Serene Beauty

A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Bethaney to choose a couple of treatments* to enjoy at her new beauty salon Serene Beauty, which opened on May 1st. The salon is based in Upper Caldecote in Bedfordshire, the treatment room is decorated beautifully with dark purple linens and a very open space, which is lovely and relaxing. 

After having a look at the treatment list I chose to have a manicure and the Thai luxury facial. 

Unfortunately due to my job I can't have anything fancy with a manicure, so I went for a clear polish.  However, Serene also offer gels manicures and nail art! I had a my nails shaped and cuticles tided up before having a scrub placed on my hands and they were then wrapped in hot towels for a minute or so. Next I received a hand massage before the polish was applied. Serene Beauty use Morgan Taylor polish, which is a brand I had not previously heard of. 

Some of the products used in the manicure. 

My next treatment was the Thai luxury facial. This again was using Thai products, I have sensitive skin and have previously only had Dermalogica facials. I always worry about using new products on my skin. I now have a skin care routine I am loyal to each night, and the idea of disrupting that with a new product worries me. However, Bethaney kindly offered I tried one of the products on my skin during the manicure, to test. Thankfully my skin reacted fine to the products. The Thai range is suitable for sensitive skin. The facial began by removing my makeup first, then a double cleanse, followed by a toner, exfoliant massage with Thai dumplings, hot towels were then placed over my face, face mask then lastly moisturiser and eye balm. This treatment really was lovely! I felt very relaxed and almost drifted off to sleep. My skin was left feeling clean, fresh and energised. I would really recommend this treatment. 

Products used in the Luxury Thai Facial

Overall I enjoyed both of my treatments at Serene Beauty, it is a lovely salon and is definitely worth a visit. Check out their Facebook page for all the treatments they offer;

https://www.facebook.com/serenebeautybw?fref=ts

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

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Honey, I'm home.

So I haven't been posting a lot recently, but that is all about to change! I have a few blog posts lined up,  with hauls, outfits of the day and night, reviews and of course a wish list or two. Here are a few photos to show you a few things I've been loving and what I have been up to. I turned 22 in April and had a fair few celebrations, with a day in London with my boyfriend, a night out in my home town and an adventure to Leeds with my girls. Fair to say May was a well needed detox month! Although my birthday was a month and a half ago I am still shocked to still have Topshop vouchers to my name. I have recently been struggling to find clothes I like at the moment, however judging by what's new in the vouchers won't be in my purse much longer! I have also been trying to master the app Depop, where you sell your unwanted clothes and accessories. I have sold a couple of things, but I am planning to revamp my profile. I have a huge amount I am wanting to sell! Depop is a mix between Instagram and Pinterest, and you can grab such a bargain! So check out my profile: @rhiannonw_x 

In the next week keep a look out for my new post, a review on a few treatments I received from Serene Beauty.

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

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Battle of the Make-up Removers

So when I ran out of my trusty Bioderma I picked up last summer in Paris, I made it my mission to track down something with the same effect in the UK. Although Bioderma has become easier to get hold of in the UK, it is more expensive here. I picked up two 500ml bottles from a pharmacy in Paris for around 13 Euros. So I've been trying a few make-up removers recently and here are my thoughts. 

We'll start off with the holy grail that is Bioderma, a beauty bloggers favourite and a formula which had many brands trying to jump on the bandwagon too. This a crealine solution which is a cleansing make-up remover, this particular solution is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used over the eyes. In the pharamacy in Paris I bought this from they had a few different types of formulas, with different benefits. This formula feels as though you are just using water, you apply this to a cotton pad and with one swipe it is meant to remove the most stubborn of make-up, dissolving it. This is a great product and is worth the hype, but I wanted to see what our high street brands had to offer too... 

I've been going back to basics recently and using a few products from simple, they are perfect for my skin because they contain no perfume. I gave the 'Kind to Eyes, Eye make-up remover' a go. This is an oil free make-up remover, which claims to remove even waterproof mascara. I apply this to a cotton pad and I use this to remove all my make-up, I like the idea of one make-up remover which is a good all rounder. This is a very affordable make-up remover, however at only 125ml a bottle I found myself going through a bottle quite quickly. Also, I don't think this removes all eye make-up, and it wasn't a one sweep trick like bioderma. 

