Milan Travel Essentials: Make-up and Skincare

Hey!

So today my post is dedicated to my upcoming trip to Milan (which is exactly a week away!) and so I thought it would be fun to mention the key base make-up and skincare products that I will be taking with me  :) The picture may seem like a lot but it really isn't that much, I swear!

Benefit - The POREfessional (£24.50/22ml)

I am super lucky to have some of this sample left to take with me because it's honestly amazing, diminishes the look of pores in one swipe and really does help make-up stay on for longer, a must have for any oily skinned person in my opinion, but anyone else who specifically has problems with pores should try this out too. I'm taking this because of what it does and also because of it's super small size!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Make-up SPF 10 (£28.50/30ml)
So if you have been reading my blog, you will know that this is my all time favourite foundation and I can't go and stay the night anywhere without it. It's just everything a foundation should be and I love it to pieces. I'm taking this to Milan because it's high coverage, lightweight, long wearing and also includes an SPF (I told you it does everything a foundation should!), and so this foundation will be perfect for really really long days outside. 

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream, (£12.00/25ml)

Okay so foundation number two (I know it's not technically a foundation but still), I really like this BB cream, I've heard some comments on other blogs saying that this product isn't that good because it doesn't give enough coverage, but if you are worried about coverage then I don't think you should be wearing a BB cream. I think this is perfect for beach/pool days basically, for days where you don't want to wear too much make-up but still do not want to go bare faced, that's why I am taking it with me :) If you want to amp up the coverage a bit more I recommend using bareMinerals or any powder foundation on top.

bareMinerals Matte SPF 15 foundation (£25.00/6g)

I bet you all think I am crazy for having three foundations with me on this trip but it isn't what it seems! I use this foundation more as a powder than a real foundation because of my oily skin - honestly! A concentrated dusting of this around my nose and T-zone will keep my oils at bay and so that is why I am taking it with me - plus I know it won't break like a pressed powder *cough Rimmel London's Stay Matte cough* so it's travel friendly too. I will use this also to amp up the coverage of the BB cream :) See multi-purpose! 

bareMinerals All Over Face Colour Warmth (£19.00/1.5g)

I've had this 'bronzer' for a while now and I don't think I have mentioned it before. I love it - it gives a naturalish colour to the face. I'm hesitant about using the word natural because it has a reddish base, which makes it ideal for tan skin-tones like myself. It add's a nice summer glow to the face without being too fake or orangey. I think mimics a real sun-kissed glow quite well.

M.A.C Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (£15.50/7g)

Concealer is a must. Perhaps I should just end it there? I've spoken about this concealer a few times and I honestly think it is worth the money and that every girl out there should go out and buy one of these because it hides everything. I love M.A.C anyway, but this concealer so just so travel friendly that I wouldn't even think about leaving it behind. I feel like even if you don't need a concealer you should always have one on hand because you never know what may happen :P 

Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris (£19.00/200ml) and Clarins Cleansing Milk with Gentian (£19.00/200ml) for combination/oily skin.

I thought I should feature these two together since I haven't actually tried them yet. They are just samples that I received when I went to the Clarins counter a few months back, I urge everyone to ask for samples because I discovered my all time favourite cleanser (read here) because Clarins were so kind as to give me these samples. I thought since they are so travel friendly I might as well try them in Milan :) 

No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream Normal/Oily SPF 15 (£12.50/50ml)

A moisturiser is a must and that is why I am going to take this one from No7 because I love the way it feels on my skin, it's catered for my skin type and also contains SPF and so this product will be finding it's way into my bag. I just think it's a nice standard moisturiser and so I would recommend it to anyone who is in need of something lightweight but also contains SPF. I don't think this is anything special though, and there are a lot of good moisturisers on the market, but if you do want a standard one then this one is as good as any :)

Witch Cleansing and Toning Wipes (£2.99/25 wipes)

So I discovered these when I went to Amsterdam last summer and they were so so good at just cleaning my face - I didn't get one spot during that trip so I'm definitely taking these with me so they can work that same magic again. I kinda don't want to try another type of facial wipe because I think this one in particular is a God-send :P If you are on the look out for make-up wipes then be sure to check this one out.

