Evanesce Coconut Oil - Nature's Miracle Worker!

Howdy Bloggers,

What's new in your world? After what feels like a lifetime away from my beloved blog (yep, freelancer life is all go!) I felt it was about time I got back in the saddle and focused on my own passion project. Sometimes it's good to just brew up a black coffee, pause for thought and let the words pour onto the page...

So today's post is about a fantastic new beauty product which I've had the pleasure of testing out for some time now. Just for the record, this isn't a sponsored/affiliate blog post, and any opinions about the product are entirely my own.

Introducing Evanesce Creme...

Type of Product: Organic antioxidant-rich coconut oil

Country of Origin: Thailand

Main Uses: As a day or night moisturiser for the face and body, hair conditioner, skin-nourishing massage oil, lip balm, antiseptic scar healer, tattoo care and makeup remover (to name a few.)

What do I Use Evanesce for? My bathroom cabinet has seen more moisturising tubs than a department store beauty counter, but that's because I care about what I put on my skin. A LOT. If trial and testing facial moisturisers has taught me anything throughout my 20's, it's that you should never scrimp on your skincare products. Trust me, it's worth investing in the right kind of moisturisers, and if you can find one product that does it all from a pure source, even better!

Why do I Love Evanesce Coconut Oil? Unlike other coconut oils, this one is organic and absorbs into the skin super-fast. There's nothing worse than waiting what feels like an ice age for your night skincare regime to dry. And what's nice about applying Evanesce creme at night is that you can let the oil get to work while you sleep. zzzzzz.

The Results: I've been using this oil for just over 5 months now, and still have half the jar left. For me, it's a natural miracle worker! I love that this product contains only one ingredient, yet it can be used for many different purposes. Multi-purpose beauty products are the way forward my friends. My skin is on the oily side, but feels dry at times too. This wonderful little pot of joy makes my face feel baby-soft straight away - no muss, no fuss. It works wonders on reducing redness and scarring and I always wake up with a smoother complexion than I had the night before. The trick is to really massage the oil into the main areas that are prone to dryness, redness or wrinkles.

Perks: Luxuriously chic black packaging, a far cry from supermarket-brand jars of coconut oil. This oil instantly starts to melt as you warm it between your fingertips, so you won't need to apply a large amount at once. Word of warning: When the weather is really hot and humid, you'll be likely to end up with a much softer (or even liquid) coconut oil. This is completely normal, and the product will revert back to its solid state once the temperature cools down.

Overall Verdict: 10/10.

To help you make the most of today's beauty buy recommendation, here's a handy list of tips that Evanesce published on their own website.

What's your go-to beauty product of choice? Comment me below. :)

Until next time... xx


Images courtesy of evanesce.co

Perfume Pick: Viktor & Rolf 'Flowerbomb'

Hi Lovelies!

Today's blog is short and sweet - fitting really since I don't plan on sugarcoating my love affair with Viktor & Rolf's 'Flowerbomb' fragrance. 

When I first discovered this iconic perfume a few years ago, Dutch duo Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren managed to sell its pretty package to me instantly - even before I got to sample its evocative floral scent. With a polished petal pink bottle, rose gold spritzer and signature V&R branding, Flowerbomb was the debut fragrance by this designer label to hit the headlines. Certainly a luxury item that belongs front and centre on any fashionista's dressing table.

Although I don't own Flowerbomb amongst my worldly possessions just yet, I'm always enticed by its evocative floral notes whenever I visit my favourite beauty counters. I've recently been soaking up some style-spiration from InStyle's latest party issue as well. While flicking through the magazine I spotted a glossy four page spread advertising the perfume, with a pull-out scented sample - just enough to whet any fragrance fan's appetite for floral bouquets.

Since Flowerbomb is a little on the pricey side (at £45 for a 30ml size) I may have to live off cheese and crackers if I plan on treating myself to this bottled beauty. One day, she will be mine... Oh yes! ;) 

Which luxurious scents are at the top of your 2016 festive gift list? I'm sure there's at least one bottle you'll be lusting over... hint, hint.

Oh Hi Autumn, It's Been a While...