Next I thought I would try the two part solution make-up removers that some brands introduced. I picked up Loreal's 'Absolute Make-up Remover, Eye and Lip'. This two part solution has a blue layer which is enriched in essential oils aimed at dissolving make-up, and the clear layer is a soft lotion aimed at leaving the skin feeling fresh. Before placing this on a cotton pad you have to shake the bottle so the layers mix. This claims to be a non greasy texture. However, once I removed my make-up it left a film over the skin and didn't leave my skin feeling fresh at all. I always cleanse after removing make-up, but this just wasn't a make-up remover I'll pick up again in a hurry. 

So only the other day I got my hands on the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. This is a recent release, but I've been looking for it in a few boots stores and I finally found it. At a first glance, it very much resembles Bioderma pink lid, big clear bottle, so I thought I had to give this a go. It comes in a 400ml bottle which as you can see says will be around 200 uses. This is a all rounder make-up remover, with no perfume. Again this a great one for sensitive skin! I've only used this a couple of times, but I am amazed. This acts a make-up remover and cleanser, leaving no trace once you have removed your make-up. I apply this to a cotton pad and swipe away make-up, it takes away eye make-up perfectly, definitely as good as Bioderma in my opinion. This will give Bioderma a run for their money and I don't think there has been enough hype about this product in the blogging world! 

Which are your favourite make-up removers? 

Have you tried any of these? 

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

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My Current Skincare Routine

When it comes to skin care for me personally the simpler and less products the better. I'm forever wanting to try new products, but find if you end up having a cream that tackles every problem going then the build of products in fact make your skin feel worse. So here is a little look at what I use on a daily basics and a few things I reach for when my skin is not at its finest and weekly masks. 

First step in my morning skin care routine is to cleanse my face using the infamous Liz Earle Cleanse and polish. I apply this to my face dry and massage in circular motions, I then use a clean muslin cloth or flannel, which I soak in hot water and then wring out to polish off the cleanser. This is a cult product and a well loved cleanser in the beauty blogosphere. I use this as part of my evening skin care routine once I  have removed my makeup too. 

Next step I apply moisturiser, I'm currently using Simple's Kind to Skin Hydrating Light moisturiser. This is a great basic moisturiser, but I am looking to try something different or repurchase the Origins Ginzing Moisturiser. Any suggestions? 

Before applying makeup I also use an eye cream or serum at the moment I am using a couple from Simple. The Soothing Eye Balm and the Revitalising eye roll on. I allow these to sink into the skin before applying my makeup. These products both aim to awaken tired eyes, which is just what I need with a 6am wake up call. The light textures are perfect for under the eye, meaning that makeup does not glide off or crease. 

For evening skin care I begin by removing my makeup, I've recently run out of Bioderma, so whilst im figuring out how to repurchase my next lot I'm using another product by Simple to do the job for now. Next I repeat the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. 

Once a week I like to use a face mask, my favourite is Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask from Lush. The combination of blueberries, soothing chamomile, Irish moss and the gentle cleansing action of calamine, this works wonders on my skin when I'm wanting to feel fresh faced after a makeup day. I apply a thin layer of this all over my face avoiding my eye area and leave for fifteen minutes, I then use my hand to move over my face and remove the excess of the mask. Then with a clean flannel I remove the face mask. I have tried a couple of the face masks from Lush, but I find myself returning to this one. I have sensitive skin and for once this works fine with my skin .

When my face is in need of extra hydration I like to use an over night mask. I reach for my Origins Drink up Intensive overnight mask. I massage this into clean skin before bed. This mask contains plant glycerin, hyaluronic acid and apricot kernel oil which help to rehydrate the skin. 

My holy grail skin care item to keep my skin clear is another blogger favourite, La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. I apply a thin layer of this all over my face, avoiding the eye area. This product aims to clear skin of imperfections, reduce redness and unclog pores. I find when I use this religiously each night my skin is very clear. I have recently picked up the Effaclar Duo [+] to see if it has any other results. 

Another item which could be claimed as skin care is actually a part of my everyday makeup this is the Yves Saint Lauren BB cream. I wear a small amount of this as my base this gives me light coverage and allows my skin to breath on a day to day basis. 

This is a skin care routine which works for me, but I sometimes chop and change a few things. 

