The Body Shop - Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 Review

When you think of an SPF what's your first thoughts? for me it is thick, white, greasy cream. In fact, it immediately brings back memories of childhood slatherings, of what could only be compared to lard. Seeing as the sun is starting to make the odd appearance (and also a recent holiday) meant I had to dig out the sun cream to make sure we were all protected against the rays. Generally, I only used to consider sun cream when it was hot and when the sun is fully out, but as the aging process is starting to take its toll, it's time to reconsider my spf habits.

As an oily skin sufferer, I really didn't want to add a greasy cream into my routine, that would cause a whole host of problems that I cannot be dealing with. Spots or sun damage? that's the toss up here, as in my experience using sun protection on my face ended up in break outs.

However, seeing as I had avoided facial SPF's for a while, it was time for me to see what was on the market and if things had moved on to more of a lightweight texture.

So, whilst in The Body Shop I came across the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence, saw it was suitable for all skin types, had a quick swatch and thought I might as well start there. It is £16.00 for 40ml, but I bought this as part of the 3 for 2 offer with two make up items so that brought the cost down.

The texture of this cream is perfect, nothing like the horrors of the past of thick sun block, oh no! It comes out of the tube as a light cream, but then it turns into a really light milky texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin. Really easy to apply and it sinks in super fast, already onto a win here.

It does not leave a greasy residue, it just leaves my skin feeling smooth and prepped for the day. I actually add a few drops of Clarin's Radiance-plus golden Glow Booster drops (review vid here) for an extra glow and it blends in to the cream nicely.

What are the skin benefits?
- UVA protection - to protect against deep ray penetration
- UVB protection - SPF50 - to protect against redness and damage to the skin surface
- Contains red algae extract and vitamin C to brighten

Overall, the texture is fabulous - sinking straight into the skin with its lightweight texture. It caused no breakouts and left my skin feeling fresh and brightened. I also experienced no redness at all whilst using it in the sun, even on holiday in the intense Spanish heat, my face was protected.

This has changed my opinion of facial spf's and I now use this every morning, I think I may be repurchasing this one!

You can buy one here

Just another moody Monday - The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck By Sarah Knight - Review

I am back with another moody Monday post - which is essentially posts on how I am feeling on the day of writing. I am a big fan of personal development books, anything to help with the daily mental mind games I play with myself is welcomed. So I thought I would start writing about the books I have been reading, what I have learnt from them and how I can implement them into my life. The plan then, once I have reached enlightenment, is to collate everything I have discovered and write a multi-million, Times best seller, No1. book. Until that point, I will continue to write about it on my blog.

So I thought I would start with my holiday read - The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k by Sarah Knight. What really drew my attention to this book is the work f*ck in the title, (sorry I am not fully at the no f*cks given stage to actually type out the full spelling of the word, just in case I get told off by "them")

I feel that adding the occasional swear word in really gives emphasis to how you are feeling. I will give you an example, when I asked my husband to catch a spider that was on the ceiling above the bed we were in, I could've said:

"Don't let that spider drop when you try to catch it!"

What I actually said was:

"Don't let that f*cker drop!"

You see, the use of the swear word emphasised that I would be really unhappy if that f*cker did indeed drop onto the bed. Hubby then knew it was very important to catch it.
The use of the swear word worked - the spider was successfully caught, and kindly freed out of the window (aka released out of the window to its plunging death)

So when this book talks about not giving a f*ck, it pleased me immediately, kinda fitting for my current mood of letting it go.

Overview of what it's about

There's only a certain number of things you can care about, the alternative is to be consumed by things that don't really matter yet we hold onto them. This book goes through examples of the things that we currently give a f*ck about (good and bad) and then sort it out into categories of things you actually do care about and things you really don't. The NotSorry method, is then applied to all the things that you do not care about - I do not care about X, I choose not spend time on it and I am not sorry about it.

Best bits for me

- Feelings Vs. Opinions

This I really like, and I have started using it a lot. When you decide not to give a f*ck about something, but then you think it would give a conflicting response from someone, think this - is the conflict through a difference of opinion or because you could potentially hurt their feelings?
If it is because you may hurt their feelings then that is something you should give a f*ck about and be a bit more cautious with your approach. If on the other hand it is due to a difference of opinion, then hey, who cares! everyone has an opinion and they are not always the same.