I hope you guys enjoyed seeing what is going to be in my travel make-up and skincare bag! Obviously this is not all I am bringing, it is just the base products that I will put on. If you would like to see more of what I am taking to Milan then just comment below :) Also what is your staple items when you go abroad? 

Thank you for reading, 

Anjna x

20 Facts About Me :)

Hey Guys!

So today I wanted to do something a little more different since I feel as though some of you may not know me that well and so I thought that a '20 Facts About Me'  would give a little insight to who I am :) 

1) I love scary movies - I think Evil Dead and The Decent are my top picks.

2) I can't open my eyes underwater - I didn't even know it was possible until I saw a episode of America's Next Top Model a few years back.
3) I'm on YouTube - check out this link. I'm wearing black and red and you see me around the 40 second mark - best day ever. 

4) Muse have been my favourite band for about 5 years and I've seen them live once :) 

5) I was born and raised in Wolverhampton and I made it my life goal to get away from there when I was 13.

6) I love to learn- I enjoyed school and  I read a ton of books because I learn so much from them.

7) I have never smoked a cigarette. It just doesn't appeal to me at all.

8)  I love exploring new places and countries either by myself or with people who have lived there because then they know all the cool secret places to go.

9) Dessert is my weakness..wait scratch that food is my weakness. 

10) I knew what I career I wanted when I was 15 and that still hasn't changed.

11) I actually taught myself how to play the piano.

12) Twilight was the first book I  picked up myself and read and it started my obsession with reading, although I don't like that book as much as I used to.

13) I am a constant person - this means I act the same to anyone and everyone, I don't change my behaviour for different people.

14) I have only visited 5 countries and that's going to change to 6 in September :)

15) My first 'real' make-up product was a mineral foundation from Maybelline which has been discontinued.

16) My family is so big that I haven't even met all the members of it yet.

17) I prefer to give than to receive - I always think about gifts that I can give to other people.  

18) I am 5'2.

19) I don't like to rush - I will wake up earlier so I can take it slow in the morning rather than wake-up and rush to be ready in 15 minutes. 

20) Lists are my life. I need to plan out my day by creating a tick list of the things I have to do otherwise I forget or get lazy.

So I hope you enjoyed reading this - I feel like a boring person now actually :P But I thought it would be a good idea to know who is the person behind this blog - and know you guys have a rough idea :) 

Thank you so much for reading, be sure to subscribe, GFC and to comment a fact about you :)

Anjna x

Every Girl Should Have: Lip Care

Hey guys :) 

So it's time for another 'Every Girl Should Have' post and today I am going to be talking about Lip Care! I know it might be kinda dull but the thing is: it is something that every girl should have :) 

Lip Care is so important since the skin on your lips are really really thin and so they need all the help they can get. I feel like practically any problem concerning your lips can be solved by some sort of lip balm. Personally, I use a lip balm or butter twice a day - at night I totally load up so my lips will be smooth in the morning. 

These are two that I enjoy:

The Body Shop Chocomania Lip Butter (£4.00/10ml)

Okay so technically this is a lip butter, but to me it's the same thing, anything that helps sooth and soften is kinda a balm right? I love love love this product, I would recommend this to anyone who hasn't got any actual problems concerning their lips but just want something nice to soften and condition their lips. On the lips it looks kinda like a clear gloss but without all the fuss and stickiness - which is why I love it so much. It also smells divineee :) 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm (£2.99)

I was totally on the Baby Lips bandwagon when it came out - I actually even remember getting my first one in America last August. I feel like Baby Lips are like to the easy go-to lip balm, in that they just feel so nice on the lips and are available in whatever form you like, so if you want a hint of colour then there is a baby lips for you out there. My version is called 'peach kiss' and is a peachy nude shade with a slight shimmer to it, I love it, to me it's like the vamped up version to The Body Shop one just because of that. Again I feel like everyone could use this product and I've never encountered a person who hates the original formula. Another bonus - it has SPF :) which is always important :)

Top colour: Baby Lips, Bottom balm: Chocomania lip butter.