Any holy grail skin care items you think I should try? 

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

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A Little London Haul

So last weekend I went to London with my Boyfriend (a post I will be posting soon), and when in London of course you have to do a little bit of shopping. So here are a few things I picked up.. 

So I've seen a few beauty bloggers talking about this range by Loreal. The Collection Privee are the formula of the Colour Riche lipsticks and they are a six nude shades which are matched to six of Loreal's spokespersons complexion. I picked up Cheryl's Nude. I'm guessing the aim of this is to see which spokespersons complexion is most similar to yours and then this shade will be the most suited to you... However, I have gone completely against this. As you may or may not know I have a very fair complexion and dark brown hair, a far cry from Cheryl's olive toned skin, but I thought I would give this a go anyway. I have not had the chance to use this properly yet, however from what I have it is a very moisturising and quite sheer coverage but build-able. It has golden shimmer to it and I think it will be a perfect nude lip to accompany a dramatic smokey eye on a night out. The packaging of lipstick is something I love making it look very high end but with a £8 affordable price tag! 

When I come across a Mac counter I always walk in and seem to end up with my hand covered in Lipstick swatches and umming and arring which one to choose. So I picked up this beautiful Cremesheen Lipstick in the shade 'Hot Gossip'. This is a dusky pink with a hint of plum, beautifully moisturising and builds up to a beautiful natural colour. As the name cremesheen suggests it does have a sheen to the lips but it doesn't leave a sticky finish. 

Another little Mac purchase from Selfridges is there Studio Finish Concealer and mine is in the colour NW15. I've been thinking about where to get my next under eye concealer from, I've been loyally using Benefits Erase Paste for a couple of years now and fancied a change. As you can see by the photos how fair I am when I was matched to this colour I was worried it would appear very white on my skin. However, I have been blending this under my eyes with my trusty real techniques setting brush and it has been doing just the trick at brightening up my face. I only wear a small amount of YSL's BB cream on a day to day basis, as my skin doesn't need a high coverage foundation or concealer. So a little of this concealer goes a long way! 

A couple of other things I picked up include these gold Topshop hoop earrings, which I'm hoping to wear soon and my holy grail Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. 

And last but not least I had to pop into Oxford street Topshop whilst in London, and I picked up these beautiful brogues! I am known to wear a lot of black, because I think you can never go wrong and it always looks smart. So I fancied a statement flat shoe to make a change to my Topshop boots. I picked up these Pewter metalic cut out brogues. I fell in love with these at first site, they look perfect with a pair of black skinny jeans and crisp white shirt, adding an edge to any outfit. I think with the cut outs they will be great in the summer too. I love the shiny shoe look from patent black brogues to these, they might not be for everyone, but when you try these on they look even better than on the hanger! I'll feature these in an outfit post soon! 

What have you been picking up on your shopping trips recently? Let me know what you think of my little purchases in the comments! 

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

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Guess who's Back

I'm back, after a stupidly long time of not blogging! Since I last posted I have been rather busy, went away to Paris and the South of France, friends 21st birthdays, trips to Cardiff, graduated from university, decorated my new room, been to London (a fair few times), work experience at Miss Selfridge's Head Office, started working full time, celebrated my boyfriends birthday, Christmas, New Year. Yeah 2014! Cliche I know but can't believe how quick last year went. So I thought I would start back with a few photos of what I've been up to since I posted last. Don't worry I will not be leaving it that long again to do another post, so keep a look out!

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

x

OOTD: Strolling around Paris

Almost two weeks ago I returned from a lovely holiday where we took a trip to Paris for a few days then drove down to the south of France for a week. I've been meaning to do some posts showing some outfits and I've got a small haul to show you too! Trouble is since I've returned I've been so busy, last week I was doing work experience at Miss Selfridge's head office in London which was amazing! 

So back to my outfit here, when I bought this dress from Topshop I intended it as a cover up and I wasn't overly sure on it at first because of its shape. However when I styled it with this Primark black belt it created an interesting sillhouette. I think this dress is a great alternative to a black maxi dress or midi, the tassles give it a great texture and its so comfortable to wear all day in the city. It is also available on the Topshop website in a few other colours which showcase the brights trend that has appeared everywhere this summer. 

