Hey everyone,

I was recently sent the Pixi Retinol and Jasmine Collection* and thought I would share it with you as I know a lot of people may be interested, as Retinol is one of the many skin care products that has actually been proven to work on fine lines. Retinol is part of the Vitamin A family and it directly increases the production of collagen and cell turnover, hence giving you more youthful and even looking skin. If you are anywhere over the age of 25, it is definitely recommended as this is when the skin begins to mature. As I am currently breastfeeding, I am unable to use it in my routine and therefore unable to review it, so instead I thought I would give you a quick run down on what each product has to offer as this would be a great starting point if wanting to introduce retinol to your routine.

Hey my loves,

This week, I'm bringing to you my birth story for baby number three. I gave birth to Lana Rose on Tuesday 15th October at 12.15am, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces. The birth probably didn't go as well as I had imagined it would due to how quickly she came, but honestly, when I take everything into consideration, it could have been a lot worse. I thought I would also share what I used to help get me there.

Hey guys,

So if you read my posts regularly you are probably wondering why there is no second trimester post. To be honest it's because the second trimester flew by and didn't really cause me any problems whatsoever. This is typical of the second trimester and probably the first time in my pregnancies where , dare I say it, I actually enjoyed the pregnancy!?!? (Reading this back I would say that's taking it too far lol) Compared to my first trimester (click here for post) the second trimester was the complete opposite. I wouldn't say everything completely disappeared but there was nothing apart from a small scare (a heavy bleed which is still unexplained) which really fazed me. 

Hey everyone,

Recently Iconic London had a 20% sale on and I had got a little birthday money so I decided to purchase a few beauty items as I hadn't splurged on myself in a while.  Because of the sale, it meant I got the newly released Brow silk for £16 rather than the usual £20 so I was chuffed with my bargain. Surprisingly, I haven't actually bought any of Iconic's other products but have tried their Illuminating drops and really liked them. So it's not really a brand I was familiar with but the brow silk really appealed to me.

Hi guys,

This week I thought I would bring to you a little round up of what me and my family got up to in the summer holidays. The children are back to school now, so I have finally had the opportunity to write about our little getaway. This year, as I am quite heavily pregnant, we decided to go on holiday in the UK instead of abroad and we picked Wales as we absolutely love it there. One place we hadn't visited before was North Wales, so when we heard good reviews about the Haven based there, we decided to book it and give it a go.

Hey guys,

It has been absolutely ages since I last did a favourites post so I thought it was about time as I have been using a few new products recently. The products are a mixture of skincare and make-up and are all amazing so that's why they made the post. 

First up we have a few make-up products I picked up from Pat McGrath Labs when I was in London a few week ago. Selfridges London currently have a pop-up which I'm hoping will become permanent across Selfridges stores as the make-up is beautiful. I have been waiting quite a while since PML was released online in the UK as I wanted to go and swatch products in store. If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen my arm full of swatches and I spent a good hour in the store going through all the products and picking what I wanted carefully. 

I purchased the Fetish Eyes Mascara (£26), which is amazing and building length, volumizing and curling lashes. It literally does all three. You can also achieve different looks with it depending on how many coats you put on so I'm currently obsessed. I also purchased the Lust Gloss in Future Femme (£25) which is a lovely pink shade and highly moisturising. It has little flecks of glitter and I'm partial to a bit of glitter so it was definitely coming home with me. My favourite purchase has to be the Highlighter & Balm duo in Golden (£37). On one side you are given a transparent balm which is packed full of aloe, argan oil and hyaluronic acid. This gives such a natural healthy glow to the skin. I love wearing it on those no make-up days where I just want my skin to look extra dewy. The fact it has so much skincare packed in too make me love it even more. I apply to my lips and they are instantly hydrated. Similarly the gold side is also a balmy texture which makes it perfect for blending into the skin seamlessly. It literally melts into the skin to leave a glow from within. I am so happy with my purchases and love the branding on the packaging too. Pat has nailed it when it comes to her makeup collection.

Next up we have a make-up item I have been using regularly which is the Eye Majic Eyeshadow pads ** (£19.99). These are fantastic little sponge pads which have eyeshadow already applied. You simply apply directly to the lid and drag and the eyeshadow is then transferred to your eyes. Once applied I then run over with a eyeshadow blending blush just to soften some of the lines and it's as simple as that. It saves me so much time and the finished look is really effective. I have a whole tutorial over on my Instagram highlights so feel free to pop over and have a look! You get four different colours in a pack and there are 20 pairs so a great way to try a range of products.

