Hey Guys,

This week I have a fabulous giveaway as part of my review of these Lee Stafford Coco Loco Long Tongs (£24.99). Just scroll down to the bottom of the post for details on how to enter. I was so excited to receive these tongs as, believe it or not, I have never curled my hair with tongs in my life. This might sound strange but it's because I have naturally curly hair, so if I ever style my hair, it's usually with straighteners. However since receiving the tongs I have created a few curly styles which I'm quite proud of!

The tongs are infused with coconut oil and leave your hair feeling super shiny. I found that you could use them both as a tong with the clamp, but also as a curling wand where, for a more tousled effect, you could wind your hair around the tong without clamping it in. But be careful not to burn yourself! You will notice the tongs are quite long. This is because they are designed for longer hair and have a 205mm barrel, so that there is enough surface area to actually curl your hair. For long-haired girls this is definitely a bonus. However for me I found it quite hard to manoeuvre the tongs around my hair because of the length of the tong. I did need some help in creating my hair style, as I was too scared of burning myself. I definitely think, as with any hair tool, you get more confident the more you use it.

Another great aspect is the look of the tongs. Being rose gold and pink, it's just gorgeous to look at. I also liked the fact that the cord rotated with the wand. One thing to note however, is the length of the cord is quite short. For people who have a socket next to their dresser it would be fine; others may need an extension.

I definitely think for the price (£24.99), the tongs are worth their money. I was skeptical about the coconut oil infusion at first but I can genuinely say my hair was left looking shiny and healthy rather than dry from the heat. To get the look my sister helped me to segment my hair into sections and then wind around the tong. Once she let the hair go, she then rolled the curls back up and bobby pinned to root. Once the whole head was done, I left the hair to cool and set into place and then finally released the curls. I then brushed through with my fingers. For a more tousled look, I could have brushed the curls out with a comb. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Hey guys,

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat (@aminaali_mua) you will know I'm subscribed to My Little Box (£14.95 per month). It's a fab subscription box with a Parisian theme. The products you get range from beauty to jewellery, and even sometimes clothing. Before I chose a subscription box I took my time picking the right one and what I like about this was the variety of products you get.  Brands like Kerastase, Laura Mercier and Too Faced are partnered with the box and I remember the first box I got included a By Terry liner worth £24 on its own!

The box this month had a 'Fresh Start' theme, being the first of the year and actually wasn't a box at all, but more of a bag with an inspiring paragraph on the front. I was really excited to see what was inside.

The first thing that caught my eye was the snood. I am obsessed with scarves and wear them all the time. I kind of feel naked without one and it's something that also keeps me warm in these cold months, so I was delighted to see it. The colour and pattern were really pretty.

Within the bag was also a sweet hand cream and a revitalising body cream both by My Little Beauty, which is My Little Box's own brand. These smell lovely and are a great little addition to my collection of creams. However these were probably the items I was least excited about in the bag, as I currently have about three hand creams and more than enough body lotions. Saying that, they are very moisturising. 

Usually within the box you get a little magazine that features and talks about all the products, however My Little Box left a note to say they would no longer be including this, but instead will have more products. So in place of it this month were a set of five note cards put together by psychologists. At first I was like huh? But once I read them they actually really inspired me. They include, Find Your Purpose, Create Your 2017 vision board, Time For A New Job? - Four ways to tell, Unleash Your Inner Genius and Train Yourself To be Happy. All with helpful tips on how to achieve these.

Hi Guys,

I remember doing one of these posts last year (link here), and when I read it back I thought, wow my skincare routine has evolved! I'm quite lucky in the fact that I have never had problematic skin. I would describe my skin as combination i.e. I can get an oily T-zone but nothing worth worrying about, other than that it is pretty normal. For some reason recently, my biggest concern has really been the fact that it has started to age. Probably due to the fact I have two kids under four, however also because once you hit your 20s, the production of elastin and collagen starts to reduce, and by your mid 20s you start to notice the affects of this. Well I did anyway. So here is my regime.

1. Cleanse

I never used to cleanse, apart from splashing water across my face. However I have tried various cleansers over the last year. Currently I am using Dermalogica and it's going well. I quite like changing and using different cleansers just to see what's out there. One of my faves was Heaven skincare's Hydro cleansing Milk (click here for my review), however as long as it's keeping your skin clean it's good. I think next I would really like to try an oil based cleanser, like the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, as they are said to get the dirt out of oily areas too, as water just slides over oil.

When I wear make-up, I remove this using Garnier Simply Essentials eye make-up remover and then cleanse on top.

2. Tone

This is a step in my routine that I have played around with. It's always been one of those things I only did when I could be bothered. Again I was using Garnier Simply Essentials Cleansing Lotion. However since Christmas I have been using the cult favourite Pixi Glow Tonic. It has been almost three weeks and I have noticed a change in my skin. It does have a certain glow to it and is looking more even. I don't know if this is specifically down to the glow tonic or the fact I've been taking my skincare more seriously. Either way I'm liking it. I don't like the smell though! Think ginseng, green tea.

