REVIEW: The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

(I'm testing out new backgrounds for post photos, let me know what you think in the comments!)

I bought this in hope it was similar to the cleansing oil. I love the oil, but it is one of the most impractical things in the world when it comes to travelling. 

I have never thought about using cleansing balms or butters, but this particular one from The Body Shop has been on my radar for a while now. It retails at just £12, which for a cleansing butter is an absolute steal considering others (I'm looking at you Emma Hardie!) can be in excess of £30!

Removing my makeup at the end of a day is one of my favourite things to do (yes, I lead a very sad life), and this has made it even less of a chore! Described as an indulgent makeup remover suitable for the whole face, the butter aims to gently and efficiently melt away makeup, dirt and impurities, leaving your skin clean, refreshed and pampered. 

It is designed to be suitable for all skin types, however I suggest that if you have oily skin you may want to follow up with a cleanser specifically designed for your skin type. 

Personally, if I am wearing heavier makeup, I like to use a micellar water or a makeup wipe first to take off the excess makeup. I then go in with this to remove whats left. I just rub small amount in between my fingers and massage it into the skin. I then just run my hands under the tap to emulsify the balm so it's easier to manipulate. After that I take a wet muslin cloth to remove it slowly from my face and rinse with warm water. 

I love this product and it makes me feel pressured into experimenting with other cleansing balms to see how they compare. 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Face Of The Day #2

Hi All! I'm back with another face of the day as I really enjoyed doing the last one! Today's FOTD is what I tend to wear on a more everyday basis. As you can see I have gone for a more natural look than last time.

Products Used 

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation in Ivory

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair (01)

Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer in Light

Maybelline Matte Maker Powder in Classic Ivory

Sleek I-Divine Palette in Storm 

Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss in Liar

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

Brushes Used

NARS eyelash curlers

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques Cheek Brush(Limited Edition)

Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush

Real Techniques Essential Foundation Brush

Real Techniques Angled Shadow Brush (Limited Edition)

Real Techniques Eyeliner Brush (Limited Edition)

Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush (Limited Edition)

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Sunday Skincare #1

First Aid Beauty (or FAB) is a relatively new brand to me. I first heard their name mentioned in January of this year and initially, I thought nothing about it.

But as time has gone on, I have heard more and more people talking about their products and how amazing they are. 

The god that is Caroline Hirons was the person that eventually persuaded me to make a cheeky FeelUnique order. And here are the products I've been testing!

Face Cleanser

This is a thick creamy cleanser that gently removes oil, makeup and dirt. When it comes into contact with water it thins and turns into a lotion like consistency.

I like to use this in the morning as it helps calm my skin and the last thing I want is for me to look as red as a tomato before applying my makeup haha. Now as much as I love this, I don't think I will repurchase it as I know there are other products of higher quality for a smaller price tag. That doesn't mean that it isn't good though!

Ultra Repair Cream

Think Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream. This is one of those products that use for absolutely anything! Sunburn, eczema, lip balm,  moisturiser.. anything!

It is very soothing upon application – the active ingredient in this cream is oatmeal, and you can’t go wrong with oatmeal. It absorbed extremely quickly into my skin! I was so surprised as I thought it would take ages due to the thickness of it, but it didn't! It was gone almost immediately. 

This would even be great used as a moisturiser in winter!

Facial Radiance Pads

Caroline Hirons you are an actual god! I put my faith in you and you did not disappoint as per usual! 

Caroline is a big fan of acid toning in the place of a traditional toner in a skincare routine. Acid toners work by balancing the pH of your skin (altered during cleansing), exfoliating and hydrating the skins surface. They also work by allowing other products (such as serums, creams, treatments etc.) to absorb into the skin properly. 

I noticed an immediate difference after about 2 days. Old acne scars (I have a real problem with them) seemed to have faded and my skin just looked clearer! This was due to the acids promoting new skin cell renewal.  

The only problem with the products is that they aren't as widely available in the UK. 

But here are a few links where everyone can get their hands on them.. 

http://www.beautybay.com 

http://www.feelunique.com 

What products have you tried from the brand? Thoughts and recommendations please! :)

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

In Focus: Tartan and Checks

(Imagery sourced from sellers websites)

I am a true lover of autumn/winter fashion - My most favourite time of year to shop. That is probably why most of my wardrobe is in dark colours. I have scoured the high street looking for my top tartan/checked picks.. Enjoy!

White checked backpack (New Look)

Little backpacks like this are really popular now and although I would never buy one, I really like the look of them. They just aren't my thing. This one from New Look is really cute and a bargain too!

Berry checked duster jacket (River Island)

Oooh I love this! And if any of you decide to order it can you please leave one in stock for me! Thanks! I am going to save up for this little gem. It's only £40, but I'm a student you know.

White checked playsuit (Boohoo.com)

I recently saw Zoe (Zoella) wearing this in one of Alfie's vlogs (Pointlessblog) and she looked stunning! She had paired it with thick black tights, a black leather jacket and a black backpack. 

Grey tartan scarf (ASOS)

A friend recently send me a snapchat of her wearing this gorgeous scarf which she later told me was from House of Fraser. So I went on the hunt for a big chunky scarf. I decided to purchase this one from ASOS after adding about 20 into my saved items page (I wish I could afford them all!). It retails at a bargain £16 so fairly reasonable when compared to others out there. 

Orange and grey duster jacket (Topshop)

I wouldn't usually like something like this, but I think this is lovely. Now I was kind of cheating adding it to this list as it is neither checked or tartan and is infact striped. But you know.. It is pretty!

