America Haul #1 - Beauty//

I'm back from my holibobs, it was so much fun! The weather, ooo the weather, it was so hot, it was perfect, anything from 90-100F depending on the day. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time in the pool, and at the beach... it was great. Now, i'm back in England and its a torrential downpour and cold. Not okay! England has had a mini heatwave since i've been away, and now that i'm back the weather is awful...again. Bloody English summers!  

Whilst I was away I did hit the shopping scene pretty hard, but I couldn't not. American shops are SO different to the ones here so I had to take advantage. When we'd go to Publix for a food shop, i'd go off on my own and just oggle the food..realistically the food in the supermarkets is probably similar, its just the packaging, its so bright and fun! 

But, onto the good stuff..I thought because I did buy rather a lot (my bank account is not okay) that I'd split the haul into two blog posts, starting with my beauty related items.

Lets start with these EOS lipbalms, I bought the "Summer Berry" and "Mint Vanilla" one. Now, you can buy these in England but the price of them here is just ridiculous especially when in America they're anything from $2-$4..Not okay UK...Not Okay! I also picked up the hand cream for my Momma, and some other scents for my best friend. 

I've seen these in some drugstores here, but again the price is just on a whole new level of not okay, so when I saw these on offer in Walgreens it was a no brainer. I wen't for the shade "Birthday Suit" which is a very light nude pink. The shine when used with the top coat is beautiful, although you do have to make sure you do use the topcoat sparsely as i've found it helps it to last that much longer. 

Needless to say, I LOVE sephora! Why they're not in England I will never know. It is literally heaven on earth with everything any make-up enthusiast would ever want under one roof..really puts Boots to shame if i'm honest. America 1- England - 0.  These bobbles are amazing, they don't get caught in my hair, they don't leave a mark, and on top of all of that they look quite cute just on my wrist.. 6 for $9..bargain!

I've been in Florida for 3 and half weeks so I am a lot darker than when I arrived, so I got myself colour matched in Sephora. I tried a couple of bb creams/lightweight foundations before deciding on this Bobbi Brown BB cream in "Medium to Dark". Its got quite the price tag at $46 but so far I would say that it's 100% worth it. I have never really liked BB/CC creams I felt as if they were more aimed at people with dry skin, but the mattifying power of this product is insane. It lasts me all day, literally ALL DAY with just enough coverage to hide any imperfections..I am in love! 

I've heard so much about NYX products from watching YouTube, and reading blogs so I decided I had to give it a go. I was slightly overwhelmed by the selection they had but I remembered that my girl Nicole Guerriero uses the NYX Butter Glosses a lot and they always look amazing on her, on that I bought the shade "Tiramisu." It is a gorgeous gloss, that isn't overly sticky and again has quite some staying power. I've been wearing it over my MAC lip pencil in "Stripdown"

You can't go to America and not pick up some Crest Whitestrips! Their teeth whitening game is seriously on point, and I had to get me in on it. My teeth have always been quite white naturally and I just wanted to boost the whiteness a little. I am so happy with these strips, and i'm so glad I stocked myself up with these babies before I came back home!

Have you even tried any of these products? What do you recommend me buying next time!?

Keep your eyes posted for part 2 of my America Haul.

Until Next time... 

Simplistic Stripes//

I have been super inspired lately by Pinterest, I tend to pin very simplistic, minimal looks as that is where I am aiming to take my wardrobe. I want to invest in pieces that are timeless that I'm able to reuse and re-jig season after season. The Parisians have totally nailed this ethos, so I tend to search "Parisian Fashion" or "French Fashion" and needless to say a lot of stripes, black, and leather tend to appear.

I recently did a little bit of Asos shopping and picked up this striped top, paired with black jeans, and loafers create a totally effortless look. As this is England we are talking about... a jacket, or cardigan is an essential, so again think simple. Duster coats and trench coats work beautifully with simple pieces, finalising the effortless chic the Parisians do so well.

In terms of make-up, again less is more so for this look it's just a quick sweep of mascara and eyebrows and your set..

In other news, I have become stupidly obsessed over "Dance Moms." How amazing is that show?! The bitchy-ness is on a whole new level..it' great!

I've also started getting my goodies for my holiday next week, i've been watching lots of "What's in my travel bag" on YouTube, and making lists..It's all very exciting! 

Clinique 3-Step Anti-Blemish System

Clinique 3-Step Anti-Blemish System

Having Suffered on-and-off with my skin for the last 6/7 years of my life, I was at my wits end. I mean, I don't have the worst skin imaginable but I do suffer constantly with at-least 2 or 3 spots (if I'm lucky), open pores, oily skin and acne scaring which overall has really knocked my confidence, I'm too embarrassed to go out make-up-less, always having to have a full foundation routine slapped on my face. Which with summer fast approaching I really don't want to be doing. The goal is to be able to pop on a bit of tinted moisturiser and mascara and be on my way. 

I Have tried exfoliation, all the face washes under the sun and creams from the Doctors. All seemed to work for a while but after a few weeks maybe more, it was as if my skin 'got used' to the products and they became less effective. 

Now, after endless google-ing, reading blog reviews and watching YouTube videos I finally decided to take the plunge and head to my nearest Clinique counter for a consultation. Within a couple of questions from the Clinique dermatologist I was matched to the Anti-Blemish system, which I kinda guess i'd be matched to anyway. I was offered a 4-Week Trial for £25 which for some may seem a little pricey but for me and the lack of confidence my skin often gives me it was worth a go. 

As the name suggests the system is split into 3 easy steps. 

- Step 1 - Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam. 
This is the deep cleanse, removing make-up (but from what I've noticed only if not heavy make-up)

- Step 2 - Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion. 
Which Unclogs pores that can lead to spots.

-Step 3 - Anti-Blemish Solutions All-Over Clearing Treatment Oil-Free. 
Fancy Name for a moisturiser really!
                                          

I've only been using it a few days now so not really in a position to write my full opinions as of yet, but what i can say is so far so good. The lady did mention that sometimes skin can get worse before it gets better but luckily (so far) that is not something I have come across. 
I Have an appointment after my 4-week trial is up early May so no doubt by then I will have a better insight into this product! :)     

                

Chloe xx