Review // Palmer's Cocoa Butter Purifying Mask

I bought this face mask about a month ago, and after using it a few times, I feel a review is in order! On the bottle, this face mask claims to; deep clean and draw out impurities, impart light hydration, and sooth stressed skin.

And I have to say, the Cocoa Butter Purifying Mask does do these things, but in moderation. I've honestly not had any fantastic disappearing acts with any blemishes, but it does make my face feel really nice, which will be down to the cocoa and shea butters. It is a kaolin clay mask, but it doesn't dry out the face, in fact once I've worn the white mask for 10-15 minutes and rinsed off as instructed on the bottle, my face feels lovely and smooth. It's even better when you slather on a moisturiser afterwards and leave it to sink in itself - your skin feels amazingly soft and soothed. But unfortunately that's the only thing I can praise this mask on!

I will keep using this, because like I said, although it doesn't seem to be sorting out my skin on the blemish front, it leaves me feeling fresh-faced and smooth, and it does have a cooling effect which makes it a pleasure to use. But, like all skincare items, please keep in mind that everyone will react to this differently!

The Palmer's Cocoa Butter Purifying Face Mask is currently £3.99 in Superdrug. Even for its non-discounted price of £5.99 I'd say it's worth giving the mask a shot, it's definitely one of the cheapest masks I've seen that comes in permanent packing (aka not a sachet). It's not a miracle worker, but it's a nice product to use when you feel like pampering yourself!

Outfit of the Day // Beginning the Transition

Now, I'm not sure how long this will last, but it actually feels as if it's getting a little bit warmer here. I like the transition between Winter and Spring because it gives me the option to wear more colours while also still wearing layers. And I love layering clothes.

I am wearing:
Top // Topshop
Cardigan // H&M
Scarf // Handmade (by my mother)
Disco pants // Topshop
Boots // Rocket Dog
Bracelet // Kukee

This outfit is pretty simple, but I think it's a nice option to go for in this period. While everything else is black, the Aztec/Geometric print gives a subtle pop of colour which isn't actually a very frequent occurrence in my wardrobe. Under the floaty, cami-like top I am wearing a thin tank top for a little added warmth, and when I was outside I slung my Topshop parka on to stay cosy. I think the trick at this time in the year is to begin wearing more Spring/Summery clothes, but to also keep at it with the layering!

I'm sure I'll be featuring more transitional outfits like this, as Scotland tends to always be in a state of transition between its many Winters. I really like making OOTD posts as I just get to show you my favourite items of clothing. If you have any other tips for changing up outfits between seasons then leave a comment below!

The Lydia Look // Teen Wolf Lydia Martin Braided Updo

Today I'll be sharing a tutorial I've created for this Lydia Martin look. I'm a big fan of Teen Wolf and Holland Roden, and adore her style (and I love braids), so it only felt fitting. The look itself is two braids arranged into a headband shape. I've tried to explain and show it as simply as possible, but if you have any questions just ask me in the comments!

You will need: a hair brush, bobby pins and elastics. Optional is a texturising spray to add some more, well, texture and grip, and some kind of curling tong to curl the pieces of hair left out of the braids.

Before beginning, my hair was fairly wavy as I had slept with it in a twisted bun. I'd suggest having some kind of movement in your hair if you'd like it to be like Lydia's, but I have no doubt this hairstyle would be just as nice with straighter hair. I also suggest giving yourself a centre or close-to-centre part, so that your braids can be of equal size.

Step 1: After brushing through and spraying and scrunching my hair with VO5's Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray, I sectioned off the hair before my ear on each side of my head, and pinned them out of the way. If you have a fringe of some sort and want to leave it down, then feel free to.

Step 2: Now to start braiding. Split your hair into two down the middle, and braid each section. Make sure to start your braid fairly low down, you'll be wrapping the hair over your head so you don't want any awkward lumps. Just make sure to check it looks good every now and then by lifting it up against your head. Once braided, tie the ends with an elastic and then gently tug at the braids to make them larger.

