Trying Cult Beauty Brands For The First Time: Huda Beauty

I recently started a new series on the blog, Trying Cult Beauty Brands For The First Time and you all seemed to really enjoyed it so here I am back with another. Read the first instalment here where I talk about a few products from the Balm and Beauty Blender, two amazing brands I now understand what the hype is about. Today, I wanted to try my very first eyeshadow palette from the brand Huda Beauty and see whether I've been missing out or not (spoiler alert, I have!). I'm sure you've heard of it before but in case you've been living under a rock for the past 2 years or so, beauty sensation Huda Kattan launched an eponymous range of award-winning beauty products and has quickly become a global phenomenon. Ranging from all things make-up to skincare and even fragrances, Huda Beauty brings some of the best eyeshadows in the market, trendy lip kits, amazing falsies and is now dipping its toes in base products too like its fairly recently released foundation and concealer, both of which I have on my wishlist. To commence this new beauty journey for me and given my brother was in Portugal where there is a Sephora in every corner, I asked him to pick me up possibly one of the most sold products the range has, a mini obsessions palette, more specifically the Mauve Obsessions palette. Read on to see what I think about it!

Trying Cult Beauty Brands For The First Time: theBalm & Beauty Blender

I haven't shopped for new make-up in ages. Instead, I've been focusing more on skincare products and have recently spent a small fortune since my dermatologist advised me how dehydrated my skin and how it desperately needed some kick power moisturisers. So, when Justmylook.com reached for a potential collab I knew I wanted to get some makeup goodies to satisfy the urge of buying some - the struggle has been real. With amazing brands being stocked at their website, it was the perfect opportunity to try something I had heard of but never tried, so I decided on two brands widely famous that I had yet to try (always late to the party, aren't I?). Keep on reading to see what I picked!

Back To School Edition: Glossybox September 2018

Wow, two weeks off from this little space felt like an eternity. It was however much needed time off considering the number of things I was juggling but I am back and so so happy and to be bringing you one of my favourite posts to write, a Glossybox* review! I try to make these as a light read as possible and I hope you too enjoy reading them. Now, September is one of those gloomy months where we go back to school, uni or work after an amazing summer away and Glossybox, anticipating this, has put together a curated edit to help us get prepped and organised, and I am all for that. Let's see how they did, shall we?

Long Hair Do Care: L'Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths Long Hair Range

Despite shorter hair being the "it" trend nowadays, my long hair has been my trademark for a good couple of years and I don't think I will part ways with it any time soon. Even though I've always made an effort to care for it, I've struggled to find products that I loved going back to and that were perfectly right for my hair. Having tried various other L'Oreal hair products previously as well as bigger and more expensive brands, and liking them but not loving, washing and caring for my hair previously felt like a chore. The new L'Oreal  Elvive Dream Lengths range for long damaged hair has come to change that (thank goodness!) and I don't think I've been this excited about a drugstore product in years. Wanna know more about what I think of this new hair regime? Then keep on reading!

Heatwave Done Right With My New BFF: Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF50

After a mini break from the blog, I am glad to be back! And I'm not the only one who's back; the sunshine has come to stay for a couple more days (hopefully a lot more days) and I must say, this must have been one the best summers I've experienced in London in the 13 years I've lived here! Glorious sunshine, temperatures above 25 degrees every day, all the ice cream...what else does a girl need? Oh that's right, sun protection! I know we all need (and long for) some sun exposure especially when summer comes round after long miserable winter days. But too much unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer. Remember sun rays are comprised of both UVA and UVB rays. UVA contributes to premature ageing and UVB to sunburns! So whether you're jetting off for a beach holiday or simply relaxing in the garden this summer, protecting your skin from the sun is a key step to achieving and retaining youthful radiance. And with this in mind, I wanted to share a product I found that works amazingly well for just that! Keep on reading to find out more!

Under The Sea: Glossybox July 2018

Continuing from last month's theme (check that out here), for the month of July Glossybox* brings us tropical vibes, with offerings designed to ease holiday beauty whether you're off to something exotic or not this summer. With an ocean infused wave creator for your hair to a makeup brush in the shape of a shell, it seems they went all out on beach babe essentials. Let's dive deep into this month's box; keep on reading for my honest opinion on all the products!