With my skincare I have found my skin becoming more and more sensitive recently and I have even been breaking out in spots. Some are so painful I have never had spots like it before. Overall my skin has been lacking lustre and I tend to blame it on my hormones and they are a bit all over the place at the moment. Whenever my skin is feeling really bad I know I can rely on the Image Skincare Biomolecular Hydrating Recovery Mask ** (£41.95, 5 pack). This is the one sheet mask I know works and have mentioned it on the blog before. It contains volcanic water, red algae, amino acids and gives you brighter skin in one application. I was also recently sent the Image skincare Ormedic Balancing Gel Masque* (£28) which has been really helping with my sensitivity. I can see the redness in my spots calm down and it is very cooling on the skin so perfect for aggravated skin or even skin that may have been treated for example with laser or waxing. The combination of both of these products is great.

Now could I have a favourites post without including a Pixi product? the answer is no. One of my favourite skincare brands which your probably already know! I was so happy to recently find out the Glow range had been extended to include a cleanser, moisturising gel, and serum to name a few. I have spoken about the Glow Tonic many times on my blog and raved about how it is my favourite toner. So when I was sent the rest of the range I was ecstatic. I have been loving the Glow Tonic Serum* (£26) as it literally just continues to add that radiance and glow in a more potent formula. It is full of Glycolic acid which is the holy grail for exfoliating skin and regenerating new skin cells. It has particularly been good for my scarring that I have been getting from these dreadful hormonal spots.

Finally what I can't live without is my Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturiser* (£58, 50ml) I actually have been using this every day come rain or shine however especially now with summer coming up SPF is so important! The prism protect is perfect because it is mixed in with a moisturiser so need for separate products. And I don't know about you but I am struggling for shelf space in my beauty cabinet so that's a bonus right there. It leaves no sticky residue and absorbs straight into the skin. A great product.

So this completes my recent favourites. I hope you enjoy and please let me know some of your favourites in the comments below.

Amina xx

*PR Gift. Al opinions are my own.

** PR gift with affiliate link.

Hi Guys,

I thought this week I would bring you a little update on some of the curly hair products I have been using recently. I got my first curly hair cut and colour from the lovely Matt and Rosie at Spring is in the Hair salon, the UK's first dedicated curly hair salon which happens to be in my hometown of Birmingham. It was quit the experience as I have never had my curls cut dry before, but so nice to be in a salon full of curly haired people! Matt literally goes through your hair practically curl by curl until you achieve a shape that suits you. And I think by far what I am most happiest with is the colour. I wanted subtle highlights and Rosie nailed it. While I was there I was recommended the Trepadora Papaya Slip Taming Potion (£18). It is actually a life changing product for me when it comes to my curls. It literally holds every curl in place and can be left to air dry or diffuse, although I find the results better when diffusing. You are left with quite tight, rigid and crispy curls however you literally scrunch it out and your curls turn into these soft ringlets. It is just lovely so I am excited to continue using it!

Hey everyone,

For the past few weeks I have been using the new Clinique Even Better Refresh Foundation* (£30). If you know me well, you will know by now that I don't really like thicker or full coverage foundations, mainly because of how they feel on my skin. This is a medium to high coverage foundation but the reason it appealed to me so much is because it boasts a whole host of skincare within it. 

Hi guys,

So it hasn't been long since I did a Pixi post however I did mention last time that I had never tried their make-up! So to my surprise I was actually sent a PR package from the lovely Pixi by Petra team, which included some of their new Eye Reflection Shadow Palettes* (£24) and a fantastic set of brushes*. I have been using them so much I decided to do a post on them. The palette contain a mix of metallic, shimmer, and matte shades so there is definitely something for everyone.

Hey everyone!

This week I am brining you a review of the T.W.O.K London Flawless Filter Foundation*. This was not a brand I had heard of until recently but the more I read about it the more I like! T.W.O.K stands for The Woman of Kolor and their foundations are made with people of colour (POC) in mind. It's great to see because it can be really hard for POC to find foundations that suit their tone, so I love that these are specifically tailored to match a variety of skin tones. It's great that brands are taking this into consideration a lot more, With the likes of Huda Beauty and Fenty Beauty releasing 30 and 40 colours in their first foundation releases. But I also have to highlight MAC who have been keeping it real for years!