I kept the rest of my outfit quite simple with my Topshop 60's oval sunglasses in a tortoise shell print, my rose gold Marc Jacobs watch, Chanel quilted bag and Primark tan gladiator sandals. I had been hunting around for these Primark sandals in the weeks up to my holiday and was having no luck finding them in my size. Luckily I found them in the new Milton Keynes Primark, at £12 I think they were a great buy, and they look very much like Topshop gladiators we see each year. I also saw these available in both white and black, however they did seem to be selling out pretty quickly! 

I shall post up a couple more outfit posts and my France Haul soon :) 

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

x

Spell it Out: Topshop vs. Primark

I love statement necklaces at the moment, and recently I discovered Topshop's 'Make your own'  necklace at Topshop where you create your own necklace with the letters and charms provided. However for £13.50 I wasn't convinced it was worth the price. Don't get me wrong I love Topshop jewellery, but I was sure I might be able to find a cheaper alternative and that is exactly what I did... 

 Topshop's 'Make your Own' necklace  comes with a gold and silver chain with letters and charms in mixed metals. I'm not completely sold on the mixed metals, but I love the inclusion of charms to add something different to the necklace.  From looking on the website this hasn't received the best review, stating that the letters and charms were difficult to get on and off.

Then I strolled into Primark the other day and came across this bargain... 

 For just £2.50 this is an absolute steal and £11 cheaper than Topshop's! Available in both gold and silver this comes with 34 letter charms which can be used to create your own phrased necklace on this two tiered chain. I picked up the gold version as I wear more gold accessories and jewellery, but to be honest for £2.50 I could pick up the silver one too! I love that this, compared to the Topshop version, has the letters all in gold to match the chain. I also much prefer the style of letters of this Primark dupe as they are less chunky and more elegant, now I just have to figure out what to write on my necklace!

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

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Wish List: Pop of Colour

Topshop White Boucle Pannel Blazer-

I've really loving white tailoring at the moment especially to add over an outfit for the summer evenings. I have been trying on this blazer in a few Topshop's recently and it fits beautifully, just at the moment parting with £65 for this has not been too appealing. So I'm on the search for a cheaper alternative, or maybe a treat when pay day comes around.

Mac Lipstick in Ruby Woo-

I was watching Sammi from Beauty Crush's June Favourites and she mentioned this lipstick. She was wearing it in the video and it was such a gorgeous shade I new I had to add it to my wish list. I would describe it as a summery red, which would give a pop of colour to an outfit for a summer evening, without being too dark. 

River Island Slinky Chain Collar Necklace- 

Recently I bought a black jumpsuit from Topshop and I'm after a simple gold necklace to accessorise it. I love this collar necklace as it looks so expensive for its £12 price tag, but I have also been looking at this gorgeous gold plated belt from Miss Selfridge. 

Topshop Daisy Burnout Tee- 

I've been looking at this tee is both black and white and I've been more drawn towards the black. I feel this black version will transferred from season to season. Its a perfect cover up for by the pool, and would look lovely with a pair of bright shorts, but I feel it was also look great with a pair of black skinnys and heels later in the year or in the evenings. 

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

x

Let's go to the Beach: Swimwear Edition

So the weather at the moment is a bit all over the place, but in a few weeks I am off to the south of France for a couple of weeks and so I've been on the search for a new bikini or two and a nice cover up for the beach and pool side. Scrolling through all the high street websites, I am so impressed with the selections and variations of swim wear which is now available! I have to admit my favourite places for swimwear are Topshop, River Island and Asos with their beautiful designs that sometimes make me think, I don't think I would want to swim in this! Also supermarkets have really upped their game with swimwear and I love George at Asda for basic Bikinis. 

River Island Light Blue 3D Flower Balconette Bikini- 

I love the flower detail on this bikini. The colour is also gorgeous and is one I think would suit any complexion. 

River Island Black Cut Out Cross Strap Bustier Bikini-

 High waisted bikinis are such a flattering shape on the body. Bikini bottoms which sit above or just under the belly button are so flattering and I think a much more comfortable fit. 

Topshop Cream Texture Scallop Swimsuit-  

So I love a holiday but being in a bikini is something which makes many feel self concious. This swimsuit from Topshop is gorgeous, and all in ones are very flattering. This colour blocking is very nautical which is a look I think is lovely for swim wear!

