Wishlist: Monochrome Minimalism

 I know that I primarily talk about beauty on this blog, but technically this was also intended to include fashion. But I've also been put off from doing the obligatory OOTD and haul posts, mainly because I'm a big old scaredy cat. The picture on my banner is the closest to an outfit post that I've ever gone and the main reason is that I'm not quite there yet with my style and how I look. I play it safe with what I actually wear whilst pining for the slightly out-there pieces that will undoubtedly turn heads (but not necessarily for the right reasons). I'm also in the middle of losing weight and the once effortless and enjoyable shopping trip has turned into a minefield of "Will this even fit across my chest?", "I look like a sack of potatoes in this" or "This really isn't a size 16" moments.

 So with that in mind, I was hardly going to get involved during Fashion Week and start posing outside Somerset House. But then something beautiful happened. Instead of longing for clothes so far out of my price range I could cry, the emphasis had shifted to accessories. Designers such as Philip Lim and Nicole Farhi had incredible wool-trimmed shoes, impressive clunky heels and beautifully made bags that really made an understated dress stand out on the catwalk. I had already begun veering towards a minimalist approach with my wardrobe (being between sizes helps in this instance) and shopping for accessories puts an end to the neverending gamble of "Will this even fit me in 3 months time?" So here is my more affordable edit of monochrome accessories.

 These picks are inspired by Jil Sander as white accessories just give a clean look to almost any outfit. After the New Year, I had started seeing a few style bloggers with pointy white shoes - and I loved how edgy they look, even when paired with boyfriend jeans! Everyone who knows me can tell you that I don't really manage that well in high heels, so the wedge is a good compromise and these H&M ones are the best I've seen. As for the bag, I do love Zara for their selection of good quality leather bags. Yes, the colour choice is highly impractical, but it is such an attention grabbing piece as the clean lines just exude pure minimalist sophistication. Just watch where you put it! As you could probably guess, these are part of the "I'm too chicken to wear these outside" camp. But I'll try and revive my purse strings so I don't just admire these from afar. But for those days when I don't want to look like polished prefection, I chose these:

  I wouldn't categorise myself as a hipster, but I did live in denim shirts and high top Nikes before they were considered the epitome of East End Cool. This would tie in quite nicely with what I already own, with the option of dressing up with a velvet maxi dress or something less casual. The Monki Lollo Shoes have patent toecaps (which don't show up well on the picture, sorry) and the added platform is a real bonus due to my aforementioned heel problem. I'm scared that this messenger bag will go the same way as the white leather/rose gold hardware 'it' bag last year and disappear when I finally get my funds together. Pictured here, it has the same structure as a paper bag for an understated minimalist look, but it has a shoulder strap for when you need to pare it down a bit. These picks are my attempt at minimalism, but here's a couple more if you wanted something inbetween:

These accessories are more of a work option, but the monochrome detail makes them more versatile across different looks. I could pull off these slingbacks with a Cos dress or a pair of vintage  dungarees; the two-tone satchel with a two piece floral suit or my casual weekend uniform (band tee, skinny jeans and Vans if you were wondering). Either way, this is a combination of the two previous states, the aspirational meets the accessible. The clean lines are still visible but the heels are manageable for everyday wear and the bag is a patent cream rather than white leather - much easier to clean.


 Multi-functional and practical - just don't all rush out and buy them at once until I get my own, okay?

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz VS Benefit Sunbeam

After using the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz non-stop during the summer, it soon became clear that I needed a winter appropriate highlighter as a subsitute to a deeply bronzed highlight. Enter Benefit Sunbeam.

These are my favourite highlighters to date as often I find powder highlighters to look ashy on my warm toned skin. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is a cult product with Topaz being the deepest shade of four.  Its creamy consistency means it applies effortlessly, leaving a bronzy sheen that looks more luminous as opposed to glittery. It suits me best with a tan, but for a natural highlight, this is perfect for those with deep skintones.

Sunbeam is a more flattering shade (think more golden than bronze) and helps to give a hint of depth and colour to the face, perfect for winter. It comes with a brush inside the lid, which comes in useful as the product is much more liquidy compared to the Becca formulation. The microparticles seem slightly chunkier, so the effect is less subtle despite appearing much lighter.