Hi Everyone,

Recently I attended an event with Stila cosmetics for their Vivid & Vibrant collection and it really blew me away. I am such a fan of Stila as you may have seen from previous posts. There was something about this collection that really appealed to me. The collection is based around jewel tones and every is luxurious and opulent in both colour and texture. I absolutely love the liquid eyeshadows as they provide a quick and easy way to make a statement without the need to use a brush, but there are also beautiful eyeshadow duo's in this collection that give such a beautiful effect so there is something for everyone no matter what type of product you like. 

 I decided to create a day to night look for you using some of their fab products. The first is this really simple shimmery eye look. To be honest this can be worn both at night and in the day, the sparkle on it is like no other. All I simply did was use the Heaven's Dew All Over Shimmer* and applied to my lid with my finger. I then slightly blended it out to the brow bone and applied a black kohl liner and lashes. It is so simple and took me less than 10 minutes but such a pretty eye look. I then added some of the all over shimmer to my cheek bone for extra added effect. This could be paired with both a neutral or bold lip. What I love about the All Over Shimmer is that it is just that! You can apply this anywhere, arms, legs , collar bone, literally wherever you want. It gives the loveliest sparkle and the formula is beautiful.

To create a bit of drama and to take this from day to evening all I simply did was apply the Shimmer & Glow liquid Eyeshadow in Vivid Smoky Quartz* to the lid and underneath the lower lash line to frame the eye. I applied this on top of the Heaven's Dew All over Glimmer. I made sure not to go to high on the lid so the shimmer could still be seen around the brow bone. I then applied a slightly thicker liner to the lash line and did this all with the lashes still on! The darker colour makes it a little more dramatic and perfect for an evening look. I also love the fact I didn't need to use a single brush for any of the eye looks I created!

So this is how you can go from day to night with Stila, literally only using two of their products. However I also couldn't help myself and created a look that was a little bit more creative using the Vivid and Vibrant campaign images for inspiration. Her I simply used the Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows in Vivid Smoky Quartz and Vivid Sapphire* as graphic liners. This just shows how versatile they are as a product and I can't wait to add to my collection. I hope you like. Have you ever tried any of the Stila products before? What should I try next?

Amina xx

Hi Guys,

So I have just got back from a Hydrafacial* at the MediZen clinic in Sutton Coldfield. I left there feeling educated and enlightened about skincare as they were having an open day and demonstrating all the treatments they had to offer. I wanted to share a few of the specialist and innovative treatments they offer, as like me, you may not even be aware that some of these exist! 

I have had what I call a 'machine based facial' before, see my post here. The society we live in these days is very skin focussed and I for one have been drawn into so many skincare products recently without properly understanding the benefits of the ingredients. I usually go by trying the products and if it works or I see a change in my skin then I repurchase. However high street or even luxury skincare can only take you so far. And this is the biggest thing I have learnt today. High street products can only contain a certain percentage of Retinol for example. But when you go to a clinic for a facial, because the aestheticians are qualified they are able to prescribe more. 

When I book in for a facial, I no longer want a facial which essentially is products being massaged onto our faces and wiped off, which we could really do ourselves at home, I want something more. This is where the Hydra facial comes in. The HydraFacial gives immediate results and consists of six stages which detoxifies skin, removed dead skin cells, extracts debris and provides lasting hydration. All this is done using the Vortex Fusion Technology. Firstly there is a cleanse and peel where a new layer of skin is exposed. The next stage is to extract and hydrate, nutrients are delivered directly to the skin and penetrate the skin to a deeper level, while at the same time the Hydradermabraision wand vacuums away dead skin and black heads. Finally fuse and protect, where antioxidants and peptides are saturated into the skin.

 It is recommended to have this treatment monthly but what you can expect is immediate results. My skin looked plump and tight, pores appeared smaller, my skin also looks more even and is glowing. There was only a slight discomfort around the neck area and this comes from the micro dermabrasion tip, it literally felt like a scratching sensation, but felt more comfortable on the face. The great thing about this treatment is that it is suitable for all skin types and can be adjusted for different skin concerns. To be honest the area I most notice a difference in is my nose! It hasn't felt so clear and soft in years! The extraction really worked its magic.  At the end I was also shown what I can only call the 'muck' that had come out of my skin! I was shocked as I cleanse every day but it's normal I was told. I can't wait to see how long the results last. I will keep you posted.

