Sunday 13 September 2020

Shacket Season

Hey lovelies!!

It's happened...I've fallen in love with everything warm, cosy and checked! September entered with a flourish and suddenly I was immersed in what can only be described as shacket, flannel, burnt orange, knitted heaven. I'm not complaining though because as Blogtober fast approaches, I know that I'll be scrambling to find more gorgeous pieces to suit the colder weather that nips at our noses...oops too far, I've headed into Christmas season!

I'm sure that a few of you are confused by the title of today's post, particularly if you're not familiar with the term 'shacket'. I can confirm that we have indeed become so lazy that saying a "shirt style jacket" or a "shirt jacket" takes us far too long to inform others of what we've chosen to adorn ourselves with today. You will however be pleased to know that you don't necessarily have to know the lingo to wear said piece.

In fact, we can skip that whole step because the very best shackets are flying off those in-store and online shelves and making their way into the wardrobes of those don't particularly care to stop to understand the meaning of 'le shacket'. So what are you waiting for? Shop my faves down below and get styling!

*Affiliate links featured*

XOXO

Saturday 12 September 2020

Stradivarius Black Chunky Boots

Hey lovelies!!

I just wanted to start off with a quick note to my mum: I know you hate these style of boots and that they make my feet look massive but I promise I can style them really cool and I'll wear them so much!

Phew! Does anyone else have to convince their parents that those bold purchases will actually be good decisions in the long run? Lucky for me I had a pair of black chunky boots years ago and would never take them off because I loved them that much. I eventually had to give them up and throw them out but ever since they've come back into the spotlight, I have been lusting after a new pair and boy did a find good ones!

If like me, you're looking for a sturdy pair of grungy and super edgy black chunky boots, look no further and shop my faves down below! 

*Affiliate links featured*

XOXO

Tuesday 18 August 2020

Bali Body Face Tan Water | Not Vicarious

Hey lovelies!

I really hope you're not sick of me talking about Bali Body yet because I have so many more goodies to talk to you about! This brand has such incredible products that it's hard not to give them the time they deserve and of course Bali Body Babes are the best! Today's post is all about a couple of products in their self tanning range - the Bali Body Gradual Tan and the Bali Body Face Tan Water - which is made so much more entertaining by the fact that prior to this, I had NEVER self tanned before. Let's just say I was nervous and had a little trouble because of my inexperience.

Starting off with the Gradual Tan, this was a really nice and easy product to apply. I specifically asked for the Gradual Tan over the tanning mousse because I knew that on my first time self tanning, I would need all the help I could get and if the process was simple then I couldn't go wrong!

I first tried this product at the peak of the lockdown because like many others, it was the perfect time to try something new without worrying that it might go wrong and I would have to go out in public looking like a mess! I was pleasantly surprised to find that it all worked out okay and I had very few, minor problems that were mostly caused by me haha!

Bali Body Gradual Tan | Not Vicarious

The Gradual Tan, with its white lotion consistency, applies extremely smoothly but as with other tanning products that do not have a colour guard, it can be difficult to remember where you have applied the tan. With that being said, that is a small price to pay for the great tan that you are left with and it's something that can be easily combated by simply starting from the bottom of your body (i.e. your legs/feet) and working your way up.

I loved the fact that I didn't have to be dark from the get go but instead had the option to build the tan up as I already had the base from the first application and it was perfect for adding more tan to the couple of patches that I had missed on my back...yes I had the typical first timers issue of not doing my back properly!

The total developing time is around 8 hours but because of my plans and the way things generally worked out on the day of application (evening), I ended up leaving my tan and showering it off the day after. This definitely gave me a lot of time to assess how the colour was developing, gradually of course, and it was so cool!

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Gradual Tan was filled with nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, coffee seed extract and cocoa butter. They all added to the pamper side of my tanning session and made it less annoying if I had forgotten to apply mosturiser to any dry areas of my body beforehand.

Thankfully I picked up some tips from my first time experience with a self tanner:
  • Make sure to moisturise all dry areas of your body prior to application
  • Ensure that the mosturiser has soaked all the way into the skin before you proceed
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the tan to your body
  • When it comes to your hands and feet, use the excess tan for application because wow does it go wrong if you don't...

On that last point, I thought it would only be fitting to let you know about another tanning faux pas I had. I'll keep it short and sweet but I honestly found it quite hilarious how confident I was applying the tan straight from the bottle, to a paper towel, onto my hands and then waking up to find the tan had settled into every crease on my hands in a slightly orange looking fashion and seeming surprised that my "trick" didn't work out well - amateur I tell you! Trust me, this was very much a problem with the user, not the product! If this ever happens to you, just read my Bali Body Self Tan Remover post for a quick and easy solution.