Red tartan pinafore (ASOS)

This pinafore is so cute! I love how the model has paired it with a big chunky jumper underneath. For winter, you could try pairing it with thick black tights to make it super warm!

Black checked skort (New Look)

I wish I had the body confidence to wear shorts as these are gorgeous! I would snap these up in a second!

What trends are you following right now? - Tell me in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Recipe: Healthy Vegetable Lasagne

(Warning - This post may make you incredibly hungry)

Today I bring you a slightly different post from the usual things I write about. 
If you didn't know, I love cooking and baking!
So I though whilst I was preparing dinner, I would take a few photos and write up my secret (not so secret anymore) recipe for vegetable lasagne. 

To serve 4 - You will need:

500g low fat cottage cheese

250g grated mild cheddar cheese

Tomato ketchup

1½ - 2 tins of chopped tomatoes

Basil, oregano (fresh or dried)

1 onion

5 sticks of celery

2 carrots

150g button mushrooms (any kind will do)

1 Broccoli 

Method!

To begin with, you will need to preheat your oven to 200ºC.

After preheating your oven, you will need to prepare and boil your vegetables in a pan of boiling water until soft. I boil my onions and mushrooms instead of frying as it makes them healthier when they are not coated in oil. 

Once your vegetables are cooked through, drain them (make sure they are fully drained or there will be a bit of water in the bottom of your lasagne) and add the chopped tomatoes. Stir and add the herbs and season to your liking. 

Layer up your lasagne, starting with sauce in order to cook the first layer of pasta. 

(Personally, I recommend the order - sauce, pasta, sauce, cottage cheese, pasta, sauce, cottage cheese, pasta, any remaining sauce, grated cheese) 

The reason this recipe is a 'healthy' vegetable lasagne, is because instead of using a high fat béchamel, it uses low fat cottage cheese. 

Place in the oven for 40 minutes (or until the pasta is cooked), serve and enjoy! :)

I liked to eat mine with lots of lovely salad, but you could serve it with chips, or just enjoy it by itself.

If you recreate my dish, tweet me a photo or tag me on Instagram!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Pretty In Pink

I've always been a red lippy kinda girl, but recently I've found myself reaching for the pinks a little more. 
Now in everyday life I don't tend to wear lipstick (or any lip product for that matter really) but I have been pushing the boat out a little more recently and stepping out of my comfort zone. 

These are the lipsticks I have been loving! (from top to bottom)

Rimmel Moisture Renew - Vintage Pink (£6.49)
This lipstick was a gift from my Grandma after she realised she had bought the wrong shade for herself. When I first got it I wore it like crazy, but eventually, it (like others) was forgotten about until recently.  
I have rediscovered it and it has become a great alternative to nude lipsticks to add a bit of variation to your everyday makeup look.

Topshop Lips - Macaroon (£8)
The colour of this lipstick seems bright, almost neon, yet somehow muted at the same time. The tone is neither too cool or warm, and it's a perfect shade for the 'beautiful' weather we're having at the moment. It has a velvet finish and applies well over a lip balm in case you need it. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish - Heartbreaker (£4.99)
I am absolutely in love with this hard to find shade! It is a lovely berry pink. It’s a very unique and distinctive shade which would suit all skin tones. It will look slightly different on each person but will definitely suit all skin tones !

Revlon Colourburst Lipbutter - Sweet Tart  (£7.99)
This is a better option for those who don't like to wear bright lipsticks. It gives a lovely sheer finish due to it being a lip butter rather than a lipstick, and is a great way to add a bit of colour to your face.

What is your favourite lipstick at the minute?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

What's In My Handbag?

If you're anything like me (which you most probably are), you are super nosy and love getting to go through people's handbags. 

So heres a little treat for you all!

Bag - Primark

Purse 

Obviously this is going to be in my bag as how else am I going to store my non-existent money? Being me, my purse also has to be Cath Kidston as we all know I have a slight weakness for Cath Kidston. 

Phone 

Yet another essential. I find it hard to leave without putting it in my bag. Even though I won't need/use it, it is always there in the case of an emergency. Again, my addiction means that the case is also from Cath Kidston.

Umbrella

 Due to the extremely unpredictable weather in the UK an umbrella is vital if you want to stay warm and dry. Plus it only seems to rain when you don't have an umbrella, so making sure I always have one means it never rains (ha! I wish!).

Keys

I must admit these aren't often in my bag as I am one of those people that always forget them and ends up locking theirself out. 

Headphones 

I make a lot of train journeys, so this means waiting around a fair bit at train stations. To pass the time I like to watch TV programmes, catch up on YouTube videos and listen to music. 

I love the Apple headphones as I find them super comfortable and they also don't take up much space in my bag. 

Book

When my phone battery dies, or when I just don't feel like listening to music, or whatever, I like to read a nice book. 

I am currently reading this incredibly cute edition of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. I spotted this in Waterstones and reluctantly handed over the £15 for it. 

Notepad & pen

For those spur of the moment, lightbulb ideas. Whatever they may be. 

Sunglasses 

Believe it or not, but the UK gets the occasional bit of sun. *gasp!* 

When it does my sunglasses are whipped straight out and I am able to see again!

Plasters 

Always there as who knows when you are going to need one!

Tissues

What normal person doesn't carry tissues in their handbag?

Lipbalm 

Nobody wants dry lips, and this lip balm from The Body Shop is one of my all time favourites!

Hair accessories 

For those 'Uggh I need to get my hair off my face now' moments. 

Old train tickets

I tend to accumulate train tickets and receipts in my bag. Sorry for being a real person. 

What do you keep in your bag?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x