Tip
If you want to exfoliate your lips then I would mix whatever lip balm I am currently using with some sugar. I do this by loading up the lip balm on my lips already and then rubbing sugar on to my lips straight after (be sure to do this by the sink as it might get messy). The amount of sugar you put on is dependant on how strongly you want to exfoliate (a little sugar means a gentle exfoliation etc), you can cater this however you like. 

I hoped you enjoyed reading! Be sure to comment and subscribe telling me what your top picks for lip products are :)
Thank you for reading,
Anjna xx

The Body Shop: Mini Haul and Review

Hey everyone :) sooo about 4 days ago I went to The Body Shop and went a little crazy, it was a preplanned crazy but still :P I bought a few things that have been on my wishlist for a while now and I wanted to share what they were and what I actually think of them because, yes, I have tried them all :) 

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, (£10.00/ 200ml) 

I have seen and read so much about this cleansing oil because of Amelia, and I just had to try it. I love this. It's just so quick and simple, I use two pumps of this on a dry face and massage it in and all my make-up just dissolves so quickly, literally it takes a minute and all your waterproof make-up will be gone. I just think this will be perfect for anyone who doesn't want a long cleansing routine, it's as simple as wipes basically. I still use other scrubs and facial washes after this but that's just me. I have oily skin too and it doesn't make me feel weird to use this at all, so I am really impressed with this product and I am so glad that I bought it :) 

The Body Shop All-In-One Instablur, (£14.00/25ml)

This is actually a newish product from The Body Shop and so I really wanted to try it because of that anyway. It claims to control shine, reduce appearance of pores, hide blemishes, unify complexion and help the longevity of make-up. I would say that it does 3/5 of these.  The other 2/5 I'm not so sure about is that it controls shine (I have it on now - but maybe that's just my oily skin?), and I don't know how it hide's blemishes. Something does happens when you put this on - you do look better instantly so I categorise that as unifying my complexion. My pores are reduced and it does help my make-up stay on for longer. I love how lightweight this feels on the skin, I would recommend this to anyone really, it's a good primer. I think there are better out there though especially if you are looking for something specific. 

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream, (£12.00/25ml)

I really wanted a BB cream, just something I can wear on days where I'm not going out but still ready for anything you know? The thing that drew me into this specific product was the fact that it was colour adapting - which I think is so cool. They have four shades (00, 01, 02, 03), I wear the darkest shades 03, and it matches my skin tone well. Again, like the primer this is really lightweight, I love that I can apply this how I apply a moisturiser and I think a product like this would be perfect for someone who doesn't want to wear foundation but still wants some coverage. This gives a light coverage which suits the purpose of me wearing it on days where I'm not doing much (that's because I am more of a full coverage kinda girl). I just think it's a nice product :) The only downfall it does have is that it doesn't have SPF, which is again fine for me because my SPF comes with my moisturiser so it's not that bad. I also thought a BB cream would have more skin benefits but maybe I'm mistaken, or this one just doesn't have them? 

The Body Shop Chocomania Lip Butter, (£4.00/10ml)

I have a post coming up mentioning this product :) First thing I want to say is that it smells like cookies and chocolate and just everything sugary in the world. I love this product because it's so shiny on the lips that it looks like a gloss but without all the fuss and stickiness. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a nice conditioning lip butter which is no hassle to use. Definitely worth my money for sure. 

White cream: BB Cream. Clear greyish substance: Instablur.
Shiny clear thing: Lip Butter.

I hoped you liked reading my mini haul and review from The Body Shop, I want to say that although this all adds up to £40, I got everything for £20 just because I used a voucher. This is why I love The Body Shop, because they are more expensive than other high-street shops but they do the most amazing deals - I would probably never buy anything from there full priced just because they almost always have some sort of deal on. 