Finally, the self tanner smell of this product was actually quite nice and unusual. I don't know what others are like but this was one that only rubbed off on the clothes I was wearing after application (i.e. my pyjamas). Once you have your shower the only thing that has a very light scent to it is your skin but again, this is the nature of any skin product that has a slight fragrance.

Here are a few before and after photos for you:





Now onto the Bali Body Face Tan Water! This is another really cool product and one that I hadn't heard of before - self tanner virgin over here and all! Just like a toner, you pump a couple of drops of the Face Tan Water onto a cotton pad and apply it all over your face and neck, ensuring that you evenly distribute the product.

Just as Bali Body state on their website, "it's skincare meets self tan" and I have never loved the idea of anything more and this is most likely what made me want to get my hands on it. More importantly, the Face Tan Water with its 4-6 hour developing time can be added into your daily routine at the mosturiser stage; simply add a few pumps to the mosturiser of your choice and watch as your face slowly begins to gain a glowy tan as the hours pass.

My final and probably the most important thing to say about the Gradual Tan and the Face Tan Water is that they DO NOT transfer!! Oh my goodness, I cannot tell you how many times I have looked at the aftermath of people's sheets after they self tan and they are left with what looks like the death of 1,000 cheese puffs hahaha! That being said, I did wear long sleeved pyjamas so if you do ever worry that it might transfer, just grab some clothes you don't mind messing up and wear those to bed.

Overall, I am incredibly happy about my first time self tanning and I was glad that I had the help of Bali Body's range to get me through it successfully. I see plenty more sessions self tanning in the future, yay!!!

XOXO

P.S. Let me know your thoughts on these two lovely products if you've had the chance to try them out. What was your experience like?

Friday 19 June 2020


Hey lovelies!

Oooh has it been a rough week mentally and man am I feeling it in the depths of my soul. Things have felt incredibly off this week and I've had this feeling of being overwhelmed without actually having anything to be overwhelmed about and it's safe to say that I have HATED it.

I figured that I just needed to look at the positive things in my life right now to help me bring into focus what really matters. So here are 5 things that I'm grateful for right now:

1. Sunshine & Fresh Air
I think at some point throughout this quarantine/lockdown period, we have all wildly underestimated the importance and the power of sunshine and fresh air. I know for myself that on the days where I made a conscious effort to enjoy time outside, I ended up feeling much happier, more rejuvenated and better yet I got a healthy dose of Vitamin D. In all honesty, I really haven't been getting out enough lately and I'm feeling the effects of cabin fever. I. Must. Do. Better.

2. My Bedroom
If you've been following me throughout my Golden Hour series on Instagram, you know just how much I love shooting content in my bedroom. The light that streams in at sunset is beyond gorgeous and being able to lie on the bed or take photos in front of the window to truly enjoy it is so relaxing. I think we all forget to look around at our surroundings and take it all in to the point where we become almost numb to the things that could possibly give us the most pleasure. My bedroom is my safe space in many respects and I'm so grateful to have it.

3. Virtual Date Nights
Quite possibly the biggest highlight of my week! For those of you who are also quarantined away from your significant other, you know just how tough it is being away from somebody you love a lot. Virtual date nights have been a lifesaver and my favourite go-to at the end of a working week. Plus the fact that we take it in turns to plan each date means that I can have a rest from the planning stage every other week and be surprised on the day - all I have to do is get ready and turn up on facetime!

4. Netflix Shows
I don't know about you but I have so many shows on the go at the moment! For me though, multiple shows means that I have one that I can watch in every mood. If I'm feeling down or just want to laugh I can watch New Girl or Friends, if I want to watch something that makes me think and is a little heavier I can watch Ozark, Mindhunter, Money Heist or You and if I feel like watching something light and romantic I can watch Chesapeake Shores...or if all else fails I just go to YouTube haha. Even so, the possibilities are endless and there's something for every mood and every personality.

5. My Job
I am so incredibly grateful to have a job right now because although many of those individuals who were previously furloughed or had lost their jobs at the start of the lockdown are slowly gaining normality in their working life, I was lucky (and still are lucky) to be able to have worked from home the entire time. My job has given me so much grace and flexibility in these confusing, abnormal times and not only have I had the chance to not only do my normal full-time job but I have also been able to do more of what I love in the time that I would've been commuting to and from the office.

➖➖➖➖➖🌻🌻🌻➖➖➖➖➖

There we have it! Be sure to leave a comment down below letting me know what you're grateful for right now even if it's something really small, I want to hear it! I'm sending so much love your way and if you've also had a rough week, take a deep breath and know that there is nothing you can't handle.