Hey Guys,

So it's been a while since I last posted on here, but I'm not going to sugar-coat the fact that sometimes work and life have to take priority. By no means do I LOVE blogging any less, but as we get older, our lives begin to take on that bit more responsibility... who here can relate to this? I'm 27 now, who'd have thought it! ;)

Moving on to today's post, we've officially hit October which is my personal fave time of the year (YAY!) I'm sure I'm not alone when I express my adoration for the autumn season, right? It has all the cosiest things for us to indulge, from stylish sweaters to layer up on, autumnal coffee flavours for the senses to take in, crisp leaves that fall like a breathe of fresh air from the trees, not to mention an excuse to trek new country and go hiking. But let's not forget the main event which happens like clockwork on the 31^st... HALLOWEEN! ;) Me and my guy adore all things horror, so I'm sure the rest of this month is going to be a corker.

Trick or Treat?

Just to kick Autumn off to a beautific start, last week I treated myself to a gorgeous lipstick hue. I'm a sucker when it comes to Superdrug beauty discounts, so naturally, perfecting my pout is always the best excuse for me to freshen up my make-up kit while pinching a few purse strings at the same time.

Max Factor- Colour Elixir Lipstick in 'Mulberry': The Verdict

I've heard great reviews about Max Factor lippies, and have been on the hunt for a rustic shade that will serve to polish up my look for Autumn. In that spirit, today the spotlight is on Max Factor's Colour Elixir lipstick in 'Mulberry'...

Colour:

The focus for fall is all about warm lip tones. This shade is not too overpowering so you can wear it from day to night, and with or without lip liner (always a bonus if lipsticks don't bleed when worn without liner!) Think of a sultry, festive red with a slight metallic sheen... that's what this Mulberry tone is all about, and I LOVE it.

Any lip shade that contrasts with my natural pale skin tone is a winner for me as I just love the retro look. I would choose alabaster skin tones over tanned any day!

Application/Texture:

Glides on super slick and is very easy to apply, so no cakey textures here! You can feel this lipstick conditioning your pout, but it's not quite as creamy as some of my other products. I always prefer to apply a lip balm prior to wearing lip products of any kind anyway - I'm a tad O.C.D that way ;) It doesn't leave an undesirable outline after eating or drinking either, just fades naturally as you would expect from any lipstick.

Packaging:

Goldfinger would be proud of this one. The gold chrome outer case creates a luxurious experience with every use, and I like the fact that the vampy Mulberry shade can easily be identified at the base of this product, unlike other 'all black' lipstick cases.

Final Rating of Product:

Based on the above points, I would have to score this one at 9/10. This lipstick is only one point short of perfection in my eyes, and that's because true perfection is very hard to find. The shade goes with any autumn outfit, but I like to wear it with my New Look tartan shirt as it picks out the red tones nicely.

Which lip products have you been lusting over lately? :) Let me know what you're up to this October in the comments section below...

Hello Sunshine!

Now that we've officially hit summer 2015, it's only fitting that I share my favourite new eye make-up look with all of you lovely bloggers who adore beauty as much as I do. :)

We have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to the sunshine. Not only does summer allow us to make the most of enjoying being outdoors (with no umbrellas in sight), but it's also the ideal season to experiment with different make-up colour schemes. Take my sunshine-inspired eyes as a leading example...

#Hello Bright Eyes

The look I've chosen is super simple to achieve. Here are the products used to create my summertime eyes:

* The Body Shop Colour Crush Eye Shadow Pot in 'Sunshine Love'

Image Credit: MakeUpTemple.co.uk. This shade has a mustard yellow undertone as opposed to a neon glow. The pigment is so amazing and lasts all day, so no need to keep touching it up!

* The Body Shop Colour Crush Eye Shadow Pot in 'Sugar Glaze'

This highlighter shade is a godsend for me. It's not too heavy and has a gorgeous pearlescent sheen that works all year round. You can wear it on the brow bone as I have done, or dab into the corners of the eye for a wide-eyed look.

