October 2018 - A Month Of New Beginnings

WOW - this past month has been such a whirlwind! After 14 years of being in the same routine of going to school, after-school clubs, seeing the same people regularly as well as living at my family home. I've moved 4 hours away - to go to university, to study chemistry, and to start a new chapter of my life!

This past month has taught me a lot of things to start with going to university is tiring!!! :) Especially in the first few weeks with the work as well as meeting new people, socialising, partying and trying new things. To be honest, I know more tired people as I'm not much of a partier so I haven't had a 9am lecture feeling hungover - well not yet?! But the first few weeks also a good memory test - new faces, names, matching the person with their course and any other info they have said. On the whole, I've been surprisingly quite good at remembering things. 

One thing also you learn quickly is that homesickness is normal and you aren't alone. I've only been slightly homesick, as facetime does really help. But I have friends who seem to be fine but they have mentioned they've been crying in their rooms and missing home. You do get past it and though it, well for me I was okay when I made friends and work kicks in therefore you are busy so don't really think about it.

Living independently is something you learn; how to cook, wash clothes etc. For some, you may be used to it but others don't so much. As I love to cook so I love meal planning, buying ingredients and cooking new dishes. Which has always meant learning how to live on a budget ~ so quite a lot of supermarket own brand foods compared to name brands.

Finally, time management; walking up early enough for lectures, writing notes, mind maps, spending time with friends, societies, exercise, food shopping etc. This is one thing I'm still getting used to as every day is different, which is why my blog posts have been very irregularly recently; hopefully, that will improve as I love blogging and everything that comes with it.    

I hope you like this post, even though it's slightly different to my normal posts.

Please follow or comment if you have been or at a university.

Sarah X   

Skincare Routine Using Dermalogica

One of my new year's resolutions for 2018 was to improve my skincare routine and I've always wanted to be one of those people who double cleanse. I was lucky enough to receive a range of Dermalogica products to try - which I'm very grateful for. 

Dermalogica is a gorgeous brand and it's all cruelty-free and vegetarian as well as some products being vegan, gluten-free, paraben free and fragance free. Therefore anyone can find a product they can try and enjoy! 

Precleanse*

This is a deep-cleansing oil which melts impurities and makeup from skin.I'm a big fan of the formulation as contains Rise Bran and Vitamin E Oil to help cleanse the skin as well as makes my skin feel so soft. The oils help to clear any pores and to nourish skin.
I apply 2 pumps of this for my whole face and eyes and apply it in small circular movements. It's really quick to take off my makeup, then I apply some water which creates a milky emulsion which then I just wash off with a Liz Earle cloth. 

Special Cleansing Gel*

For the second stage of my cleanse, I apply a small amount of the cleansing gel onto my PMD Clean* or to my hands. I apply it with a bit of water to create a lather all over my face.  The cleanser contains calming Balm Mint and lavender extracts which soothes the skin, as well as, natural Quillaja Saponaria which gently foams away toxins and debris. 

Honestly, my skin has never felt so clean after using these two products. It feels especially good on the days when I wear more makeup!  

Daily Microfoliant*

This was probably the product I found the most interesting and intriguing. I'm not a frequent exfoliant used as they've always been too harsh on my skin. Therefore I felt like a tomato after or I've damaged my skins surface more than helped. But this one has a unique Rice-based powder formula which activated with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. It also has a Skin Brightening Complex which helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation while a super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal helps to calm the skin. Because of all these lovely ingredients, it's effective but not at all harsh on your skin. AMAZING!!

Skin Smoothing Cream*

The final step of my skincare routine is a moisturiser; one of chose is the skin smoothing cream - which has actually just been reformulated and looks amazing! But I love the formulation of the old formulation also. It's a medium weight formula which means its great for day and night - this also means that it sinks in really easily and non-greasy. The moisturiser contains a mixture of Aloe Gel, Cucumber and Arnica which helps to nourish, soothe and hydrates your skin.

I love all of these products, all gorgeous formulations and packaging. It makes your skin feel so soft, nourished and clean.

I do apologise for the lack of posts in the past few weeks, I've just started university and its been quite busy with the work, making friends and overall settling into a schedule. So hopefully in the next few weeks, I will get into a better time schedule which will leave time for me to write this blog. As I love my blog and I  can't wait to see what's next!    

Hope you like this post, please follow and comment.

Sarah X

September Favourites 2018

Sorry that I've been a little week this past week, it's been my first week of university so I haven't had much of a chance to sit down and write! I honestly can't believe it's October - Christmas is in 2 and a bit months, time for autumnal leaves and jumpers!! The beginning of a new month means reflecting on the last; especially on produts I've reached most for etc.

Beauty Favourites

One of my favourite new purchasing is the NYX Pro Contour Palette - it's got 8 gorgeous shades which are great for everyday. So the palette has 1 highlighter, 3 powders and 4 bronzers/contour shades. The formualtion is pigmentated but belndable which creates a nature sculpt and lovely glow.

I've recently been lucky enough to try some Dermologica products, probably my favourite is the Dermalogica Precleanse. It's oil based and literally takes off your skin. I apply two pumps to palms then message in the oil in circles across my face. Leaves your skin so soft and so clean! 

Technially this one is a constant favourite; Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. Lovely pigmentation and formualtion - gorgeous coverage, covering up any blemishes or undereye circles.

As it's now autumnal, I've start to reach for some of my more fall shades so I've been loving Maybelline Rosewood Lipstick. It's a dark nude lipstick with red tones which is really nice and I love the gold packaging. 

Other Favourites 

I love binging shows, so recently (well over the last month) I've been loving Gilmore Girls. It's a great comfort show which you can watch whatever your mood! 

This month I overall I havent had too many favourites, as I've been packing and getting ready for university! Hope you all had a lovely September!

Hope you like this post, please comment what favourites from this past month and follow.

Have a lovely day.

Sarah X