sunday spark

After all, everyone needs a little encouragement in their life from time to time.

Face Mask Friday | Coconut Oil + Honey

I've had the sniffles for a little while now and it's really taking a toll on my skin. It's mega dry at the moment and no lotion or potion seems to be working. I took to the internet to find a home remedy and I stumbled across coconut oil! I'd heard of it before being used as hair masks and make up removers, so I really don't know why I didn't think to use it as a face mask! I dug out the oil from the back of my cupboard and set off to work. I decided to throw in a little honey too to make use of its antibacterial properties.

(My honey is a little crystallized but it still works perfectly!)

I used;

1 teaspoon of honey

2 teaspoons of  coconut oil

Measurements are approximate and you can easily chop and change them to suit you. This mixtures makes enough for at least two applications so I just put any leftover in an empty glass jar to use next time.

After I mixed it all up I applied an even layer to my clean face using a Real Techniques pointed foundation brush (from the core collection). I prefer to use a foundation brush to apply my face masks just to reduce mess and get an even application (and sometimes it makes me feel fancy). And while we're on the subject, coconut oil makes a wonderful brush cleaner, too!

I let it sit on my face for about half an hour while I had nothing to do, but 10 minutes would be just fine. After I rinsed it off with warm water and a face cloth I followed up with a light coat of my usual moisturiser. I saw a huge improvement in the feel of my skin. It wasn't as flakey and sore and I reckon after another use my skin should be back to normal, yay!

Word of warning! This mask is a drippy one if you apply too much, so keep a tissue on hand to catch any drops.

S.

Sex Bomb (Bath Bomb)

I'm still working my way through a Lush gift set my sister bought me for my birthday and I came across Sex Bomb! I had seen this in the shop but had never bought one or even smelt one, so I though I'd give you my first impressions.

Here's what they say

This ballistic is packed full of every sensual, relaxing oil we could find. Clary sage, jasmine and ylang ylang, blended into a classic musk base. We then packed it full of soya milk, so you can step out of the bath feeling like Cleopatra.

Here's what I say

It's a big one, that for sure (oh my). If it wasn't my first time (oh dear) I would definitely have crumbled it in to get more than one use out of it. Regardless, I filled my bath up and plopped the whole thing in, and a few minutes later I got in myself. It was nice. It turned my water a vibrant pink, smelt fresh and floral, and left me feeling relaxed, and my skin feeling soft.

However. I really wish they had left the little flower on top out, or at least made it out of something else that dissolved a little easier. After the bulk of it fully dissolved, I was left with floating jelly-like petals. I think I read somewhere that they were gelatin petals? Either way, they didn't benefit me in any way and I'd rather they weren't there for me to have to scoop to one side.

Other than that I don't think I can really fault it. I'd consider buying it again but not in a hurry.

You can buy Sex Bomb for £3.20 from here.

Do you have any recommendations for my next Lush purchase?

S.

L'Occitane Spring Cherry

Today I received a lovely unexpected surprise from the postman. He handed over a parcel from the wonderful French beauty company, L'Occitane. I'm a huge fan of their hand creams (you know the ones) but I haven't yet tried anything else, so I was super excited when I discovered the gift set contained goodies from their new Spring Cherry collection.

It was all beautifully presented and I even felt bad opening it. Unfortunately the sticker didn't quite make it, but hey ho!  

This exact collection isn't available to purchase on their website, but each product is linked below to buy individually.

Spring Cherry Iridescent Shower Gel - £13

Spring Cherry Moisturizing Gel - £20

Spring Cherry Eau De Toilette - £32

Spring Cherry Hand Cream - £8

Spring Cherry Soap - £3.50

I can't wait to try everything out. I've already spritzed the Eau De Toilet and it's love!

It's a shame this collection is limited edition as it's so lovely. Looks like I'll be stocking up next time I pass a L'Occitane counter ;)

S.

Space NK Goodies!

The Sunday Telegraph teamed up with luxury British skincare and spa brand Elemental Herbology and beauty boutique Space NK to give every reader the chance to claim a free 30ml tube of one of its best-selling products, Cell Plumping Facial Moisturiser, worth £25. I'm not a regular reader of The Telegraph, but I was more than willing to pay £2 to get my hands on a tube of this stuff which claims to contain pearl extract and royal jelly to help improve skin hydration.

