Made U Look Photography

I love nothing more than a trip to Boots. It’s my idea of heaven. All those tempting lotions and potions, beautifully packaged, promising to transform our skin to its baby soft and blemish free best. It’s no wonder the average woman allegedly spends £100,000 on cosmetics in her lifetime!

I’ve been experimenting with my skincare routine a lot lately. I used to be very much a face wipe and whatever moisturiser I happened to grab at the supermarket kinda gal, but since hitting the big 3-0 I started to notice that my skin wasn’t looking its best. It was a bit dull, a bit flaky and prone to breakouts. In short, it was very unloved and completely neglected. So I made a promise to myself to do something about it.

Of course, these products might not be right for you. For the record I have normal to dry skin, and I’m super duper pale. Although I don’t really get that many spots, I occasionally have the odd break out, time of the month depending. My goal with my skin is to keep it as hydrated and luminous as possible. Since starting all this experimentation I’ve discovered that the more hydrated my skin is, the better my make up goes on and the longer it stays put – win win!

Cleanse

Mariah, founder of organic skincare company Acquacures, came to The Blogcademy in San Francisco. At the end of day one, she came up to me and handed me a box of her products as a gift. Now that’s my idea of a good student!

I’ve been using the sulphate free gel cleanser almost exclusively since and I love it. It’s gentle and smells naturally delicious. I also keep my bottle of seawater cooling mist next to me on my desk. It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon refresh and lovely and cooling to boot which is an added bonus in this sweltering weather!

Mask

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I promised myself that 2014 would be the year that I finally started taking better care of my body. I don’t know if it’s hitting 30 that’s done it, or the fact that I’m going to be on the road so much, but I desperately feel the need to give myself some TLC as often as possible. I’m eating better, I’m trying (but failing) to drink less, and I’m investing in some really great beauty products and treats. But taking good care of yourself doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise.

My newest obsession is coconut oil. In fact so enamoured am I with my latest discovery that I’m dedicating a whole blog post to it. You totally need to jump on the coconut train with me! Not only is this one stupidly cheap product (I bought a massive 800g tub of Biona Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil on Amazon for less than £15) but it has so many amazing uses!

Here are ten genius ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your daily routine:

1. Eat it! In smoothies, fry with it in instead of other oils, spread it on your toast, blend it into a milkshake… there are so many yummy ways you can eat this stuff. The possibilities are quite literally endless.

2. As the best make up remover you’ll ever own. Fact. Plus it makes your face smell delicious.

3. As a pre-wash hair conditioner. This is my favourite use and I can’t believe it took me so long to discover it. Rub it into your hair (mostly the ends) and leave in for an hour – or overnight if you’re feeling extra indulgent – and simply wash out with shampoo in the morning.

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