MediZen is a clinic in Sutton Coldfield that provides a whole range of treatments, from injectables to Laser Hair Removal. Some of the other treatments that really intrigued me were the Mira Dry Sweat & Odour reduction treatment and the Cool Sculpting fat freezing treatment. With the Mira Dry heat is used to treat the sweat glands and it can leave you with a 80% reduction in sweat! This treatment isn't just for those people who suffer with heavy sweating but for anyone. People I spoke to who had the treatment done said they no longer needed to use deodorant and the treatment had also reduced their armpit hair. What a great side effect! The Mira Dry sounded amazing to me, especially as only one treatment is needed. Maybe it was also the fact that I had three layers on as it was a cold and windy day but then the heating was on full blast so I was definitely perspiring!

Cool Sculpting is a non invasive way of having up to a 25% reduction in fat in a particular area. The fat cells are basically frozen to the point where they die. Results are not instant and can be seen up to 3 months later. I think this is a really good solution for people like me who can't seem to shift those muffin tops and need a little help along the way.

So there we go. I hope you learnt something new, I definitely did. Let me know any skincare treatments you have had in the comments below!

Amina xx

*Complimentary treatment. All opinions are my own.

Hey guys,

Recently I was sent a box full of skincare products from Dermalogica to try out. I was really excited as Dermalogica are a brand that I have heard of numerous times before. Their products are often recommended to me when I go for facials, yet I had never actually tried their skincare before. I had previously used their Climate Control Lip Treatment but that was about it. I think the reason I had never purchased before was because I always considered Dermalogica a brand to use for serious skin issues, which I never really had. By serious I mean things like acne or very oily skin etc. But actually Dermalogica cater to all skin types and issues, whether it's acne, ageing or general maintenance there is a product to suit everyone. My skin is normal sensitivity and combination, in that it is oily in the T-zone but can be quite dry else where. I occasionally get the odd spot here or there but luckily I have never had any issues. 

This is the fist time I have used dermalogica and I have been using the products for over a month now so thought I could talk to you about products that really stood out to me and give you a little introduction to some of my faves.

1. Precleanse

This is one of the products I really enjoy using. By precleanse it basically means it is the first step in your cleansing routine because we all double cleanse right? This is perfect for removing make-up, you simple rub into your dry skin and watch the make-up completely disappear. Simply wash off with water and there should be no traces of makeup left. I really like this, and if you haven't tried an oil  cleanser before you will love. I find it quite similar to DHC cleansing oil, I think I prefer DHC a little more as I find it's thicker in consistency so really removes makeup from the oily parts of my face. The precleanse may suit those who are a little less oily.

2. Special Cleansing Gel

The next step for me is to use the special cleansing gel as my second cleanser to really remove the dirt under the skin's surface. This is soap free and you basically lather it up in your hands with water and then apply to your face. Next you simply rinse off and my face is left feeling squeaky clean. It literally has a squeak to it. And once you get this complete cleanse your skin never quite feels as clean without the squeak, so this is why I have continuously been going back to this. It is quite addictive.

3. Daily Microfoliant

Another fave of mine has been the Daily Microfoliant. This comes in powder form, you pour a little bit into wet hands, rub it together until a paste is formed and then rub into your skin. I have always been told to exfoliate maximum twice a week however because the exfoliant is so gentle it is suitable for everyday use. In particular my forehead has been of concern to me recently as I have really broken out and the exfoliant has really reduced my spot size. I'm not sure if my breakout is hormonal or even related to my hair products, but it is really starting to bug me. So I'm hoping continued use will help them to vanish!

4. Skin Smoothing Cream

Once I have cleansed I then Tone using my Pixi Glow Tonic, apply my Kiehls Creamy Avocado Eye cream, and Murad Porcelain Skin Serum. I then apply the Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream. It is the nicest moisturiser I have used in a while. The reason I say this is because the consistency is just right for me, it is not too greasy but not too weightless. I like my moisturiser somewhere in between. Once applied my skin feels so supple and looks really healthy so I have been using this daily. The thing is that my skin feels moisturised from within and not just on the surface which many standard moisturisers do. It is full of antioxidants and vitamins which also help to shield the skin from environmental factors, so all in all it's a keeper.