Off To The French Riviera: Glossybox June 2018

Another month comes along and so does another Glossybox*, and this month's theme as you're read in the title is French Riviera which is super exciting because that just screams summer. I've never been to fabulous and glamorous Nice, Cannes or Monaco but these destinations are definitely on my wishlist until then, Glossybox promises to bring chic and sophisticated French beauty to us with this box so let's see how they did. With a mix of beauty, skincare and also haircare I'm excited to explore more and find out why these products have been named cult favourites! Read on to find out more!

Limited Edition Glossybox: Karl Lagerfeld + ModelCo Collab

When this arrived I asked myself, another Glossybox so soon! But then I realised we were talking about something extra, but nonetheless very exciting! You may have heard of Karl Lagerfeld, a well-known fashion designer, well...he paired up with the very popular Aussie brand ModelCo to bring us a new exciting and limited edition beauty collection. Claiming to contain every handbag essential from lips and eyes to blush and a tool to accompany, I was excited to see what was inside the very sleek and cool black box (and it did not disappoint!). I love it when Glossybox gets involved in such amazing collabs, as it allows us to try a bunch of products at a fraction of their retail price, and that is exactly what you get with this box! Keep on reading to find out more!

Let's Talk Foundation: My Favourite Summer Bases

People love to complain about heatwaves in London but I am loving this good weather! Granted, we're not having melting temperatures just yet but the week ahead looks promising, with bright and warm weather and I can't wait to get myself down to the beach over the upcoming bank holiday weekend (yay, I'm not working on this one!). Anyway, getting straight into the topic of this post, I don't know about you but as the weather "hots" up, the less I wanna be putting on my face. Summer is when I embrace the fresh face look and opt for lighter bases that give me some coverage on those particular areas around my face I need, but my complexion still looks natural and fresh. With this in mind, I selected 4 bases I am currently loving to wear on these warm days. If like me, you want natural skin with still some coverage, then keep on reading to find out more about these!

The Hairstyle For The Summer: Ponytails

Ponytails; is there a hairstyle more low maintenance for summer? I think not. Seen on Burberry and Erdem catwalks for the season, ponytails are having a moment and despite not being exactly groundbreaking, they can look so good with an array of different outfits and for various occasions. Whether you're going for a picnic in the park or a summer garden wedding, there is no better way to keep your neck free in this hot weather and look amazingly polished. Keep on reading to find out my 2 favourite ways of wearing a ponytail this summer!

Let's Float Away: Glossybox May 2018

The excitement of getting new boxes every month is real and this month's delivery did not disappoint. As soon as I opened the parcel I was greeted with the most gorgeous pastel box (which has already become a storage box in my vanity) and inside a bunch of vegan and cruelty-free goodies (kudos to Glossybox for that!) to help revitalise and make pampering time even more fun.  Let's see what's inside the box this month; keep on reading!

All Things Nostalgia: Glossybox April 2018

Look who has made a comeback on Pam Scalfi, the Glossybox! Glossybox has been a household name for a couple of years now; I last reviewed a box back in December 2015 and after 2 years and a bit, I am super excited to see what has changed and of course, all the goodies that come within it! Funnily enough, this box was designed to take us back and is dedicated to all things nostalgia (and I am definitely feeling those vibes). Inspired by generations past, yet bringing fresh twists on old classics, this box gives you staple beauty products for recreating iconic looks from the 60s, 70s, 80s or even the 90s (what a "rad" idea...what's that 90s enough?!). With 5 full-sized items, as soon as the box landed on my doorstep I was ready to dig in and now let me share with you what I think. Keep on reading if you are ready for a throwback like I am!

First Impressions: Makeup Revolution Concealer, Eyeshadow Palette & Contour Kit

When it comes to makeup, I feel like I am always a step behind, or in this case a couple hundred. Makeup Revolution is such a well-known and loved makeup brand amongst bloggers that have been around for so long yet this is my first time trying it, thanks to the Superdrug store that just opened up on my high street! Having read a couple reviews on their newest launches including the concealer everyone is madly in love with, I knew it was time to give the brand a try, even though I most certainly did not need any more makeup bits added to my collection. Thankfully, the products aren't bank breakers so I picked up a few things that caught my eye (and that weren't sold out) and here I am to share my first impressions on them as I tried each product over the weekend for the first time! I hope you enjoy!

What I've Been Loving Lately (PS. These Are Great V-Day Gift Ideas Too!)