Top Swatch- Benefit Sunbeam

Bottom Swatch- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz

Also, check out my photography skillz! Hardly admirable, but last time I tried to capture Topaz on camera, it didn't go so well.

As the Becca Review is the most viewed post on this blog, I thought it'd be best to upload a proper swatch as it's oh so beautiful.



Unfortunately, Becca seems to be in trouble as it seems impossible to order these online in the UK right now, so I am starting to ration the stuff for special occasions only until summer (or when I can afford the massive £33 bottle). Until then, Sunbeam will fill the void as it is the perfect golden shade without going too bronze. Mine is an InStyle freebie from November, but for the full size 13ml be prepared to shell out £18.50. Considering my 15ml travel sized Shimmering Skin Perfector cost me £10, I can't help but feel like I'd rather invest in Becca. 

I thought I'd do a side-by-side comparison as others consider these as dupes, but they are completely different when applied onto the skin.

Which do you prefer? Or do you have a HG golden highlighter recommendation? Share below!

Sea Bath Inspired Brightening Facial

You may not know this, but I am originally from Caribbean descent. When I was six I vividly remember visiting my mother's hometown, eagerly sniffing the fresh air and looking across the coast towards the Caribbean Sea. Well, on a few occasions we trundled off to the beach for an old fashioned Sea Bath, which basically meant swimming (or playing as I couldn't quite swim yet) in the natural salty seawater.

One of the benefits was that sea salt is very good for the skin, as well as seaweed and citrus fruits which help to brighten the skin and help fade blemishes. This has since resulted in my sister going through mountains of salt and lemon slices trying to emulate this, but for those strapped for time (or lazy like me) here's my take on it:

Step 1: Cleanser
For this a cream or balm cleanser would be best. One product that I tend to forget about is the No. 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser, but this is incredibly nourishing and makes your skin glow after using it. It comes with a muslin cloth, but I tend to use it with a flannel to help open the pores. Unfortunately I chucked out the box months ago and I can't find an ingredients list- but the thick formula does remove makeup effortlessly and is a good buy (especially with a Boots £5 off voucher).

Step 2: Salt Exfoliant
You could literally go all natural by scooping some salt into a container with some lemon juice. But I tend to use Ocean Salt Facial Scrub from Lush instead as it contains organic lime in vodka, avocado butter, coconut oil and seaweed in addition to the expected sea salt. For those with sensitive skin, this can be very abrasive, so I would encourage those to go into Lush and do a spot test before buying.
I tend to apply this like a mask around my face, so that a thick layer sits on the skin when dried.

  This lets the natural oils sink in whilst the salt detoxifies the skin. After 5 minutes splash water on your face and gently make small circular motions as the Ocean Salt dissolves off your face. I did cover my undereye area with the salt but have no intention to exfoliate there- I've found that rinsing it off after 5 minutes significantly reduces my dark circles.

Step 3: Facial Mask
Clay masks can come in handy for congested skin - I use the Origins Clear Improvement Mask as it helps to clear pores and makes them appear smaller. I got this before Christmas and have used it regularly as the charcoal mask really tightens and has helped with blackheads (sorry).

Extras

Technically, you can resume your normal skincare routine after this, but to keep with the theme, I used The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner followed by REN Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream. The Seaweed Toner actually feels quite soothing after the mask, otherwise I'm not really a fan. It's formulated for oily blemish-prone skin which I don't have, but it still does the job.

I've spoken about the REN Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream before, but this is in their sensitive range and I love this moisuriser to bits. It's a very hydrating balm and only a pea sized amount is needed for the whole face. To be honest, I have been saving this for certain occasions as this is a sample size and the 50ml bottle costs £27. This cream does contain anti-oxidants to combat UV damage and Omega 3 and 7 to act as anti-inflammatory ingredients. This shows that REN is a natural brand with quality ingredients, so you do get what you pay for.

If anyone is near a tropical location, do go for a dip in the sea as seasalt also aids circulation and boasts other health benefits. Other things to look out for are natural sulphur springs as they also improve the skin, but just reading this and sitting in my cold bedroom makes me long for summer.

Any family rituals you'd like to share?