Step 3: Once braided, let down those small pieces that were pinned up earlier. To recreate Lydia's look, pin half of each section back, just behind the ear. If you have a fringe that can't really be pinned like this, then either leave it down, or pin it upwards.

Step 4: My hair is quite long, so what I'm doing here is wrapping the half section that I pinned back around my fingers, and then sliding it into that same bobby pin. It looks a bit silly at this point, but the braid will soon be covering them. If your hair is a bit shorter then you may just want to skip this step!

EDIT: After wearing this hairstyle a lot since, I've found that you can actually incorporate this extra hair into the braid from the beginning, as long as you leave the braid quite loose at the start. It does make the hairstyle quicker in a way (you can skip steps 3 and 4) but you will most likely have to do a bit of adjusting with the finished look!

Step 5: Now for the fun bit! Take one of your braids and carefully wrap it upwards and over your head, like a headband, and then pin it in place at the end. While doing this, you want to cover those sections that were pinned up. Also, don't pull it too tight, the look is fairly relaxed.

Step 6: Repeat to the other side, making sure to tuck the ends of each braid into the other. This is the time where you can add a few more bobby pins in to make the braids secure. You can also do as I did and gently tease some of your hair out around your hairline to make the style more casual.

Step 7: This step is optional, but I curled the sections of hair I had loose around my face with this Mark Hill wand, to make it look a little more like Lydia's. You can also spray with hairspray, but I've found that once pinned in, the braids stay securely in place. Otherwise, you're done!

I've been wearing this look to college because (after practicing a few times) it's actually quite easy to do, and I think it looks really laid back. I can see myself wearing this on a more dressier occasion though, perhaps with less hair let loose - it's really versatile. Obviously this look is one for those blessed with longer locks, but I think it's manageable as long as your two braids can overlap each other, even a little.

I hope you enjoyed my first tutorial, it was really fun to create. Like I said, I have a big love for Lydia and Holland's style so I hope I did this look justice. Let me know if you give it a shot! Also, a big thank you to my sister for taking all of these photographs!

I am wearing:
Top // Topshop
Cardigan // Zara
Necklace // Kukee

My Current Favourite Lip Products

L-R; Maybelline Color Whisper // Orange Attitude, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss // Shade 16, Collection Lasting Colour //  Shade 13 Vintage Rose, L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash // Shade 190 Endless Red, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Matte // Shade 107 Wine, MUA £1 // Shade 1

I bought the Maybelline Color Whisper in Orange Attitude (linked is the US site) while in Florida last Summer, and I'm upset that you still can't get them here in the UK! I'm running so very low on this colour (what you can see twisted up is all that is left) and didn't purchase any others, so I'm at a loss. I've not used this for a few months now, partly because it's more of a Spring/Summer colour, but more because if it runs out I will be at a great, great loss. The formula itself is great, it's really moisurising and glossy looking, and applies with just a subtle colour of orange.

The Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in Shade 16 is probably the most surprising colour I own. Although I love berry shades, I'm not a big pink person, but I adore this on. It's one of the more natural looking colours I own (I know it's not natural in the slightest, but have you looked at the others), a pretty pink with a matte/satin finish.

This Collection Lasting Colour lipstick in Shade 13 Vintage Rose is my nude colour. Now, I know it's not actually a nude per say, but "typical" nudes completely wash me out and make me look ill - probably because I'm so pale. I love this though, it's actually quite close to my natural lip colour, albiet darker, and is what I wear on a day I don't really feel like a coloured lip.

The L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash in Endless Red (linked is Juliet 300) is by far my go to colour these days. I also bought this while in Florida, and can't seem to find the same shade here. I did find a similar one which I have linked, but I'd have to look at it in person to determine whether it's the same just with a different name! This looks more like an orangey red in my swatch, but on my lips it is very much a pink/berry red. It's very glossy and stays on the lips for ages, fading to a stain. I love it so much.

Oh, the infamous Rimmel Kate Matte lipstick in Shade 107 Wine. I do really like this lipstick, it's such a lovely matte berry colour. I don't find it moisturising but it certainly doesn't dry the lips, and lasts for a long time, fading to a really nice colour too.