5. Skinperfect Primer

The final step in my skin routine is usually some sort of SPF. I was sent the Skin Perfect Primer with SPF 30. In terms of a primer I think this is a good product, but honestly this is probably the product I have used the least as I prefer a higher SPF and this is the only reason. The primer is slightly peach tinted too which is great as it corrects some of my uneven skin tone. I really like the fact it comes with a tube slider so you can really get all the product out of the tube, it's a clever little gadget. However I absolutely love my Biore Watery Essence SPF50 and will probably stick to using that, as SPF is one product you do want to be weightless!

Out of all the products I will definitely be purchasing the Special Cleansing Gel, Daily Microfoliant and Skin Smoothing Cream once I have run out, as they definitely leave my skin feeling cleaner than before. I can't wait to try more Dermalogica products! There is such a wide range and definitely something for everyone! What should I try next?

Amina xx

*PR Sample. All opinions are my own.

Hi everyone,

I am currently on summer holidays and really enjoying time out from blogging and work in general. I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed and destressed. I recently got back from a holiday to Ibiza for my 30th Birthday which you may have seen on my Instagram (there is a stories highlight on my profile if you want to catch up) and it was my first holiday away from the kids, it has been over 5 years since I've been on holiday without them. They say travelling is good for the soul and this trip really was. I had time to myself and time to think without being interrupted. My thoughts were allowed to wander, to work themselves out, to understand. And this is how I have come to this post today.

I came to the realisation that the last decade had been quite a crazy one. I almost felt like I had lived a lifetime in 10 years, graduating, getting engaged and married, having my first baby, buying my first house, having my second baby, buying my second house. I realised I had been doing a lot of chasing, trying to reach goals, always wanting more, always trying to achieve more. But now it is finally time to accept. Accept what I have, what I have achieved and to be satisfied with it. 

Acceptance is so important, just being able to go yes I am where I am and that is ok can change everything. I think social media makes it very hard to accept our lives. We are constantly watching people with lives that are so much more luxurious than ours, that it sometimes becomes a bit of a normality. It can be a good thing as it makes us ambitious, working harder to earn a bit more money to buy that designer handbag, or in my case coffee table. I'm obsessed with home interiors at the moment, especially since I moved house. My Pinterest account is full of ideas. But anyway, it can also be a bad thing as sometimes some of these ambitions might be unrealistic which can in turn make us unhappy with what we are unable to achieve. Accepting where I am and not knowing what the future holds feels good for once.

I've learnt to accept people change. I am at a different place now with what I want. Things that made me happy a few years ago, no longer mean anything to me, relationships I had, no longer mean anything to me. Accept not everyone is going to be genuine and on your side. One thing I have learnt is it is important to make and break relationships, especially toxic ones, or even ones with people who just don't do anything for you. Relationships are all about give and take so don't be afraid to end relationships where it is all take.

Relationships take so much more work when you get older. Life gets busy, you need to make more time to see those family and friends who are important to you, I lost two friends last year one very suddenly and the other to a long term illness, but it taught me to really value those people who mean something to me and make time for those relationships. It's so easy when we are younger to see your friends and family all the time. But in the real world relationships become so much harder.  So if you are in my life at the moment, it's because I genuinely value you and love you.

I have honestly learnt to accept myself, love myself and my flaws. I don't care as much for my appearance anymore, I'm so much more interested in being a good role model for my girls. Showing them it's ok to be completely natural and still own it and be confident. Don't get me wrong, I still love to get my glam on as you can tell from my Instagram, but it just doesn't matter as much anymore.  I think finally at the age of 30 I am learning to love my natural curls, although it is always a love hate relationship as they have a split personality.

Accepting yourself and loving yourself is really hard but essential for happiness and maybe with age mentality changes a little. Accept not everyone will like you, I care less about what others think about me now and more about what I think about myself. People will always judge and there is no point putting energy into things you can't control. Since I have started thinking a little more selfishly for myself and my family, I have genuinely become happier.



