Soap and Glory | The Next Big Thing

ASOS Meteoroid Flat Shoes | Pictures

I found these affordable brogue style flats on ASOS a few weeks ago and thought they would be perfect to wear with skinny jeans and skirts and tights in autumn. I love the navy colour which makes a nice change from basic black flats and the fact they are pretty much wearable throughout spring and summer. I like the little details on them such as the tassel too. These flats are a structured shape and quite a slim fit and whilst I wanted to keep them, they didn't quite fit perfectly on the tops of the shoe (as you can tell from the pictures below)! 

Youtube | My Summer Dress Collection

Babyliss Pro Conical Wand Review + Pictures

I use this Babyliss curler when I want to do something with my hair that looks natural and effortless but still gives a loose relaxed wave. The wand heats up to the maximum temperature in around a minute and there are 25 heat settings, the highest being 190°. You don't get any kinks in the hair like you might with straighteners or curlers with a clamp. The wand itself is inexpensive at around £25 too.

- Provides loose waves 
- 32 - 19mm commerical grade porcelain barrel with an ultra-smooth surface for a shiny, glossy finish
- 25 variable heat settings
- Salon length swivel cord
- Safety cool tip - for added control during styling
- Comfort grip handle
- Heat mat included





The red and green lights flash until the wand up to the required temperature. The wand is suitable for all hair types so for damaged, fine or coloured hair you just use the lower setting and for thick, afro or wavy hair the higher settings can be used. 

The best results are when I section my hair off into smaller layers and take medium sections and wrap my hair around, starting at the wider end of the wand. I hold the wand above my head in my right hand to curl the left side of my hair and then vice versa for the right side of my hair. Once I've finished with all the sections, I curl the top layer which tends to be the straightest as my hair is thick.

Sometimes I don't apply any products once I have finished curling and just loosely brush through each section which leaves soft and bouncy looking curls. Even without using hairspray the curls stay in place, but if I want the curls to hold I'll use the Charles Worthington Texturising Spray which also adds volume.  

Eden Project

Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Collection Review

Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Collection Review

Compared with all the other Real Technique brushes, these are just as soft and fluffy and less dense, meaning you can build up the colour of different products from light to dense. If you are using pigmented products or can be quite heavy handed, I recommend this set as they provide a lighter application. These brushes are perfect multi-tasking tools and they work with a whole range of textures, so ideal for use with cream, liquid or powder. 

The idea with all three of these brushes is that they create soft yet buildable layers. They are good to use for 'finishing' and still create a natural airbrushed look.

Face brush
I think this is a good size powder brush for lightweight application and also blending of face/setting powder or pigments. This is a good size for applying bronzer on the whole face.

Contour brush
For controlled contouring and sculpting. I always reach for this brush when applying highlighter as it is the perfect size for using on the top of the cheekbones and under the browbones. I use it for contour too as it fits in the hollows of the cheeks!

Eye brush
For adding finishing touches to the eyes. I found this brush to be slightly scratchy when blending eye shadow in the crease. I think it is best used at an angle with a highlighter for under the browbone.  

£23.99

Cleansing Balms

A cleansing balm is a solid balm that will transform into a fluid oil when applying to the face. Ideally a balm will remove all traces of makeup including waterproof mascara and sun cream. With all balms I apply onto clean dry hands and only use a small amount and massage the balm onto dry skin and remove with a warm flannel. Balms are also perfect for all skin types. 

Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

£34.00

100ml

With cleansing/muslin cloth

I find this cleansing balm does more than other balms I've tried to enhance the appearance of my skin and leaves a quite notable difference overall. My skin feels moisturised and definitely looks bright and clear. It feels luxurious on the skin and smells heavenly! The only annoying issue is the packaging as the plastic lid always cracks. You also have to make sure it is stored in a cool place (definitely not the bathroom! I keep mine in the fridge) as it melts easily. I do use the cleansing cloth with this as you can exfoliate with the more abrasive side on congested areas of the face and the smoother microfiber side for more delicate areas such as under the eyes.

Take The Day Off
125ml
£21.00

This balm is a thinner consistency upon application to the skin as it melts into a lovely and luxurious oil texture. I find this balm in particular perfect for removing eye makeup as it is not so thick, so glides over the eyelashes easily. The Clinique balm is perfect for all skin types and will not irritate sensitive or dry skin. This pot has also lasted me the longest (125ml) compared to the Emma Hardie balm (100ml). 

Cleanse and Smooth Balm
125ml
£20.00
With muslin cloth

The Cleanse and Smooth balm is 100% natural oil based and the only balm out of the four I have tried so far with exfoliating properties in the form of tiny oatmeal grains.  I like the packaging of this balm in the handy squeezable tube which comes with a muslin cloth. You can also buy a smaller size tube (40ml - £10) so this is ideal to take on holiday and for travelling in general.  

97% Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm
65ml
£8.99
With muslin cloth

I found the consistency to be quite thick and greasy and not so fluid when applying to my face, so because of this I didn't try the muslin cloth it came with as I thought it was too rough and wouldn't be able to remove the balm properly. It was still hard to remove with a warm/hot flannel which afterwards felt like there was a layer of film left on the skin. I don't think this balm is ideal for combination skin types (as I am) and it seemed to break me out. I did however like the scent.