& Other Stories Eyebrow Pencil in Tamin Brown

As H&M's more eccentric older sister, & Other Stories should definitely be on your radar. They sell The Balm goodies as well as Dr Bronner's Castille Soap, things that aren't easy to find around these parts. But it was their eyebrow pencils that stole the show for me. Unlike most options for dark eyebrows, this near black shade Tamin Brown is cool toned and looks completely natural for a low maintenance girl like me.

    & Other Stories Eyebrow Pencil in Tamin Brown - £6 here

Would you look at that minimalist packaging! & Other Stories only have one branch in the UK, but if you're ever near Regent Street, this is definitely worth battling the crowds for a quick swatch. For just £6,  this pencil delivers more than you'd expect as the tone is perfect for those that don't suit jet black eyebrows, yet have black hair. The smooth texture allows you to build up the pigment, whilst leaving enough waxiness to tackle the odd stubborn hair that refuses to lie in place. Compared to other high street offerings, this is easily the best one I've come across - and it also comes in 3 other shades too. Grab them while you still can!

Hair Talk #2

This is a slight overview of things I have been trying recently. I bit the bullet yesterday and got my hair relaxed at the hairdressers after putting it off for 7 months. Usually, this is a big no-no, as the different textures (straight and afro) can cause the hair to break if not cared for properly. I was complemented on the condition of my hair, considering that having 4 months regrowth can be risky, let alone 7! I tend to use hair oils a lot, as shown by this post, but here are some new additions that I think have made a difference.

Ojon Rare Blend Protecting Treatment - £23 here 

After being seriously impressed by the Damage Repair range, I have been buying things direct form Ojon and this full size beauty was a gift with purchase. As my hair got more unruly, this with my Tangleteezer became a match made in heaven. It acts as a detangler and heat protector in one, with 7 rare oils acting to prevent hair breakage and damage from styling. For me, it was an excellent leave-in conditioner as it wasn't too heavy on the hair, but made styling a breeze due to the extra slip . The dual phase can be seen as a bit gimmicky in other rare blend products, but here it is executed perfectly. I still haven't decided if I'd pay full price for this, but it has made hair washing days much more bearable for me.

Philip Kingsley Elasticiser - from £15 here     

I really wasn't expecting this to do anything for my extremely coarse roots, but this is a dream to use as a pre-shampoo treatment and has displaced the Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment - a firm favourite. Left in my hair for 15 minutes this leaves my hair super shiny and much easier to manage. I have experienced less breakage in my hair during my 7 month stretch, and this is probably the reason why - immediately after washing there are fewer tangles and my hair feels a lot smoother. I am also trialling some Philip Kingsley shampoo, but the Elasticiser has now become a permanent step in my routine.    

Are there any hair essentials that you swear by? 

Coming Up Roses

Over the last few months, my skin has improved significantly to the point that persistent acne scars are fading and less foundation is necessary to hide any imperfections. The main cause is using products with rosehip oil, as it is known to help even out imperfections whilst soothing irritated skin. I've also gravitated towards the more natural offerings available, and this particular combination has done wonders for my dehydrated skin.

Melvita Milky Cleansing Oil - £20 at Feelunique

After a skin consultation at the Melvita store in Covent Garden last summer, I've been using this to combat my dehydrated skin. Now, my skin is left feeling plump and moisturised after cleansing, and it makes it so much easier to remove a full face of makeup in the evenings! I use 2 pumps and give myself a little face massage similar to this swimming motion before and after adding water. I have also noticed after using this that my skin is much brighter and I've stopped getting dry patches on my face. Ultimately, this is a real game changer for those with dry/dehydrated skin.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - from £14.85 at Feelunique 

A firm favourite during the winter months, this is pure rosehip seed oil which acts to improve the appearance of scars, stretchmarks and wrinkles. This is an all-rounder and has faded many stubborn acne scars over time, whilst giving the skin a little moisture boost. I like to use it as part of my evening routine in place of a heavy night cream, as it absorbs quickly into the skin and helps to clear any congested areas overnight. 

