Autumnal Makeup

Without sounding like a female blogging cliche, I really do love this season. There is just something magical about the turning of the leaves that influences me to recreate such colours and tones within my makeup palette. Here, I'm talking tones of rose, taupe and berry to name but a few. Here are a couple of my most-used autumnal products that fall in to this truly lustful colour scheme…

Firstly, I’ve just got to mention some awesome lipsticks that have come in to my possession. They are by no means ‘new’ - the brand and the shades are well-loved within our community - but I have only recently come to realise how truly amazing and high-quality Red Apple Lipstick products really are. I was sent two shades, Hibiskiss and Audrey, both of which come under the ‘lipstick’ category, but vary by formula. Both shades are completely natural, vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free which is pretty darn good, don’tcha think? Swatches and nutty rave to follow. Audrey hasn’t really left my lips.

Secondly, two more products that are by no means big news (I’m really selling these aren’t I?), but are again products that I have been using absolutely non-stop for the last couple weeks. I’ve already talked about them multiple times but you can never have too much of a good thing… right? The P&P Cream Shadow in Divinely Happy. Do I really need to explain? Just a great cool-neutral colour that is a total staple for any eye look you could ever want/dream. In my case, it also doubles up as a pretty competent eyebrow product which I like. Multi-task products make me happy. And talking of multi-taskers, we have the TANF Cream Blush in Dusky Rose. A beautiful cheek colour and an equally as beautiful option for the lips. The cream formula creates a subtle ethereal glow which sings of the colder seasons - while staying put for a good five hours. 

Finally, a new product *GASP*. Due to my continued participation in #beautychallenge10, makeup and skincare purchases have been few and far between. However, when my beloved Ilia mascara died a sudden death, I was ever so inclined to test out a new release from Lily Lolo. This being their new reformulated natural mascara. Lily Lolo have released a mascara in the past, however the reviews had always been more on the disappointing side and although the price point really isn’t anything to cry about, I’m just not a fan of risking badly reviewed products. Therefore when we were confronted with something reborn and untested, I just had to give it a go. Well... the jury is in and well done Lily Lolo! They have successfully formulated - what I would perceive as - the perfect natural mascara all-rounder. Although there are probably more superior options out there in terms of ingredients and formula, LL just shut it down in terms of the bigger picture which includes packaging, ease-of-use and price. At £10.99, LL’s mascara is cheaper than a lot of high street (and green) competitors and you really are getting something better for your money. I would pick happy bunnies and my health over clumpy eyelashes any day of the week! 

Review: Raw Gaia Organic Vegan Skincare

Long time no see! I'm gradually settling in to University and I thought it was about time to get a post up on my dear blog. Therefore, today, I've decided to talk to you about some truly beautiful products that I've recently received - and have been LOVING - from raw vegan skincare line, Raw Gaia.

If you haven't heard of Raw Gaia, they are an organic and vegan skincare line that was started by the wonderful Jessica Laura. All of Raw Gaia's products are made with raw ingredients such as cocoa butter, floral waters and the highest quality cold-pressed oils. One thing that I've noticed with this brand is that all of the products go an incredibly long way, which means that you're getting so much for your money! I was lucky enough to try two of their products and I am obsessed.

My favourite of the pair is the Hemp Heaven Moisturiser*. This pure blend of cocoa butter, cold-pressed hemp oil, apricot oil and wheatgerm oil is doing wonders for my oily problem skin. I can slather on a thick layer before bed (that doesn't feel greasy!) and wake up the next day with positively glowing skin - no matter how many blemishes I seem to have. The intense boost of hydration just makes everything seem better and it's been heaven-sent during the awkward transition between summer and autumnal weathers. My skin can be very dehydrated and this balm has been ensuring that I'm only left with plump and happy skin that heals itself incredibly fast. I don't need to worry about acne scarring or painful spots when I'm using this on a nightly basis. It also works incredibly well with the Odacite boosters, and the duo has really been helping to balance my skin. The balm texture is refreshing for someone like me who has become used to more water-based offerings. I'll tell you, I'm converted.

The second product is the MSM Beauty Spray*. I haven't used this one quite as regularly as the Hemp Heaven moisturiser, but when I have used it - I've been impressed. This toning spray is something a little different (as explained in my previous post). It is essentially a floral hydrasol with the added benefits of argan oil, EOs, and MSM - a nutritional form of sulphur, known as the "beauty mineral". However, despite this arsenal of nourishing oils, the spray is anything but oily. Everything remains at a definite water-like texture which makes it easy to apply and easy to absorb. This is great as a toner, but also as a light moisturiser for extremely oily skins come summer.  

Raw Gaia have really captured by heart with these two products and I'm excited to hopefully try more in the future!

Berlin Round-Up

As most of you will know, my boyfriend and I recently went on a little long weekend trip to Berlin, Germany. We had an absolutely fantastic time and I wanted to share a couple (a shit ton) of photos with you. Please excuse the photo vomit... but more shall follow when I do my overviews of the two museums we visited on Museuminsel (Neues & Pergamon), and my reviews of the vegan restaurants we went to. 

As I just mentioned, we had a wonderful couple days and really hope to return in the new year! We actually rented an apartment through Airbnb rather than a hotel and do not regret it one bit. I can do a post on my experience with using Airbnb if anyone is interested. We were staying in the Neukölln

 area which is south-east of central Berlin, but we visited many of the historical sites in Mitte such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial and parts of the Berlin Wall (or what remains of it).

Hope you enjoy!

P.S. Hope that you can spot the baby alpaca... probably the cutest thing I have ever seen.