Thank you so much for reading, 

Anjna xx

Review: Michael Todd True Organics

Hey everyone! :)

So today I am going to give you my review of the Michael Todd True Organics range. I actually tried out this brand in January and I used it for around 3 months and I have no idea why it's taken me so long to write this post (you can tell how sad I am since I've kept all the original packaging). I hope you enjoy this review :) 

So I actually bought the 'Skincare Discovery Kit for acne or oily skin' since that's my skin-type and I really liked how they made this kit, it's like travel sized products which actually give you a real opportunity to try the products out. If anything, this reminds me of the Clinique 3 Step Acne kit but just slightly smaller. After trying this set I totally did not understand the hype around Michael Todd at all, it didn't do anything for my skin, literally it didn't help the oil production on my skin or even reduce my breakouts. I'll review each product one by one so you can see what I think of it. You can see it here, it retails for $46.00.

(1) Cleanse: Charcoal Detox, deep pore gel cleanser (50ml)

This is a product that I neither liked nor disliked, I wouldn't use it solely by itself because it doesn't remove all traces of make-up - however it's not that uncommon that I use two types of cleansers so it's not exactly bad. It did have a nice texture and was just different to use and so I enjoyed this product in that aspect. I don't know if I would repurchase it, since I like my cleansers to actually do something - take all my make-up off or have some antibacterial spot fighting ingredients in. 

(2) Tone: Blue Green Algae, antibacterial toner (50ml)

I actually did enjoy this product, because it smells amazing, I feel like this is one out of two products which would help breakouts (since it is antibacterial). Again I couldn't notice a dramatic difference on me but I did feel like this was a nice product to use. Would I repurchase it again? Maybe, but just because it's a nice product and not really for any other benefit that it claims to do.

(3) Scrub: Jojoba Charcoal, facial scrub (40ml)

I still have some of this left, It recommends that I should use it two or three times a week so I did. However it's a really gentle scrub in my opinion and I feel like I could use it everyday. Again this was pleasant to use, but what scrub isn't? I still use it on days where I want some gentle exfoliation. But I wouldn't repurchase this again because so many other brands do scrubs just like this, so really there is no wow factor in this product for me.

(4) Hydrate: Moisture Lite, non-oily hydrating lotion (40ml)

One good thing about this is that a minimal amount is needed and apart from that I actually really dislike this product. I don't understand how 30 minutes after I use it my whole face is greasy -it's literally ridiculous. I still have this product left - I looks like I haven't made a dent in it and I have no idea if I'll ever use it again.  But seriously I wouldn't urge anyone to buy this because it did nothing for me apart from making my face look oilier. 

(5) Treat: Kaolin Clay, detoxifying facial mask (40ml)

I love this product, a total 180 from the moisturiser I just mentioned. If you can stand the smell of this then you'll love it. It smells like medicine from India or something, it's a really strange and overpowering scent but you do get used to it, it does smell natural though not like chemically overpowering. This is amazing though, clay is awesome for soaking up oil on the face so this product was bound to be a hit. I only have a tiny bit left of this since I'm saving it up for when I need it the most. This works awesomely as an overnight spot treatment too :) So I would actually urge people to try this product. 

I feel like this kit did kinda what it was supposed to, let me discover what worked for me and what I should stay clear from. What I have gathered from trying Michael Todd is that it would work for anyone who has good skin already so if you have nothing wrong with your skin then I think Michael Todd would be for you and getting those organic treatments on your skin would do it a lot of good in the long run. However people like me who want certain results from the products they are using then I from my experience this kit might not work. All in all I would be interested in trying some of their best selling products but this kit in particular didn't have the effect that I thought it would. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading my serious review on my Michael Todd discovery kit :P, I do want to say that I think the brand itself is a good concept, I really do wish that it worked on me. 