Are there any other rose products that I should try next? 

  

TK Maxx Bargains #2

Why hello there! Yes, my prolonged absence on this blog is mostly down to the painful transition of jobless graduate with little to spare for new things. Learning not to jump on every beauty bandwagon led me to treat myself on a few goodies after Xmas, some were old favourites but all of them were bargains from TK Maxx.

This wasn't exactly a necessary purchase, but considering how much something similar would usually cost, needless to say I pounced on it for £7. There was also an Environmental Shield one where I picked up my beloved Essential C-Cleanser, but I was too excited to use it and destroyed the box. Sorry Not sorry.  

There were a few O.P.I sets around, but the So So Skullicious was one of the most affordable ones afailable. I won't lie to you, the yellow shade Candlelight was promptly given to one of my friends but A-Rose from the Dead has become a firm favourite as a wearable midtone pink. Mourning Glory is a close second more suited to the winter months, but it's my first black nail polish where I actually like the formula.

I have more posts in store, but just have to find a routine. You can't help but feel that you can't start a beauty blog on a budget these days, but then again, it is more reason to be part of a blogging community when you don't have the funds to try everything out. If all else fails... TK Maxx?

Till next time,

Candice

Summer Essentials

There are very few things that I could call 'essential when it comes to bodycare products. I am often satisfied with whatever is lying around, but these are the few things I'm loyal to and repurchase time after time. Some date as far back as childhood, others a few months but they all have literally saved my skin in this heatwave now turned monsoon.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretchmarks - £2.69
Ever since childhood, I've always used Palmer's Cocoa Butter in some form. From using the thick butter that came in a tub as a kid, to the concentrated tube form in my student days it's nice to be using a lighter paraben free formula without scrimping on the moisture. Plus, I've always loved the scent. Some stretch marks have faded over months of using this, but I do think they must be recent for this cream to make a real difference. Particularly after tanning and in the lead up to summer this became a godsend for me, I cannot rate it enough. 

Antipodes Resurrect Facial Toner - £18.98
A good alternative to the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for those with more normal skin. Without a hint of alcohol this will hydrate and rebalance the skin with its impressive organic ingredient list (water, lavender and sage are the first three on the list). In the hot weather this has been very refreshing to use during the day, whilst using this after Clarins Exfoliating Toner works as a great combination every second night. Yes, I've been taking Caroline Hirons' advice on toner, and since then my skin looks clearer and not much makeup is needed during the day. Perfect.     

Mitchum Advanced Control 48 Hour Deodorant - £2.89
I particularly despise using aerosols in any form, but many roll-on deodorants fall flat and I usually concede defeat around April time. I'd heard this brand mentioned on blogs, but I only saw it on the aisles of a massive Boots Store (Westfield if you were wondering) I probably shouldn't go on about a deodorant, but this doesn't leave white marks on dark clothes and allows you to wear light clothes without the fear of unsightly sweat patches.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Protection Lotion SPF30 -£6.14
Okay, I'll admit that I probably don't need SPF 30 but people of colour can still burn in the sun! In 2009 I went to see Blur's comeback gig in Hyde Park and stood in the crowd from about 1pm until 10pm. It wasn't until the next day when I saw the peeling skin on my shoulders and the redness on my back from wearing a cut-out dress. Never. Again.

This is one of the few body spfs that don't make me look ashy or leave a noticeable white cast after application, so I'm sticking to it. It protects from both UVA and UVB rays and I haven't been caught short since using it.

Anna Sui Flight of Fancy EDP 50ml -£22.95, get £12.50 for 30ml here
My signature scent, this just reminds me of summer. About 6/7 years ago I gave this to my mum for her birthday, and I loved it so much I ended up buying one for myself! Fresh and fruity, this has top notes of lemon and lychee whilst not smelling overtly feminine. On me, more of the musk and rose comes through making it much more alluring and subtle than the ostentatious bottle implies. An oldie but a goodie.

There are a few new discoveries that I still have to share, but it's only fair I sing the praises of these gems first, right? Stay tuned.