I have also accepted not everything has to go to plan as there is a bigger plan and bigger picture. So I  go with the flow a little more and have learnt to be a little more spontaneous. I have got so much more I want to achieve in life, charity work, write a book, start my own business, maybe more kids? Ahhhhhh. I said MAYBE. But what I know is I have achieved so much already. By the age of 30 I am  married, have two babies and have bought my second home and have my shit together - kind of. But for once I am owning it. I am not chasing anything. I have everything I need, I am grateful and I accept it. Thank God.

Amina xx

Hi everyone,

This week I have got a bigger smile then usual spread across my face as I am going on holiday! For my 30th Birthday my lovely family have bought me a holiday to Ibiza with my sisters (and without the babies eek!). I am so excited to get this party started. I mean it's not even my birthday month yet but the festivities have definitely begun. Going on holiday can be really stressful and there always seems to be something I forget, however one of the most essential things for holiday, especially if you are going somewhere hot, is your Sun Protection Factor or SPF as we like to call it. A good sun cream will have a high rating for both of the the sun's UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. These are responsible for premature skin ageing, skin cancer and damage to the eyes, which no one wants. I have collated a few products I love to use to guarantee protection and popped them into a post for you so that is one thing off your to do list!

1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ (£9.48 30ml)

This is the most lightweight high coverage SPF I have ever tried. I can't take credit for finding it as it was recommended to me by both Fashionicide and Svphie. It seriously hasn't disappointed and literally melts into the skin. I can't believe how there is no resonance of any product left on your skin. That horrible greasy feeling is but a distant memory of long ago and I think more and more brands are striving to achieve this non sticky texture. I tend to use this solely on my face as I do not want to add any grease to an already greasy situation and from a price point it is quite pricey for the amount of product you are getting. So I justify it by using it solely on the face. It just fits in perfectly as the last step of my skincare routine. This has become something I apply daily, rain or shine.

2. Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sun Spray SPF 50+ (£6, 200ml)

Now as SPF goes, this is on the total opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to greasiness. It is very heavy and thick in consistency but light enough to be able to be 'sprayed' on. Technically this doesn't exactly spray for me but kind of squirts out into little puddles. I find it a better way of applying rather than squeezing into my hands. It is just a way of spreading the cream out really. However even though this is on the heavy side, I use this all over my body and on my children.  Price wise it is pretty cost effective and I don't mind my body being greasy as much. I also prefer the consistency on my kids as it makes me feel like they are actually protected as I can visually see the product. This is not for everyone, but it does the job. It is also water - resistant so perfect for the pool.

3. Garnier Ambre Solaire UV Water SPF 30 (£8, 150ml)

This beauty of a product is perfect for topping up your SPF, maybe when you are out and about or lounging by the pool. It is transparent in colour and does actually spray out of the bottle as it is very thin in consistency. It feels quite hydrating and this could be due to the fact it contains Aloe Vera Water. Once again you are not left with any residue but more of a velvety feel just as the bottle suggests. Unfortunately it doesn't come in a SPF 50, however I think it is ideal for when I have had my Nivea Sun on for a while and it may be starting to wear away and I just want to top up for that extra protection. Once again it is water-resistant and protects you from UVA and UVB so therefore protects against short term and long term effects of the sun.

4. The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Balm SPF15 (£5.50)

I bought this a few weeks ago and I have been wearing it everyday. I know I definitely do not think about lips when it comes to sun protection but recently I have noticed my lips have been getting slightly darker and I put it down to the month long drought that we are going through. I have never experienced this type of heat before in the UK and for so long, so this is me taking my skincare to the next level. SPF for lips is essential now!

5. Polaroid PLD6031/S Matte Havana N9P 49mm Polarised Sunglasses (£39)*

Once again sun protection doesn't just stop at the skin. UV can be harmful to the eyes so wearing sunglasses in the sun is very important. Some people mistake them for a simple fashion accessory but they are so much more than that for me. Too much sunlight can cause me severe migraines so I always make sure if it is really bright outside I have my sunnies on, especially when driving. These Polaroid sunglasses have 100% UV protection and are also polarised meaning they reduce glare, so sharpen your vision in intense sunlight. The Sunglasses Shop have such a great range of sunglasses all with great protection, in a variety of styles to suit everyone. They even include measurements in the description to make it easier for you to select a style to suit yourself.