* Rimmel Soft Kohl Jajal 'White' Eyeliner

As far as pure white liners go, this one is perfection! I have been using Rimmel's white kohl for as long as I can remember and it always freshens up my waterline with every eye make-up look I go for. It's one of those staple beauty buys that every gal needs to have in her make-up bag, and it's so affordable. 

* Bourjois Metallise Metallic Eyeliner in 'Vert Pepite' 

For a look that will have onlookers 'green with envy', build up the intensity of this beautiful metallic liner on your lower lash line. I think the green compliments the sunshine yellow shadow well, and it's a nice contrast.

Note: All images were not taken by me, except the first image marked #

Blueberry Colour Pop

Hey lovelies,

How are you all enjoying spring so far? Looking forward to summer? :) I love springtime as a season second to autumn, not just for the warmer weather, but because it's an excuse to give my beauty cabinet a good old spring clean! (Pun intended)

Now when it comes to nail polishes, I'm usually a fan of darker, more gothic hues. There's something about black, purple metallic and statement red shades that I just love! I think it's because pale skin pairs so well with deeper colours. But last week while shopping for make-up, I threw my usual nail polish rules out the window and bought this fresh sky blue bottle on impulse. 

I've never tried out any Models Own beauty products before, so I'm always a little bit skeptical as to the quality I'm going to get with some high street brands. But after manicuring my nails with this gorgeous 'Blueberry Muffin' shade, I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely be buying more of these nail polishes in the future!

You have to apply at least 2 coats in order to get that bold pop of colour, but the product itself doesn't streak or leave a 'lumpy' texture unlike certain other nail products, so that's always a bonus. The only thing that did confuse me was the fact this polish is supposed to be scented. Unfortunately, I think this is more of a marketing gimmick than an actual blueberry-scented nail polish.

Has anybody else tried nail polishes from the new Models Own #fruitpastel collection - what are your thoughts?

Here are a couple of images for today's spring inspired nails...

Brand: Models Own - Shade: Blueberry Muffin - Candle: Souvenir from a previous fashion event 

Cool comic effect created by moi ;)

The full 'scented' collection - next on my list is Banana Split!

Gotta include Lita Ford's 'Blueberry' as it's one of my fave glam rock classics! \m/

Note: First 2 images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Tidbits - A/W '14

Hey Bloggers,

How are we all enjoying Autumn '14 so far?? Here is a selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle snapshots taken over the past couple of months. As always, I like to document my musings, purchases and trips in visual form, especially as autumn is my all-time favourite season... that and I don't have an Instagram account! ;) Feel free to leave any comments below - which pictures do you like? Also, I would love to read your autumn related blogs, so you're more than welcome to share those too.

Scenery/Street Art

Beautiful Sunset - Docklands, Preston.

'The Butterfly Effect' - Serpentine Wood, Kendal.

Cute Bee Graffiti Art I spotted just around the corner from my sister's apartment - Manchester. :) 

Cafe

You can't beat a smooth Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream during the chillier months!

Flexing my photography skills in Starbucks ;)

Fashion

Killer heels, London Calling printed socks, tartan leggings and vintage pinstripe pencil skirt.

This tee has been worn to death - I LOVE its faded font and simplicity!

Nude stiletto pumps, black lace anklets, monochrome leggings and embellished pencil skirt.

Manicures

Orly pristine white manicure with leopard print nail decal detailing.

Orly green manicure worn with my 'go-to' black accessories. 

Autumn Beauty Essentials

Autumn wouldn't be autumn without a statement red lip!

Novelty lip balm with a fresh cucumber/mint scent - gift from my Twinny. :)

I always keep some Nivea lip care goodies in my travel make-up kit. I'm using the luscious watermelon balm at the mo - it has a natural pink sheen which acts as a good lipstick base, and the scent is out of this world!

From L-R: Lilac Hair Chalk, Rimmel 'Brit Manicure' Polish in Ivory Tower, Rimmel 'Velvet Matte' Polish in Sumptuous Red, Baby Pink Hair Chalk.

Scent

Shay & Blue 'Sicilian Limes' Perfume - officially my new favourite scent!

