The Perfect Pamper

Today, I officially start my second year at university. Half of me is excited to get back into the swing of student life, the other half of me wants to crawl into bed and not think about the endless assignments and projects that await me. Last night, to take my mind of all things university, I decided to have a little pamper evening for myself.

The first thing I did was have a relaxing bath. I used The Comforter bubble bar from Lush and crushed this in my hand under the running tap to create some amazing and beautifully smelling bubbles. Just like it's name, the bubbles and the smell it produces is so comforting. Along with the bubble bar I also used a bath bomb, again from Lush, this being Twilight. The scent of this bath bomb made me feel both settled and tired, definitely a good choice before bed as it has a hint of lavender. To make my bath that little bit more relaxing I also lit a few candles, setting a peaceful mood whilst I read my book. I've just started to read Three Sisters, Three Queens by Phillippa Gregory, I'll let you know how I get on.

After my bath, I popped on my pyjamas and decided to paint my nails in the shade Fifth Avenue by Essie. Whilst waiting for those to dry it I read more of my book and scrolled online. Once my nails were dry I then applied my Simple Night Cream, blog post about this here and settled down for the night with a cup of tea ready to watch a film, I decided on Home Alone 2 and now I feel super christmassy...is that a word?

As daft as it may sound, having a bath in my flat is sometimes a lifesaver. Both my bathroom at my parents house and student halls last year only have showers. Having a bath this year feels like a dream come true as I can finally just sink and relax, even if I am scared to have one because of the water meter.

What do you do when you need to have a pamper? If pampering isn't your thing, how do you relax instead? Let me know!

A 'Simple' Skincare Routine

I've had the summer off due to the university break and finishing first year in May seems like years ago. I start my first 'actual' week of second year on Tuesday and getting back into a routine feels somewhat daunting. However, the one thing that always makes me feel like I've got my life together, even though at times I probably do not, is my skincare routine. I use four products from Simple and would like to share this routine with you and how I like the products.

Morning Routine

The first product I use in the morning is the Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. I apply this to a slightly damp face and gently rub this onto my skin making sure not to be too rough. The formula is smooth and leaves my skin feeling super soft and refreshed, the gel feels kinder to my skin unlike other facial scrubs. Once I've rubbed it all in, I then wipe away the gel with some warm water and a flannel.

Next, I use the Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Day Cream SPF15. I apply this onto my face once my face has fully dried from previously washing it. I 'blob' on some of the cream onto sections such as my cheeks, nose, chin and forehead, making sure I, again, rub it in gently. The moisturiser has a SPF of 15 which helps protect my skin from the slight bit of sun we may have.

Evening Routine

It is mostly in the evenings when I take the make-up off that I have been wearing all day. To sometimes save time and to be very lazy, I will use any baby wipe of make-up removing wipe I own to take most of the make-up off. I then, with a cotton pad, take a couple of drops of the Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner and apply all over my face to remove any left over make-up.

Finally, once the Toner has dried into my skin, like the Vitamin Day Cream, I apply the Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream to my face and rub it in gently. It leaves my skin feeling moisturised and refreshed and is not too thick, making it perfect to sleep in.

I enjoy all four of these products and without them would probably lack in any routine at all. It sets me up for the day ahead and leaves me feeling both refreshed and well...clean.

Everyday Make-up

Everyday make-up is a general term that I describe three days of the week, those being the days that I attend university. Each of the three days is a 9’oclock start and these mornings usually consist of a massive rush around trying to get showered, have breakfast and get ready and so on. If my timetable was kind to me and gave me a later start to the day, I would spend a lot longer doing my make-up and would possibly mix it around. But, because I have to get up and out the flat, I have a simple everyday routine that I stick to with ease and use products that will not empty my bank account.

Foundation

I am a major sufferer with oily skin, a foundation that I’m not only loving but has been a saint to me is the Revlon Colorstay for Combination to Oily Skin in the shade Buff. It’s a very soft foundation which helps blend into the skin with no difficulty, the foundation is also build-able for a higher coverage which is good for patchy parts of my skin. I apply this with a Real Technique Expert Face Brush.

Concealer
The concealer I use is the Collection Ever Lasting Perfection in the shade Fair. A lot of people may agree with foundation, its covers everything and anything, it’s like my own little genie. Again, like the foundation, this formula is also very soft to the skin. I apply this with a Real Technique Contour Brush from the Core Collection range.

Eyebrows
On my eyebrows I use the Benefit Brows Zings in Medium, this was a product my auntie introduced to me years ago and since its been my go to, I couldn’t think of using anything different. What I very find useful are the two brushes and a pair of tweezers which come inside of the packaging, these can be used to apply the product.

Eyes
I apply a slight wash of a No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in the shade Beach Shine. It gives a darker tone to the eyes but is complimented by the lipstick, with a thin layer it doesn't make the eyes look heavy. I apply this with a Real Technique Accent Brush and Base Shadow Brush both in the Starter Set. 

Powder
I then apply my powder, the one I’m using is the L’Oreal True Match Powder in Golden Ivory. This is a medium to high coverage and on days that I only wear concealer the powder helps cover sections the concealer may have missed.

Bronzer/Blush
The bronzer that I have been using for a while now is the Bourjois Delice de PoudreBronzing Powder in the shade Peaux Claires/Medianes 51. I apply this slightly into the crease of my cheekbones, around my temples and under my jaw line, just to create a slight definition. Nothing too drastic for 9am. I then take my Revlon Powder Blush in the shade Racy Rose and dust that lightly onto my cheek bones.

Lips

This product was a purchase over christmas, this being the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in the shade Nude-ist. I love this as it ties everything together and its a lovely matte finish, which isn't too drying either. 

Mascara
Finally, the mascara I have been using recently is the Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama. I have the worst eyelashes in history, they do not lengthen or curl so it takes a very talented mascara to do the job, which this one does. Well done Maybelline.

That is my simple everyday make-up routine. Are there any products above that you’ve tried? Are there any that you would recommend? Let me know below (that rhymed).