As cliché it may sound, how are we almost at the end of the January already? Not only did this month fly by it has also been one of the busiest months I've had recently. Work has more than doubled at my job and I've definitely been hit by the January blues (I blame payday being so far away!). But in an attempt to lighten my mood and talk about nicer and exciting things, I am sharing with you all today what I've been loving lately in the beauty department. Despite most being from PR, I genuinely love them - otherwise, I would not be sharing them here- AND they would make great gifts for the beauty lover in your life for Valentine's Day. Celebrating V-day only between couples is SO last year so this year, the hubby and I will be cherishing our friendships and I'm sure one of my girlfriends would LOVE these! Hope you enjoy this post, I had a great time putting it together and I am very excited to be bringing more beauty content this year!

Pantone Colour of The Year 2018: Ultra Violet

Every year, the colour experts at the Pantone Colour Institute arrive at a colour of the year after extensive research on all possible topics you can imagine, from technology to fashion. And, if you have been a reader of mine for a while you will know I love mentioning the Pantone colours of each year; remember Rose Quartz and Serenity for 2016? How about Greenery for 2017? Baby pink and baby blue to this day, continue to be amongst my favourites shades in just about anything (currently trying to convince the hubby of getting a pink chair for the living room). I confess greenery wasn't my favourite, not exactly a colour that moves me much and apart from adding a few all-green plants to my home, it wasn't a shade I was dying to wear. This year, however, the new shade to bet on is incredibly vibrant and unlike anything I was expecting, and I'm excited!

Maybelline Superstay 7 Days Gel Nail Color: 7-Day Promise True?

After 3 months of non-stop shellac, it was time to give my nails (and my bank account) a break. As much as I love Essie as a brand for nail polish, you will agree with me that it isn’t the most affordable, so I knew a trip to Boots to find something equally as good but for a lower price tag was in order. Probably mission impossible, but after speaking to a colleague of mine and commenting on how nice her nails looked (and how horrible mine were), she mentioned how great the Maybelline varnishes were and I thought I'd give them a try, and with the 3 for 2 offer that Boots always seem to have running, it was a no-brainer. I've featured my more recent manis on Instagram and a lot of you have commented on how pretty the shades were and wanting to know more about the range in general, so here is my comprehensive review on the range!

5 Beauty Goodies That I Love (And You're Going To Too!)

It's been a while since I've talked anything beauty related over on this blog of mine and today that is about to change. Despite shying away from the subject these past few months, I have continued to try new products, most of which landed on my doorstep. I have tried to contain myself for about a year now and not buy unessential things, only replacing products that run out and goodies I can really justify the need (or "the want"). Which is why I am glad to have found new favourites amongst the load I received and today I wanted to share these with you. Keep on reading to find out what products I've been loving lately!

Let's Talk Makeup: My Current Fall Favourites

Fall is truly and well upon us and I can't think of anything better than sitting in my bed under the covers whilst the rain falls slowly outside, writing about my favourites for this transition period into the new season. Besides, you're probably thanking me for this break on all the fashion posts I've put out lately, do not worry they will be back next week. Unfortunately, the hubby was too unwell this weekend for blog photos, but we can't stop and we won't stop. I hope you enjoy this favourites post as I much as I enjoy reading and writing them! Let's talk makeup!

3 Mistakes You Are Probably Making When Applying Mascara

Apart from looking like a mad woman with my eyes (and mouth) wide open when applying it, I am guilty of a few common mistakes we probably all make when it comes to applying the one product we love the most, mascara! You will agree with me that mascara pulls everything together. It can hide dodgy eyeliner (I’m certainly guilty of those), it can make you look more awake, it can give the look a more dramatic finish and we honestly can't get enough of it! With the hundreds of mascaras I've got sitting on my vanity table, I am guilty of making these mistakes with every single one of them. When I recently learned about these mistakes I decided to bring them to the blog and help out a fellow blogger/reader. So here goes, 3 mistakes you are probably making when applying mascara.

How I Keep My Hair Long & Healthy

My hair has to be one of my most complimented features (my skin is a close second and y'all must be blind to be saying it is flawless haha) on Instagram and blog photos. Which is why, I decided to dedicate an entire post to it and in it give a few tips on how I keep it clean, healthy and protected. Back in 2015, I wrote about my favourite haircare products at the time and whilst the principles still stand, I am doing a few things differently and I believe these changes to have made a massive difference. Today I am much more focused on my internal well-being rather than on the products and something I learned recently is that whilst using the wrong products can result in hair damage and loss, the trick to truly healthy hair has more to do with what goes into your body than styling products and hours spent in front of a mirror. Hair loss, dullness, and slow growth often comes from the absence of nutrients in your body or bad habits. After a bit of research on my end, here are some tips I found if you're looking to keep your hair long and healthy like I am.