Just focus on the little things like the flowers on your bedside table, the decor you've placed beautifully on your chest of drawers or even that glass of water you wake up next to ready to hydrate your body after a good night's sleep. The little things are endless and not so pointless in the grand scheme of things especially if they make you happy and add something to your everyday life even though you don't realise it now 💖

XOXO

Tuesday 19 May 2020


Hey lovelies!

When my mum offered to do my makeup in quarantine, I had zero problems with letting her take the lead and paint my face the way that she thought best. My mum is definitely one of those people who believes in "less is more" so I was highly prepared to have a "no makeup" makeup look but nevertheless, I gave her a variety of products in case she wanted to branch out a little.

To my surprise, she decided to try out a look that was super similar to what I would normally wear and throughout the entire process she took such care in making sure that she picked the right colours and making sure she blended everything in correctly. I must say however that she loved to blame the product whenever something didn't look quite right and it was so funny to watch!

I don't think that I tend to buy cheaply made products but I am starting to wonder if maybe it would be worth me branching out a little and purchasing some high-end products - it could do my makeup routine a world of good! I have no idea what the most perfect routine would consist of but it may very well be that I am missing a few products that would make my makeup look or feel so much better on my skin. Regardless of that, I think that my mum did such an amazing job and who knows, maybe in the future she can try out her "no makeup" makeup look on me!

Be sure to let me know what you think at my mum's first attempt at doing my makeup, did she do a good job? Would you let one of your parents do your makeup in or after quarantine? I want to hear your thoughts!

XOXO



Tuesday 5 May 2020

Hey lovelies!

Nobody hates a tanning disaster more than me and I've only ever self tanned once in my life so that's saying something! I feel as though once is all it takes to really solidify any opinions you have on tanning and I knew from the start that a build up of tan was one of the things that I wanted to definitely avoid.

So, let's begin with a little storytime for you: I recently tanned my body with the Bali Body Gradual Tan (for which a review will be coming soon) and clever old me thought it would be a good idea to apply the tan straight onto my hands rather than using the excess product and blending it nicely along the top of my hands and along my fingers. I'm sure you can see where I went wrong...and of course for days after I was walking around the house with this uneven tan on my hands that had settled very well into every dry patch it could find on my regularly-washed-in-quarantine-hands.
After about 4 days of having to see my hands look like they had been dipped in mud and seeing them slowly but surely fading in some parts and not others (the dry patches were stubbornly not letting the product go), I decided that enough was enough. I grabbed the Self Tan Remover and Exfoliating Mitt from Bali Body's Vegan self tan range and let the wonderful pair work their magic!

First off, I have to say that the Self Tan Remover is a god send for first timers like me! The fact that this product can work so well both with and without the exfoliating mitt to gently remove your tan with only a 5 minute processing time before you can wipe or rinse away your old tan is what makes it so special. I was not expecting it to work so quickly, let alone remove the stubborn product that was clinging to my dry skin.

What's more, the oh so lovely combination of the Rose Water scent and the key ingredients in the tan remover (Jojoba Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Glycerin and Cucumber Extract) helped to ensure that even though I was exfoliating the top layer of my skin, I was replacing what was being removed with pure nourishment! I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the entire process was from start to finish and now that the rest of my tan is getting older, I have zero hesitation that this product will be my go-to when renewing my body back to its pale self haha!

Take a look at the video below to see me become fresh and tanless!


Be sure to let me know if you will be picking this product up to solve all of your old tan/build-up of tan issues, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it too!

XOXO

Saturday 2 May 2020


Hey lovelies!

I never feel as though it is an easy task to condense my favourite songs of the season into a list of just 20 but I force myself to do it especially for you! I must admit, as cliche as it sounds, music really does make the world go round - with just one note at the start of the song, you're able to tune into a particular kind of mood or emotion and some of us are lucky enough (maybe unlucky enough depending on the song or the moment) to be reminded of a former time in our lives.

I don't know if I'll ever look back on this playlist and think that all these songs remind me of the 2020 quarantine but maybe they'll remind me of what kept me going, what made me happy, what made me sad and what was my escape from the boredom and the anxiety that was so tightly wrapped around the entire situation. I can't promise that these songs will give you a form of escape but if one of them becomes your favourite song for a little while then I'll be happy.

Here goes nothing...