River Island White Dip Dye Embellished Waisted Dress-  

A coverup is a staple in my holiday wardrobe, something which is light and easy to throw on to create an outfit instantly. There are so many available and I have come across so many which I would wear on a holiday evening. I love the dip dye effect and the embellished neckline which I think makes this dress look more expensive. 

I have only got a few Swimwear picks here to show you, but there is so much available on the high street and I can't wait to get my hands on a gorgeous high waisted bikini for my holiday this summer!

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

x 

June Beauty and Skincare Favourites

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer, Rimmel Scandaleyes
Eyeliner in Nude and Bourjois Cream Blush 02 (Swatched then blended) 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, Hot Cloth Cleanser

I have been using this cleanser since the end of last year and I thought I should give it the recognition it deserves. At first it was a bit strange using it, you apply the cleanser onto a dry face after removing makeup and then massage in, with the muslin cloths provided you run them under hot water and polish away the cleanser. I use this at least once a day in the evening, but I often use it in the morning too. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Now I know this has been raved about in the beauty blogger world, and when I first used it I really did not get what all the fuss was about. However, I have made this an evening skincare staple applying a thin layer over my face before bed and now I can see why it is so loved. It is a correcting and unclogging gel like formula which clears skin. It is one of those products where you may feel as though your skin gets worse before it gets better, but you have to commit to this using it daily to see the effects. My skin has never been bad but this allows my skin to be more even. 

Real Technique Brushes 

Samantha Chapman's range of brushes Real Techniques are brushes I love! They are available in boots and online and are really affordable and excellent quality. I have the Expert Face Brush, Blush Brush, Setting Brush and Shading Brush. These are perfect for making makeup look flawless. The brushes are synthetic and colour coded to relate to aspects of your makeup. 

YSL All-in-one BB Cream in Clear

I have had this BB cream since my birthday in April and with the summer weather we are starting to see I have been wearing this with just a small amount of concealer. I use my Expert Face Brush to buff a small amount into the skin and it appears flawless evening out my skin tone, but it appears as though I am not wearing anything. I have a full review of this which is available here. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory

I purchased this a few months ago, after everyone was raving about the foundation, I thought I would give this concealer a go. This is packed with vitamins and peptides to help brighten and illuminate the under eye area. I personally do not use this on any blemishes as the illuminating aspect makes me sceptical that this is not an area you want to highlight. 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Liner in Nude

Rimmel have brought out some amazing products recently and they are becoming my favourite high street beauty brand. Their scandaleyes eyeliners are great and very pigmented, I use this nude one in my waterline to brighten my eye and it works amazingly, I would definitely recommend it! 

Bourjois Cream Blush in 02 

This is another beauty product which many beauty bloggers went crazy for! I can certainly see why this gorgeous peach/pink shade (O2) is an easily blendable cream blush which is perfect to fit in with the dewy summer makeup. Sometimes I find that powder blushes can look very unnatural and this is a perfect alternative. You do not need hardly any as it is very pigmented and blends beautifully into the skin. 

What are your June beauty and skincare favourites? 

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

x

OOTN Summer Nights

Topshop Top,  Topshop Necklace (Blue Version Here), Chanel Bag, Marc Jacobs Watch, Asos Rings, American Apparel Riding Pants, Topshop Boots. 

This weekend me and my boyfriend went on a road trip to Southampton and London. On Friday evening we went for dinner and then ventured out to a couple of bars in Southampton. Neither of us had been to the city before and we went to Pizza Express on Oxford Street, and then went to a busy bar  called White Star Tavern where we had a few cocktails and enjoyed a bit of late night sun. We then headed to a bar called Orange Rooms which was a lovely, and busy bar come club. 

I thought I would show you the outfit of the night. I went for quite a smart casual look. I love this Topshop top, it is a lovely expensive fabric with an exposed zip at the back. I teamed this with my trusty American Apparel Riding Pants which are so comfy and have been a staple in my wardrobe through all seasons. I then thought because I was sporting a very monochrome look I would add some jewellery, so I went for my watch, band rings from ASOS and this gorgeous high collar necklace from Topshop.

Now I am visiting my family in Cardiff, so it has been a busy and lovely weekend and now for another great week!

Thanks for reading, 

Rhiannon 

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