 Elemental Herbology - Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF 8

Plump up mature or dry skin, in all the right places. This lightweight yet super-hydrating daily moisturiser is brimming with antioxidants  anti-ageing marine actives and botanicals to protect against environmental aggressors and the elements. Skin collagen is boosted, leaving a healthy glow.

This couldn't have came at a better time. All the central heating and harsh weather conditions has started to take a toll on my skin. My face is dry and sore and is in need of some serious TLC. 

Before I even tried the product I noted it has SPF protection. 1 point to EH! However, as soon as I opened it I couldn't help but notice the smell. It's a pleasant scent, clean and fresh, but seriously overwhelming. If you're not one for strong scents I wouldn't even consider this. I don't mind so much as it's agreeable and doesn't irritate my skin at all.

The product itself is lightweight which is absorbed quickly into my skin and doesn't leave much of a residue or shine. I have only used it a handful of times but it's done a great job at soothing and rehydrating my tired dull skin. 

This seems like the perfect daily moisturiser for anyone who needs a radiance boost but doesn't like anything too rich or heavy. 

Nuxe - Reve de Miel

An ultra concentrated natural formula for instant healing. Soothes, repairs, nourishes, softens and heals chapped lips whilst reducing fine lines of the lip contour area.

After all the love and praise this product received from EssieButton I just couldn't stop myself from buying it. And lemme tell you, this has certainly lived up to every expectation I had. It has such a unique consistency which has me constantly reaching for more. It's thick yet still manages to sink it extremely quick. It smells delicious, of citrus and honey. It comes in a luxurious glass jar. It's perfect!

I will, without a doubt, be giving this little gem pride of place on my bedside table.

Did anybody else make use of The Telegraph promotion this week? 

S.

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it's January already? Christmas is completely over with and today my decorations are coming down. It's a sad affair. I still haven't really thought up my resolutions and they're most definitely not set in stone yet, so I thought I'd note a few down that I've been toying with. Now, I'm terrible with keeping up with my new years resolutions so this year I've decided I'm going to keep it nice and simple for myself. Baby steps, if you will.

x

1. Read More. I'm embarrassed to admit that I still have the same book on my bedside table that I took away with me on holiday in August. I don't even know what's deterred me from reading as often as I used to. I truly enjoy reading, and there's many books I want to read, I just don't do it! I think one chapter at bedtime is achievable.

x

 2.Get out more. My boyfriend and I live fairly close to a few pretty nice parks and 'outdoorsy places'. We know they're there, we just don't bother ourselves to visit them. There's a few local places I want to go out and visit, and with almost every Sunday to ourselves there's really no excuse.

x

3. Be more creative. I kind of started this a little in December. I was making my own Christmas decorations, getting crafty while wrapping presents, and was pinning a hell of a lot more ;) Not only was I really beginning to enjoy it, but it helps saves pennies, too so I want to try and keep it up through 2013.

x

4. Have a more positive outlook on life. Smile more, laugh harder, and find that silver lining.

I have high hopes this year. I think I can do it :) What are your resolutions?

S.

Have a Crafty Christmas

Last month, me and my boyfriend moved into our very own place so the majority of our money is going towards bills (booo!). To make things a little easier for us around the festive season, I've decided to get crafty and make a lot of our Christmas decorations this year. Not only will they be cheaper than a lot of store bought decorations, but they'll also be personal to us and hopefully add a little personality to our home.

I've gathered images which have gave me inspiration in hopes of helping you out, too! If there's a tutorial to go with it (who doesn't like a step by step?) then it'll be linked below. Enjoy!

Twig and Bauble Wreath

Giant Bauble

Christmas Bunting

Sparkly Twigs

Tin Can Lantern

I can't seem to find the original tutorial, but this one explains it!

Twine Star

And what sort of Christmas list would this be if there's not a recipe to make the most amazing chocolatey beverage?

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

S

ps. just incase you hadn't noticed - if it were humanly possible to glitterfy (legit word) everything... I would!