So this is what I am using and I hope you find this post helpful. Be sure to keep protected while the lovely weather lasts. Please let me know any other SPF's you would recommend in the comments below.

Amina xx

*PR Sample. All opinions are my own.

Hey Guys,

This week I am reviewing some recent additions to my make-up stash. That's not all, I have got something so exciting for all of you! It has been a while since I have done a giveaway and a lot of exciting things are coming up including my 30th birthday, so I thought what better way to celebrate then with a giveaway for all of you. So make sure you scroll all the way down to enter!

First up I have the Laura Geller Gelato Swirl Highlighter in 'Diamond Dust' (£21). I was lucky enough to win this as part of an Instagram giveaway giveaway recently hosted by Trishna from Tips Capsule. I knew I had to have this limited edition colour, which can only be explained as an iridescent pink. I had heard a lot about the baked formula of the gelato swirl and it lives up to the hype, it is so beautiful and applies like a dream. I love the consistency of the product as it is not too soft whereby too much product applies but just hard enough to be able to build the product to your desired amount. It blends effortlessly and now the only problem is I feel like I need all the other colours in the range. It definitely has a place on any make-up addict's or non addict's dresser.

Next up is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder in Medium (£34). I have been using this for a fair few months now. The hype around this product unfortunately doesn't stand for me, however I will continue to use its I just can't waste £34 worth of product. I did enjoy using it at first, especially on my face, however I just find it creases too much on my under eye. It is fine for a couple of hours and does produce an airbrushed effect on the rest of the face, however by hour three it really starts to gather into the creases under my eye. I may need to try baking with a loose powder in order to avoid the creasing.  If you don't have wrinkly under eyes like me this could be a great option for you, however the bags are real in my case so I will keep hunting for another product.

A new brand I have finally tried is Gerard Cosmetics. This relatively small and unknown brand is so overlooked. I have heard the likes of Dress Your Face endorsing them for a while and always loved the look of their products, but because they weren't as accessible in the UK, I never tried them. However recently, I got my hands on them via Justmylook.com.  I hadn't actually heard of JustMyLook.com before they contacted me, which is pretty surprising as they are one of the fastest growing beauty websites in the UK and they stock products from so many amazing brands. So I jumped straight at the chance to try Gerard Cosmetics and I am so happy I did. I love the formula of their *Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick (£7.99). It is exactly as it's name suggests, hydrating but super matte. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen it lasted me 8 hours without reapplying or feeling yucky and this made me so happy! In the pics below I am wearing shade '1995' and is it me or does the name just sum the colour up perfectly?

Another brand I was lucky enough to try through JustMyLook.com is Coloured Raine. Another cult makeup brand whose swatches have been smothered across plenty a beauty blogger's youtube. But again quite obscure in the UK. The *Coloured Raine 'Cheers to the Beauty' Eyeshadow Palette (£45) palette just appealed to me because of the sheer amount of colour it contains! I had so much fun playing around with it and created two totally different make-up looks. The quality of eyeshadow is fantastic, the swatches in the pictures above are one swipe swatches. I found them lovely to apply and found using my finger to apply the metallic colours best for most impact. There was little to no fall out and they blended beautifully. With the range of metallics, bright colours and neutrals it is one of those palettes that is just so versatile and I can see myself using it a lot!




To create this look I applied Vintage Feels and Debonair from the Coloured Raine Palette to the crease and blended through. I then applied Black Butterfly across the Lid and with my finger applied opulence to the centre of the lid. From the same palette I used Luxurious Bling as my highlighter. I am wearing Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte liquid lipstick in 1995 on the lips.





To create this look I blended Raise a Glass, Vintage Feels and Debonair through the crease blending downwards. I then applied a cream eye based primer over the lid and using my finger applied Nightingale. In the waterline I applied Make Up For Ever Aqua XL eyeliner in 'M-92'. I am wearing Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte liquid lipstick in '1995' on the lips, Laura Geller Diamond Dust highlighter on my cheekbones and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder on my face.

Now for the Giveaway! JustMyLook.com are giving you the chance to win the Coloured Raine 'Cheers to the Beauty' Eyeshadow Palette. To enter please complete the rafflecopter widget below.  Make sure you are following both our accounts on Instagram, the rest of the options are optional and gain you extra entries! Good Luck! The giveaway ends 31st July 2018.

Amina xx