How I used it this morning -

"I might not wear that bright red lipstick because of what people will think  (the school run trollop)"

- Actually, if me wearing red lipstick causes conflict that's only because of a difference in opinion, I like red lips, they don't, that's not causing offense (well it could potentially depending on the application) therefore in this instance, no f*cks should be given and the lipstick shall be worn.

I find this thought process really useful when I stupidly worry about what other people would think about a situation. Most of the time, the possible conflict of an upcoming situation is just a difference of opinion. And if there is a possibility of offending? Just be really polite with your thanks but no thanks response.

- Spending my f*cks wisely

Having a f*ck budget makes you really careful about how you spend them. If you only allow yourself a certain amount of things to put your energy into, it makes you so much more productive and ultimately happier.

Is this book for you?

If you find yourself being very apologetic, trying to please people and spending too much time on things that do not really make you happy then this book could have a few nuggets of wisdom for you. It is written with humour and swearing which personally I love (she's talking my language) it's relateable and most importantly makes you more conscious of what exactly it is you are spending your energy on.

Summer beauty picks

If you read my post on packing for Spain you may be wondering where all the beauty items are, well you know me, I built up quite a stash! So I picked out a few new bits that I have been looking forward to trying.

I love summer beauty, the bronze/glow, the coconut "holiday" inspired scents, the bright pops of colour on lips and nails - whats not to love?

With out further a do, here are my holiday picks

Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water £26.00

Summer in a bottle? yeah kinda, sorry, but that is how I would describe it. Having said that, its not too "summer holiday" y'know like the scents that are borderline sun cream? no, its not one of them. The main players are sweet orange and petitgrain, which is backed up with coconut, tiare flower, vanilla and musk. A blend which I find perfect for both day and night whilst in a warm climate. I have never been disappointed with Nuxe (in fact my fave all time body cleanser is from Nuxe) and this fragrance carries through my love for the brand. The only down side is that it is a bit heafty for travel, plus it's a glass bottle, but it will be the only one you need! I bought mine from M&S, link here

Body Shop Honey Bronze Tinted Leg Mist - £16.00

A wash off tan for legs, which actually I use on my arms too (and anywhere else that needs it!) good for a last minute "oh no I need to get my legs out but for got to tan" moment, plus it washes off if you make any mistakes! I like this to fill in any streaky/white patches - the aftermath of a tanning session that didn't go as planned. It's enough to take the edge off, but not too dark at the same time. Its a matte finish, which I prefer, because you then have the option to add shimmer if you want too!

Body Shop Honey Bronze Drops of Sun Holiday Glow Creator - £12.00

I kinda have a bad habit of sticking to one shade of foundation, come rain or shine, its always pale. Which is fine for most of the year, but for the warmer months I need to turn up the saturation to match the rest of me. Instead of buying another shade, I usually just add bronzer over the top and hope for the best. Not this year, I have got savvy and bought the Drops of Sun from The Body Shop. This vial contains a tan coloured liquid that you add to your current foundation to make it darker. I have been adding this to my Giorgio Armarni Power Fabric foundation which works well to change the shade, just enough to make a difference. Less is more, start with one drop and see how you go!

The Body Shop - Skin Defence Multi Protection Essense - SPF 50 - £16.00

I have recently been reflecting on my past skin care, and have wondered why I didn't start certain things earlier - like eye cream for example. The same goes for SPF, I used to just slap on a bit of factor 15 that was on my hands, left over from applying to the rest of my body. Now I need to up my game, because it really is so important to look after your skin! so this time I have gone for Factor 50 Skin Defecnce from The Body Shop - a broad spectrum UVA/UVB. I am actually quite suprised how light weight this cream is, no greasiness and absorbs quickly into the skin! so far, no effects on my spot prone skin!

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil - £19.00

I have read the hype about these in the past, so this year I decided to try it and opted for one of the new shades - tangerine. These are tinted lip glosses which nourish the lips, leaving them nice and smooth. From the swatches I did in store (and from what the sales assistant said) there is not too much difference in colour when they are on the lips and to go for a smell preference! This one doesn't smell like tangerine to me, more like strawberry hubba bubba! but it does give an orange tint to the lips which I quite like for summer.

Packing outfits for a summer holiday

"I'm going on a trip and need 4 outfits, I've packed 35 just to be safe."