Note: All Images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Beyonce “Pretty Hurts”

Never a lady to shy away from starring in a controversial music video or two, Beyonce is back on top form with the newest track taken from her Visual album. “Pretty Hurts” is a powerful ballad which Bey sings beautifully, but the video definitely reveals her vulnerable side. 

Mrs. Carter’s character, Miss 3^rd War portrays the fast-paced ups and downs of beauty pageantry, showing off her first class acting skills in the process. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the American director wanted to be able to capture what life is often like for young women, and how toxic beauty pageants can be. 

In light of her latest video, Beyonce has also recently launched a campaign entitled #WhatIsPretty. This campaign is inspiring for female fans in particular as it encourages them to upload either a photo or a video of themselves onto Instagram, to promote what the word ‘pretty’ means on a personal note.  

Purple Rain...

Hey Bloggers!

Long time no see ;) Hope you've all been keeping as busy as I have lately? This morning's post is inspired by two things: 1. One of the new season's most uplifting shades, Purple. 2. The legend that is of course, Prince.

For those who are wondering how the 2 link together and who may not be huge Prince fans, it was actually revealed at last week's BRIT Awards that he would be performing a 'secret' gig in Manchester. I was so gutted that I couldn't go! But needless to say, his classic hit 'Purple Rain' along with my new American Apparel 'Violet Panache' Nail Polish are making up for that fact whilst keeping me inspired.

I always get super excited when the new season's fashion and beauty colours arrive. In this case I'm all about purple tones at the moment. Not only are darker hues a sultry alternative to black, but if worn in pastel, this is about as Spring-friendly as it gets. Take my American Apparel Nail Polish for example. This is a rich, metallic shade with subtle hints of glitter thrown in for good measure. So if you don't have time for nail art, this is a great alternative as you're getting colour, gloss and glitter all from one polish. :) Take a look at the colour below and let me know your thoughts? Also, what are your must-have colours for Spring 2014?

Midi Rings: Accessorize, Nail Polish: American Apparel Metallic Polish in 'Violet Panache'.

Note: All images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Festive Spirit

Here are a selection of images I took during the last few days of 2013. As you can see I have treated myself to lots of niceties here ;)

Gothic-Glam

Green with Envy

Sparkly Crucifix bracelet I bought whilst on a hiking trip in Kendal

M&S Treats courtesy of my Xmas Gift Card (Love you sis!)

Adorable Momiji Perfume I found in M&S - love the quirky packaging!!

"She believed she could. So she did."

Parisian Chic 

Christmas Cheer

Music is Passion

Two of my Hand Bag Essentials: Solid White Musk Perfume from The Body Shop and a copy of the latest Glamour Mag

Cute little Bunny light-up night light

Kiss me Quick

Autumn Treats

Hey Bloggers!

I hope you're all enjoying the festive autumn period so far, even if it is absolutely freezing!! But as I've always said, autumn really is the BEST season for fashion, chocolates, decor and well, just about everything else in the lifestyle sector.

Here are a few of the things I have been loving at the moment for Autumn...

Donut Buns! The rose hair accessory I picked up in a charity shop ;)

Mint Chocolates! These are a rather large box of Thorntons bought by my beloved for me on our anniversary :)

Magazine Freebies - As you can see, Elle magazine had some Benefit lip glosses on offer which I just had to have!

Experimenting with Autumnal make-up looks. Smokey eye with a red liner gives a modern update to the more traditional smokey eye look.

Costa's cute Christmas take-out cups! :) There are 4 designs in total to try.

Fingerless Mittens are great for keeping hands warm and can be buttoned back when you need to scramble for your coffee/train money like I do! ;) These cross design mittens are from Primark and are a winter bargain.

Berry coloured accessories are an Autumn must-have. I've always wanted a pair of M&S 'Autograph' shoes and managed to pick these up for about a quarter of the price they would have originally costed, yay! ;)

Starbucks Red take-out coffee cups are iconic and pleasing to the eye! :)

Melon coloured statement lips. I'm loving this lippy shade at the moment as I tend to wear a lot of black clothing, so it mixes things up with a nice pop of colour. :)

What things have you been treating yourselves to this Autumn?

Note: All images are taken by myself (Dawn)