Hyaluronic Acid, Probiotics and oxygenating ingredients leaving the skin feeling fresh, clean and comfortable. I really like using this cleanser for my second cleanse.

Shop the Travel Size Kale 3D Cleanse for £9.50hop the Travel Size Kale 3D Cleanse for £9.50

Argan Skin Rescue – Travel Size (5ml)

Skin Rescue is my current post-retinol skin treat. This is a thick, nourishing oil treatment formulated with Argan Oil, Abyssinian and Neroli Oil to improve the skin’s suppleness, elasticity and hydration levels. It’s designed to soothe and repair stressed out skin, enhance collagen and protect from future damage. This stuff is like a fire blanket for your skin – instantly calming and comforting. It’s very rich, so you only need the tiniest amount for your whole face, making the £10 price point very much worth it.

Shop the Travel Size Argan Skin Rescue for £10

Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm – Travel Size (15ml)

One of my favourite beauty products. Seriously. I’ve been through pots of the Super Balm since I was introduced to Nourish years ago, which is a pretty good indication that it’s one of my personal ride or dies. I can almost guarantee that if you try the travel size you’ll have the full size ordered and waiting at your doorstep for when you’re back from holiday. With natural plant oils and extracts, antioxidants and Marine Algae, this omega-rich balm does it all. Use it as a cleanser, paired with a flannel or muslin to exfoliate, as a really nourishing overnight mask, as a makeup primer, highlighter, dewy moisturiser and much more.

Shop the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm for £13