3. Facial Serums

Dr Botanicals Advanced Light Essence Serum is my go to (see my review here). Well, that is until my two year old emptied half the bottle on the bedroom floor! *crying face*.  It doesn't leave your skin feeling drenched but just gives it this burst of freshness. Sometimes I apply this and then moisturise on top. However sometimes when I need my skin to breathe I apply this on its own. 

I occasionally apply the Balm Balm Rose Geranium Face Balm all over my face, just before bed. I received this in my My Little Box subscription. It feels grainy when you squeeze it out of the tube but when you warm it in your palms this melts into a beautiful oil. I tend to apply this last thing before bed as it gives the skin a chance to absorb all the oil. It's not something I would apply in the day as it is very greasy in texture, but perfect for those days when you skin is feeling dry.

4. Moisturise

My moisture all comes from the Lacura range at Aldi. I use their Expert Double Effect Eye Gel and their Expert Special Care Wrinkle Smoother around the eyes, as well as their Q-10 Anti-wrinkle Day Cream over the face. I would say these have made the biggest difference in my skin. I have literally noticed the crows feet around my eyes disappear over time. And the value for money in these products is just amazing. The fact that they are award winning says it all. I love the fact the day cream also has SPF 20 in it, as exposure to sun is one of the most damaging things for skin.

1. Face Masks

I love to do a face mask once a fortnight and particularly love Tony Moly ones which I pick up from TKMaxx whenever I get a chance. I also love these B Beauty Ltd ones which are just as good and a great price (see my full review here). 

2. Exfoliation

I exfoliate twice a week and just use St Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub. It might not be anything fancy but it works for me and I have used it since I was a teenager. It's important to not over-exfoliate as it can be too excessive for the skin.

Hi guys,

Last week I attended the Blogger Halloween party hosted by Kirsty (@kirstyleanne92) and Ashton (@ashtongibbs) . I really enjoy blogging events. Not just because you get to meet lots of fabulous brands but also because you get to meet lots of lovely bloggers! There are so many bloggers that I speak to on social media all the time, some daily! However we rarely get to meet because we are spread across the country or lives get in the way. So I knew when attending the event it was going to be a great one. What made it even more fantastic was everyone was in fancy dress!

I was a black cat for the #bloggerhalloweenparty today. Had a fab time meeting some lovely bloggers! #blog #blogger #bloggingevent #halloween #brands #blackcat #meow

A photo posted by Amina Ali (@aminaali_mua) on Oct 29, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

The event didn't disappoint. The first brand I talked to was The Perfume Studio. They are a company that specialise in bespoke fragrances and offer the chance for you to create your own at special scent events such as a hen party or pamper day. They allowed us to create our very own perfume on the day which was fantastic, although I came to realise that I created a men's fragrance! However the longer I wear it the more I'm starting to smell the feminine side to it. Let's call it unisex. I really enjoyed getting to learn about the different notes that create a perfume. After much consideration and, well, smelling, I decided to choose Woody, Amber, Gentle Floral and Transparent notes ... and my aptly named fragrance 'Ali & Her' was made.

I think this is such a great idea for a hen party and will definitely keep it in mind for any friends' future hen parties. The Perfume Studio also allows you to repurchase your fragrance at any time and offers personalisation on bottles (£9.95). What's even better is that they sell a 'design your own fragrance' gift box which includes all the fragrances you need to create your own perfume at home. The perfect gift for Christmas.

Another brand that attended the event was Dr Botanicals - a British vegan skincare company that produce luxurious skincare products. I was lucky to be gifted their Neroli body cream which I can't wait to try out! So watch this space for my review and discount code!

My favourite part of the event was actually getting to know other bloggers. We had loads of time to sit down and chat while taking part in little games that were situated around the venue. Here is a pic of myself and the lovely NishiV. How gorgeous does she look!? 

Obviously I have to talk about the goody bags. As usual, Ashton and Kirsty spoilt us. Below are pictures of some of the things that interested me most, so watch out for some in depth reviews coming your way. I love the look of those Urban Beauty United Brushes!

How did you celebrate Halloween this year? Have you got any questions on any of the products? Which one are you looking forward to me reviewing most? 

Amina xx

Hi Everyone,

This post is all about things I can't live without during Autumn!

Autumn is a special season for me. It might sound cliche but it is literally a season of change. The weather can go from being freezing cold in the morning, to boiling hot at midday and raining in the evening. I literally don't know whether to take my woolly winter coat, summer jacket or raincoat out with me. I find the change in season quite stressful on the body and usually find myself catching a cold around this time of year too. So the things listed in this post are things I use to both keep me relaxed and to destress, but also things perfectly suited to this time of year.