And lastly, a newer purchase for me. The MUA £1 Lipstick in Shade 1 is a glossy, deep red. I can't believe what great quality it is for that price, it glides on opaque and is very pigmented. I find that because it is glossy it doesn't last as long as say, 107, but it does have pretty good staying power.

Overall you can see I have a bit of a berry obsession. I've just found that it compliments my skin tone really well, and that deeper shades make me look far more awake and put together than paler ones. I hope you enjoyed my little ramble of my favourite lip products, let me know what yours are, I'm always looking for ideas!

Outfit of the Day // Cut Your Teeth

Jumper // H&M
T-shirt // H&M
Skirt // H&M
Coat // Topshop
Scarf // H&M
Bag // H&M
Boots // Rocket Dog
Necklace // Kukee
Ring // Kukee

I didn't intend to be dressed practically head to foot in H&M today, but alas, it happened. I like mixing textures, and thought the knit of the jumper against the heart stitching on the skirt was so cute.

I've been on a real Lydia Martin/Holland Roden (Teen Wolf fan, anyone?) kick recently, I just love her style so much and wanted to start incorporating it into my everyday outfits. I also get told I look like her, which is about the best compliment anyone can give me. That also explains my hairstyle, I was trying to recreate Lydia's look from Monday night's episode. I think I sort of succeeded! I'm considering making a little hair tutorial on now I achieved the look, so look out for that sometime soon.

P.S. Kukee's items are all £2.50 or under right now, you should go grab yourself a bargain while you can!
P.P.S. Look at that furry hood, man. It's the cosiest thing ever.

Brand New // Romwe Cut-Out Smock Dress

I have wanted this dress for so long, and finally I own it. Romwe recently had a flash sale on this dress and it was down to $12.99, which is just under £8 for me here in the UK, so I jumped at the opportunity to get it.

The dress itself is black (Will I ever not be wearing black? Probably not) and hangs loose with two layers. It's fairly short but not uncomfortably so, and looks great both dressed up and down. I didn't add any accessories for these photos, because I just wanted to show off the dress with its gorgeous cut out pattern on top. I've never seen anything quite like it, it makes this piece really unique and a little edgy. I can't wait for Summer now, because I know I'll get a lot of use out of this - it's like a sun dress more suited to my style.

The only downside I can think of after wearing this dress is that the cut outs are a little scratchy on the skin. I think it's the way they have been stitched together. I haven't worn the dress for a long length of time yet however, so hopefully it's something that I'm able to get used to - I'm too in love with the design to not wear it!

While the Romwe Cut-out Upper Sleeveless Black Smock Dress isn't at that reduced price anymore, it's still available. If you're looking for a little black dress that can be dressed up or dressed down, I would really recommend this piece. Let me know how you would style it, I'm interested to know!

(Apologies for the cluttered background, and the changing lighting again - the Scottish weather doesn't appreciate the need for natural light in photographs)

The Leibster Award

A bit of a different post today - I was nominated for the Leibster Award by the lovely LouJay and Imogene. For those who don't know, you answer 11 questions given to you, create 11 questions of your own, and tag 11 other bloggers with a follower count under 200 to answer them. As LouJay tagged me first (about a month ago, my bad), I'll answer her questions!

1. Who or what inspired you to start a blog?
After watching Youtubers such as Zoe Sugg, Tanya Burr and EssieButton, I discovered that they had blogs, and that led me to really wanting to create my own. It took me a very long time to gather the courage, but I loved writing and photography anyway, and knew blogging would allow me to do both on a (semi) daily basis.

2. What is the most expensive item in your makeup bag?
It's probably by Urban Decay Naked 2 palette.

3. If you were stranded on a desert island, what one item would you have with you?
Can I cheat and say a plane with a pilot inside?

4. What are your goals for 2014?
To get into university, mostly. I just feel like at this point in my life, it's a good time to move away from home and start living for myself. I just want to be happier, healthier and doing something I enjoy!