Thanks for reading, 

Anjna xx

The Liebster Award

Hey Guys :)

So I've been nominated for the Liebster Awards by Victoria who is the author of amoderngirlrecommends :) She was so kind as to nominate me for this award, and she gave me 11 questions to answer :) I am also going to nominate 11 people for this award to :)

These are the rules :)

You must answer all questions that are given to you

Must link back to the person that nominated you

Nominate 11 bloggers who have less than 200 followers

Provide nominees with 11 questions of your choice

Cannot nominate the person who nominated you

Must inform nominees of your nomination

Provide nominees with a link to your post for more info

These are the 11 questions that Victoria wanted me to answer :) 

1. If you can travel to any destination right now where would it be?

ooh. this is a hard one, erm I would really like to visit China, specifically Hong Kong, it's always been a dream of mine to go there and explore a totally different culture. 

2.What are three of your favourite books or magazines?

Okay, this question is way harder. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown always stuck with me, I love that book since it taught me so so much and I love 'what if' scenarios. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, this is a classic novel which just reinforces the notion that looks are not always what they appear to be. The last book I would say is City of Bones, It's just an amazing book - I love fiction and this book just really made me imagine. 

3. Summer or Winter what is your favourite season?

I love Summer, so I never complain about the sun whenever it's here, I love Winter too because I just love all the clothing and getting bundled up :) I think I prefer Summer simply because England doesn't have enough of it. 

4. What made you take the leap to become a blogger?

Wow, so honestly, it was really out of the blue - like split second decision really. For a few months I wanted to go straight onto YouTube but I was always in the process of getting the right things and sorta just delaying, you know? When I realised this I was like 'No, I'm going to do something right now' and I took the leap and started my own blog :) 

5. What is your favourite type of flower?

I usually like all types of flowers but the 'Star of Bethlehem' really called to me a few years ago :) It symbolises hope, and I love that it is white too. 

6.Which do you prefer going to the beach or hanging out at the lake?

This one is simple: lake. I'm not one for sunbathing, I love to be active or just doing something. So to me hanging out by the lake means that I am with friends or with a book but it's still really peaceful  - which is kinda hard to find at some beaches. 

7. Favourite car/ dream car?

I love this question :D Porsche 911 Turbo in yellow. I love it, it's just...I want that car LMFAO. 

8. All-time favourite dessert?

Ice cream, mainly because it settles your stomach :) 

9. Ideal/dream  date cool and calm, or fancy, which do you prefer?

Definitely cool and calm, I'm kind of a worrier so hopefully my date could balance that out :P 

10.Which do you prefer watching movies at home or at the movie theatre ?

You know what, movie at home with friends and a glass of wine is my ideal night in :) 

11. If you could use only one make-up product for the rest of your life what would it be?

Honestly, it would be foundation, my motto has always been that if your base is nice then you are kinda set for anything really. So right now it's Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation. 

I'm going to nominate:

 Sabina, Kristi, Lany, Katie, Lauren, Abigail, Sakura, Jane, Becki, Jessica and Jacqueline

The question you guys have to answer are:

1) What is your favourite perfume?

2) What inspires you to write your blog?

3) If you could have any job what would it be?

4) What is your Favourite food?

5) Who is your favourite Blogger/Youtuber?

6) Best tip or trick?

7) Tea or Coffee?

8) Who is your role model?

9) What is the product you have repurchased the most?

10) If you could have straight or curly hair for the rest of your life which would it be?

11) What can't you live without? 

Thanks for nomination again :) 

Anjna xx

Products I have (or will) repurchase

Hey guys :) 

So the amount of posts that I've done are starting to build up eh :) That's why I thought I should do this 'tag' in which I share to you what products I would buy again because, to me, that is a sure indicator of products that work and just get the job done :) 

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-Step System (£25.00)

I have had this product twice, once last October (and it lasted through Christmas) and also right now, which I bought in late June (and is still going strong). I really like the simplicity of this product, it really does help with preventing more acne from coming. It's quite a strong treatment which honestly does make the severity of a breakout go away really quick. I noticed a difference on day 3, so I think if you need something strong that will work I would definitely go for this product. There are 3 Steps, the first is the Cleansing Foam (50ml)  (which is the first to finish), I personally don't like this as a cleanser because it doesn't remove my make-up so I will always use something before, also it foams for like two seconds and then disappears - making it hard to spend time actually massaging it into your skin. The second is the Clarifying Lotion (100ml) which I loove, you have to shake the product in order for the powder at the bottom to mix in with the solution, it works by drying your skin out so if you have dry skin anyway this might be a little too much. The third step is my absolute favourite product: the All-Over Clearing Treatment (30ml), this moisturiser is amazing, it's like a second skin because it is so lightweight and just sinks right in and it lasts forever because you need the tiniest amount :) I would recommend this to anyone who really has problematic skin, if not the whole kit then the lotion or the moisturiser. 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder (£3.99)