1. A hot bath.

I never used to take baths. No, it's not what you think. I mean rather than taking baths I would take a shower. I never really found the time for a bath or felt a need to have a good soak. However motherhood changed this. I actually felt an urge and craving to unwind and relax my aching muscles after I had rocked my baby to sleep for half the night, or being hunched over breastfeeding ten times a day. My muscles longed for a good old soak. When it comes to bath products, naturally I love some of the Lush bath bombs and melts and always look forward to a Lush bath.

2. A cup of tea.

The first thing I reach for when I get home, like most, is the kettle. There is nothing better than a hot cup of tea in your favourite mug - it has to be in my favourite mug! I don't know what it is about the mug, the dimensions, the fit of my hand within the handle or maybe the quote on the front (I may be biased), but my tea just tastes so much better!

3. A good blanket.

When I bought my house I knew I had to buy a good blanket. There's nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa with a good old blanket. It can't be any old blanket however. It has to be thick enough to keep you warm, but not too thick so it makes you sweat. It needs to be soft enough to feel comfortable but not slip straight off you. And finally it has to have a fringe... just because. I found my perfect one from Homesense by a company called Zoepritzz. You can find similar ones here.

4. Soap.

At this time of year the cold starts to chap my hands so I need a good hand cleanser. I was sent some Vintage Wrapped Soaps by The English Soap Company (£4.95) and the scent from this soap instantly refreshes and relaxes me and is very moisturising on the skin. Whatsmore, they are handmade and come wrapped in beautiful vintage paper (hence the name), which I will definitely be reusing! Everything about these soaps scream luxury to me, from the shea butter infusion to the smell of the perfume. Every time I go to the bathroom, just the soap lying by the sink basin fills the whole bathroom with scent of lavender. This has become a staple in my bathroom and actually is a must have for me in any season now, not just autumn!

5. Scented candle anyone?

My name's Amina and I have a scented candle addiction. There I said it. It is true, I can admit that I have an obsession with candles and melts at the moment. I literally have one in every room of the house. I just love walking into a room that smells nice! As well as scented soap, The English Rose Company also does scented candles (£9.95). What's special about the candles are that they are Soy candles - made from Soya Beans. This makes them incredibly environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable, non toxic, and amazingly, they burn 50% longer than paraffin candles. (For more details on benefits of Soy candles click here) I am a total convert. The scent I have used is Oriental Spice & Cherry Blossom and is perfect for this time of year, giving a subtle aroma to a room rather than an overbearing one. The price tag reflects the luxury and they are the kind of candles I would use for special occasions or as a gift. 

Ok, I am really craving a nice bath now. Then relaxing on the sofa with a cup of tea in one hand and the remote in the other. Topped off by being wrapped in my favourite blanket, with my scented candles flickering in the background!

6. Let's not forget the make-up.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning my Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance palette (£41). This was made for Autumn and yes make-up application actually relaxes me! Read all about it here.

So guys, these are my must haves this season. What are yours? Would any of these make you relax? What is your idea of the perfect night in? Let me know in the comments below.

Amina xx

*Contains PR samples but all opinions are my own.

So, this week, I have been inspired by the one-and-only Gwen Stefani. She is the ultimate style icon for anyone that loves a bit of a rocky edge and make up-wise she has got the red-lips look down to a T. However, more recently, she has been mixing up her make up a bit and has been giving us plenty of 60s vibes. She also has a new eye shadow palette in collaboration with Urban Decay coming out soon, which is to die for! I loved this one look she recently wore on ‘The Voice’ so much, it inspired me to have a go myself! 

© GWEN STEFANI / INSTAGRAM @GREGORYARLT 

The double-ended flick here is so representative of the 60s look, so I had a go, but added a sparkly spin to it, ready for the upcoming party season. 

To get the look, I used the Sleek Ultra mattes V2 palette on my eyes with ‘flesh’ on the lid and ‘pa-per bag’ through the crease. I then applied the bottom line first with Collection ' Fast stroke' liquid liner in black and used this as a guide for the top liner. You could use a gel liner for a softer look, but for an authentic 60s look, that gives you the definition, I would suggest the liquid liner. To give a touch of glam, and to emphasise the gap between the liner, I then added Urban Decay 'Heavy Metal' glitter eyeliner in Glam rock in between the two lines and a touch to the inner corner of the eye. Once this was done, I added Rimmel scandal eyes kohl liner in ‘nude’ to the water line. If you wanted to give a full-on 60s look, you could always apply a white liner. Lastly, I applied some mascara and false lashes for extra dramatic effect. 

Personally, I can’t believe I have never tried this look before. It was easy, yet really makes a statement. I’ll definitely be wearing this look out and about. What do you think? Are you a fan of 60s make up? I would love to hear your comments. 

Amina xx