Labrador T-shirt

After lunch with my Dad today, I was wandering through Fenwick and spotted this cute t-shirt. It was designed by Barbour for Newcastle Fashion Week, and all the profits go to this great cause. It's perfect for me - I'm not exactly a very 'fashion' person, so something comfortable rates really highly in my shopping ideals, and at £15 I couldn't resist. I think it's unisex as the sizes are on the large side.

On another very exciting note, Liz Earle have released their makeup range today and you can browse and buy it online. While I was in town, I went by their concession in John Lewis but they didn't have anything on the shop floor yet. I'm really interested in the Cream Blush and the Loose Powder; both of which I've already read glowing reviews.

Finally, I got a new candle from Wax Lyrical called Day At The Spa, which despite the cringey name, smells absolutely divine. I thought I'd treat myself as I'll be spending many an hour revising in my room over the coming weeks. 

Sophie x

Tips for Healthy Hair

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Ever since I went brunette, I promised my lovely hairdresser that I would look after my freshly conditioned mane so I have made a few simple changes to my routine.  

1. Use a Shampoo Suitable for Colour Treated Hair - I really love the Liz Earle haircare range because it makes my hair feel super soft and healthy but I've also trialled some of the Kerastase Nutritive and Resistance ranges and they are gorgeous, though highly expensive. It's a good idea to ask your hairdresser what your hair type is and then find a shampoo that works with your hair, rather than against it.  Try and find something that doesn't build up, as that can often make your hair heavier than need be, and a nice smell always helps too.

2. Use a Hair Mask Once a Week - I'm currently using the Wella SP Repair Mask that my hairdresser recommended to combat the dryness in my hair. I want to try their Colour Save Mask as well, so this set is looking like a really quite tempting offer. 

3. Comb Wet Hair with a Wide-Tooth Comb - Cheap and widely available, it's so much better for your hair than attacking it with a brush.  I use this one.

4. Use Heat Protector - I smooth this serum into my hair as soon as I get out of the shower because as well as taming frizz, it also contains a 'thermal shield complex' which sounds very swish and protects my hair from heat styling damage.

5. Turn the Hair Dryer Heat Down a Notch - Another very simple tip. Although it may take a tiny bit longer to dry your hair, the benefits will shine through.

6. Try Not to Overwork Your Hair - Don't use too many products, beside the fact that this will weigh your hair down and inevitably leave it dull and without bounce, some styling products can dry your hair out. Also try not to back-comb unless absolutely necessary, and even then do it strategically. 

Sophie x

Fresh Skin for Spring

My current skincare routine

Walking to Uni this morning, the weather was a lot more fresh and mild than it has been lately and I finally felt like Spring might actually be around the corner!  Inspired by this, I thought I'd share my current skincare routine with you as it's pretty Spring-friendly.

1. Every morning and evening I use the universally adored Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish cleanser, rubbing it into my skin in my bedroom then by the time I reach the bathroom it's had a chance to work it's magic.  It's probably worth mentioning that I remove my makeup first with any old facial wipe (currently Nivea) so my skin gets all the benefits of the ingredients directly.
2. Following this I use a cotton ball to wipe my skin with the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic to remove any residual cleanser and close pores.
3. I smooth about half a pump of the Estee Lauder Idealist Serum on to my face only in the mornings and before moisturiser.  This gives such a lovely, velvety texture to my skin and really has made a difference to any scars I have, mainly on my cheeks.
4. I use Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin every morning which is great for hydrating without leaving a greasy finish. In the evenings, if my skin feels comfortable, I won't apply any moisturiser and let my skin breathe.
5. I read so many glowing reviews about Origins Spot Remover that I had to try it, and my God, it's incredible! Tiny bottle, amazing results.
6. Finally, a recent purchase; Liz Earle Superbalm.  I bought this because I've had a couple of random dry patches and I thought this would do the trick.  Thankfully I was right and a daub of this in the evening smooths out and flaky bits and I use it throughout the day to banish dry lips.  The only problem is possibly the smell (strong, herbal and lavender-y), which sent my friend into a sneezing fit in a lecture.  Not for everyone.

And there you have it! Clean, beautiful skin that's the perfect basis for a pretty Spring look.  Take a look at Fleur and Tanya's Video on Spring makeup for inspiration or head to Liz Earle, Estee Lauder and Origins if anything's taken your fancy.

Sophie x