Anon

The normal statement that most people make when it comes to packing for holiday is "I hate packing" do I agree with this? nope, and let me tell you why.

First of all, I love planning outfits, collecting all the holiday paraphernalia, and generally building the holiday hype. Second, I am not allowed to pack the suitcases, this is strictly my husband's job which he will not let me touch. As a regular traveller, he has a particular routine that I am not allowed to interfere with. Fine by me. Fold or roll? don't have a clue, ask the husband,

So that just leaves me to get my summer gear out and plan what exactly I need to take with me. Most holidays, I totally over do it, well and truly embracing "just in case" this time however, I feel like I have streamlined my selection.

What do I plan to take? let's have a nosey

Shoes

I am only taking two pairs - two flat pairs that is, no heels. I always pack a pair or two of heels but never end up wearing them and instead stick with a sandal. So this time I am only taking a pair of open toed sandals and a pair of espadrilles. 

For sandals, I am taking these Dune ones from last year (which I actually found in TKmaxx) and the espadrilles from Gucci - which I think would be good for travel too.

Dresses

Two dresses, one long and blue, one short and red! both floaty and perfect for the heat. I love both of these dresses and I will more than likely end up wearing them a lot. I am yet to wear the blue (Zara) as I have saved it for holiday, the red however (H&M) have already had a few outings. 

Tops

Six tops, a mixture of patterned statement tops and plain to match up with other items. I normally over do the tops so I feel I have done pretty well here! I particularly like the H&M pineapple tee and the plain blue Primark top.

Shorts

Every year I bring out these white Karen Millen shorts - a standard summer pair that comes out every year! then of course a pair of denim shorts which will be easy to put on over a cozzi. I bought a new pair too, a bright stripey knitted pair which I loved when I saw them online - when they arrived however, I had a mini panic attack about the size. Look how small they are! luckily they stretch - a lot.

Travel outfits

A pair of comfy bottoms is definitely needed for travel! especially as we are leaving early in the morning. I have a pair of M&S linen mix trousers which do the job nicely! I am going to pair that with a tee, denim jacket and my Gucci espadrilles. For the return. I have a maxi dress from Oasis (last year) again with a denim jacket and Gucci's - comfort is King.

Skirts & Trousers

One white skirt from Hush, quite a versatile piece which can be dressed up or down - and the silver trousers! which I am yet to wear but I can't wait to pair them with some brights! Being a tad on the short side, these need taking up, a lot (rolls eyes)

Accessories

This is my downfall, my jewellery bag tends to get a bit on the heavy side. So much so that I usually have to end up taking it in my hand luggage in fear of us tipping the scales. Here is a selection of what I will be taking, but actually I am not going to add too much more. Statement earrings are where its at for me this year, I may add in the odd statement necklace too. One of my faves is the red tassel pair from H&M, but I am also looking forward to wearing the long gold chain - which I think will look good with swimwear. 

Then of course I need some sunnies (well I bloody hope so!) and also my usual summer floppy hat, although it's gone a bit too floppy. I have a pina colada hazed memory of it ending up in the pool last time and then being left on the side to air like a sun dried tomato. So I may need to make an emergency hat purchase, or just wait and buy a special Spanish one, what do you reckon?

Bags

Just two bags, OK that's a lie, there is also a beach bag or two - but they don't count because they will end up being baby bags, husband bags, anyone who has loose stuff and wants to shove it somewhere bags. This post is about outfits, so I will stick to the two that are just for me. First of all, this pink raffia bag with bamboo handles that I got in a charity shop for three quid! I was so happy when I found this gem. On the other end of the scale, I am taking my Chanel WOC, y'know for those special nights out. For my carry on, I think it is going to be the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, simply because it is so easy to chuck everything in (and like I said above it will be everyone's stuff!) 

Beach wear

I bought a few new bits this year, mainly because I threw out all my bikinis in a huff post baby. I saw this black cozzi (above) in H&M, tried it on and thought "I don't look too horrendous so that's the one." Combine that with a long black cover up and I am well sorted for beach "I'm allergic to sand" hiding. Having said that, the cover up is actually nice and floaty, can be dressed up a bit, plus it will go with anything.

Did I do well for a week in Spain? I think so, defo have room for the emergency last minute pair of platforms..... Where's the beauty goodies I hear you ask? well that's a whole other case, a whole other post.