I cannot even tell you how many of these I have bought in my lifetime LMFAO it literally is so many. I have been using this powder for over two years and I think it is time for me to look for another :) But I can say that this powder is excellent, it removes shine and oiliness and it is my handbag staple (that's why it's so battered up). If you want an inexpensive powder that works - try this :) 

Maybelline The Volum' Express Falsies Flared Mascara (£7.99/10ml)

I love this mascara, I really want to repurchase it because it's just amazing, it gives length and my eyelashes stay curled and it's just the love of my life. I haven't repurchased it yet because I am trying other mascaras but obviously you can tell that this one just calls to me and so I will repurchase it in the future for sure. If you just want a mascara that does everything amazingly then buy this, I think it is my dream mascara because I can't find anything that even is in the same league as it. 

M.A.C Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (£15.50/7g)

This concealer is amazing, if you have red spots or just anything that you want to make the same colour as your skin then this product is for you. It is amazing because it gives an opaque coverage and the amount of shades that M.A.C provides means that everyone is able to find the right concealer in their skin tone. Mine hasn't ran out yet but when it does (which isn't any-time soon) then I will definitely repurchase it. I love the packaging because it is so travel friendly and good for touch-ups on the go. I would recommend this for everyone because it works for all skin-types.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark and Deep Brown (£3.99/200ml)

I have raved about this product multiple times for a full review click here. I love this product, it is literally a life saver and I can't live without it, sounds melodramatic but it's true - whenever it's not with me I will wash my hair everyday. I like the fact that it is colour specific because I don't believe it when some claim to be 'colour free' cause it's just not true at all. I can see the hint of colour that this gives me and I don't mind it because it's brown and not an ashy white. I've purchased more than 5 of these and I'm still hooked on it. 

The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream (£5.00/30ml) 

This is one product that I don't think I have mentioned before but it is something I know I will stay loyal too (I haven't repurchased it yet). This, to me, is the perfect hand cream, it moisturises amazingly but is not greasy at all. I've never been a hand cream kinda girl because my hands are hardly ever dry, I don't know why, but then a few months ago that changed and so I bought this. It just does the job so well, I think it would fair well with the driest of hands too. If this is not in my handbag then it will be in my nail kit because it is perfect for pampering your hands before a manicure. I have so much love for this, I would recommend the 30ml size because it is travel friendly and I love the Almond scent too because it's pleasant without being overpowering.

Soap and Glory Foam Call Bath and Shower Wash (£6.50/500ml)

I've spoken about this before in my favourites and the reason it is also in this list is because it is amazinggg. I know I am definitely going to repurchase this when it runs out simply because it lasts for so long, hell I don't think I am even a quarter of the way down with my first bottle which I bought like 2 months ago. This is an ideal product for any university student like myself because it's just lovely to use, it smells nice and it foams! I love this and I think it is value for money. 

Revlon Nail Care Multi Care Base and Top Coat (£6.49/14ml)

This is a late addition to my list but one that should definitely be included, I never knew how important a base coat was until my nails started yellowing in April and immediately I bought this product (multi-use products always draw me in). I have never had that problem ever again, my nails are better than ever due to this, I love it. I have half a bottle left which is amazing since I bought it four months ago, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. This is the ideal base and top coat because it dries so fast and I would recommend this to everyone.

I hope you have enjoyed reading what products I have or will repurchase :) Sorry that it was so lengthy but I wanted you guys to know why I would repurchase it :) Comment below telling me what you would repurchase :) 

Thanks for reading, 

Anjna xx