5. What is your favourite item in your wardrobe?
I live in riding pants and disco pants, so I'd have to say my pairs of those from Topshop. They're just so comfortable and go with everything.

6. What do you hope to get out of blogging?
Enjoyment, really. I have so much fun creating my content from scratch and putting it out for the world to see and getting feedback, it's so rewarding. I just want that to continue. Having relationships with PR companies would be great too, but that's not my main objective at all.

7. Cats or dogs?
I love both, but CATS.

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I don't know where I'm going to be in a couple months' time, I really have no idea where I'll be in five years! Hopefully doing something I enjoy with the people I love supporting me.

9. What is your favourite dinner time meal?
Spaghetti Carbonara is my all-time favourite, it's delicious.

10. What is your staple accessory?
My studded boots from Romwe, I adore them. They're so comfy and versatile.

11. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That's tough, but I think it would be my attitude towards procrastination. I do it a lot, and it irritates me so much because I never get every single thing done when I want to. If we're talking physicality wise, then I wouldn't mind being a bit taller.

The questions I'm going to provide are as follows:
1. Is there one makeup item you could not live without?
2. And how about fashion wise - is there an item of clothing you could not imagine being without?
3. What has been your best bargain?
4. What is your favourite thing about blogging?
5. Do you have an idol?
6. What is your favourite; book, album, film?
7. If you could recommend one product to anybody, what would it be?
8. Ever had a wardrobe or makeup malfunction?
9. Are you a day bird or a night owl?
10. If you had to pick one song to describe your mood right now, what would it be?
11. If you could give one tip to a new blogger, what would it be?

I tag; Mollie, Polly, Kirsty, Amy, and Hannah. Apologies if you have been tagged before, I did try and check! (I know I cheated by not including 11 people) I hope you'll give the tag a shot, it seems like a really great way to promote smaller blogs!

Thanks again to LouJay and Imogene for tagging me, I really appreciate it!

Review // Garnier Moisture Match Ultra-Hydrating Rich Cream

I have extremely dry skin, and after my favourite moisturiser (First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream) went up in price, I thought I would try a cheaper alternative. Then I spotted Garnier's Moisture Match in type Goodbye Dry, a hydrating rich cream tailored specifically to dry to very dry skin.

The consistency of this moisturiser is really thick which I like as you only need to apply a small amount, and once on the face it sinks in and can be worn under makeup just fine. It can also be slathered on after a face mask and left to sink in itself, which I love doing. The product itself is tinged slightly pink and smells fresh, a bit like cucumbers.

My skin is usually very picky when it comes to mositurisers as they never seem to provide enough moisture and hydration. However, this one does. It says it provides 24 hour hydration which I don't agree with, but it is long lasting and as long as I apply twice a day -once in the morning, once at night- my face rarely feels dry! Perhaps if your skin isn't as dry as mine, the 24 hour moisture would be effective.

Overall I'm really happy with this product. The 50ml tube is already half empty and I've been using this for just over a month, so that is a downside, but at £5.99 a tube I won't mind repurchasing a little more frequently than usual. The Garnier Moisture Match line has moisturisers made specific to different skin types, so hopefully you will be able to find a moisturiser tailored to you! I have not tried any of the other products, but I have only heard good things, and I recommend you check it out.

While I am happy with this product for now, do you have any miracle moisturisers for really dry skin? I'd love to know!

What I've Been Up To // February Weekend Trip

Firstly I'd like to say, I came back from my little holiday away to such lovely feedback on my blog, thank you all! It makes me so happy knowing that people actually enjoy reading this.

Today I'm going to share with you some photographs from my little family holiday this weekend. Eight of us went to Portpatrick (which is only a few hours away from where I live) and stayed in a big modernised cottage from Friday to Monday, and had such a nice time. We didn't do much as it was more a relaxing holiday than anything, but there were exploratory walks and cocktails and pamper time. It was lots of fun and I wanted to combine my favourite photos of the weekend here. Enjoy!