1. Break My Heart - Dua Lipa
2. Breathe - Years & Years
3. Like A Rodeo - Kane Brown
4. Simple - Florida Georgia Line
5. Like Strangers Do - AJ Mitchell
6. Supalonely - BENEE
7. Roses (Imanbek Remix) - SAINt JHN
8. Hard To Forget - Sam Hunt
9. Like That - Doja Cat
10. Ride It - Regard
11. death bed (coffee for your head) - Powfu
12. Used To Be - AJ Mitchell
13. React - The Pussycat Dolls
14. If The World Was Ending - Jp Saxe
15. Beer Can't Fix - Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi
16. Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Whithers
17. King of Wishful Thinking - Go West
18. City of Angels - 24kgoldn
19. Before You Go - Lewis Capaldi
20. I Like Me Better - Lauv

...and there we go! Let me know what songs you've been loving lately in the comment section down below and I hope you have a wonderful day - make sure to stay safe, stay home and stay positive!

Sending love to you all right now!

XOXO

Friday 10 April 2020

Shop it now: Bali Body Highlighter Stick (3 shades)
Hey lovelies!

I hope you're all doing well considering the circumstances! I am sorry it took so long to get this post up for you but as with a lot of us, it took me some time trying to get used to this isolation thing and what it meant for me and my loved ones.

Now I know that it's been a "hot minute" (as they say) since I spoke about these gorgeous highlighter sticks from Bali Body on my blog but I couldn't let this look and these photos that I took in February go to waste. I promised you a post where I wear all three shades and you're going to get that right now!


So I don't think that it's a secret that I was over the moon when I received these products in the mail because as a makeup lover, the chance to try out something new and exciting is one that I am always ready for especially now that we are in isolation.

I took it upon myself to try something a little different with the highlighter sticks this time and use the bronze shade 'Sunkissed' as an eyeshadow to give me a tanned glow that perfectly complemented my eyes, making the green pop! Thankfully, due to the formula of the product itself, it's super easy to blend across my eyelids but I definitely recommend applying the highlighter straight to your lids and then blending the colour out with your go-to eyeshadow brush and building it up to whatever 'glow level' you prefer.


As for 'Rose Gold', it's a beautiful shade for highlighting your brow bone and the inner corners of your eyes, which I did in both of the looks I've showcased here on my blog. 'Moonlit' on the other hand is what I tend to use on my cheekbones as I prefer an opal shade that blends well with my blusher and bronzer/contour without adding too much additional colour. The same can be said for highlighting my collarbone as nobody wants to see random streaks on my skin so I opted for the lightest highlighter shade for my fair skin tone.

Remember, if the highlight ever gets too intense just use your beauty blender or foundation brush to tone it down - applying highlighter (powder or liquid) can be a slippery slope but it's all about finding that balance and what works best for your features!

*Gifted but all opinions are my own*
Be sure to let me know what you think of this look and if you've got your hands on these highlighter sticks from Bali Body! If not, feel free to click the (non-affiliate) link below and...happy shopping!

Tuesday 25 February 2020

Shop it now: Bali Body Highlighter Stick (3 shades)
Hey lovelies!

Ahh this is such an exciting post for me and I can hardly contain my happiness! I have been following Bali Body for a while now and whilst I can't claim to be a self-tan connoisseur, I am a beauty fanatic so you know that the moment I saw Bali Body in my inbox presenting me with the chance to try out the first product in their cosmetic range, I couldn't help but jump at the chance!

The Bali Body Highlighter Stick is Vegan, cruelty free, universally flattering AND comes in three equally gorgeous shades: Sunkissed (bronze tones), Rose Gold (rosy tones) and Moonlit (champagne tones). The pigment on these highlighters is unreal and the fact that the product is buildable makes it so easy to go from a dewy, fresh-faced look to high-shine nightime glam - all bases are covered for sure!


Now I must admit that when I first tried this product, I was a little scared. I'm someone who dabbles more with powder products compared to cream/liquid products so having to use a liquid highlighter? Well, let's just say I was out of my depth!

Thankfully though, due to the consistency and each universal shade, I was able to quickly pick up the technique and find a way to apply it that suited me. I think that's what I love most about it to be honest; it serves its purpose without causing too much hassle or leaving you wanting to rub it off instantly - definitely a bonus in my eyes after some of the other liquid highlighters I've tried!


Where I applied 'Rose Gold' & 'Moonlit':
  • High points of my cheeks
  • Bridge of my nose
  • Tip of my nose (my favourite)
  • Cupid's bow
  • Brown bone
  • Inner corners of my eyes
  • Temples
  • Collar bone


With a little trial and error, I was able to figure out what beauty tools worked best to give me a seamless finish, no harsh streaks and maximum glow! A sculpting brush with soft bristles was my best friend especially for applying the product on my cheekbones because not only did it blend it to perfection but it allowed me to add just the right amount of highlighter without having to cake it on.

Let's be honest, the last thing you want is a beauty tool that takes away the main purpose of a product but I didn't experience this one single bit! If you're ever in doubt about what to apply it with, use your fingertips so that the product is warmed up and melts into your skin for that effortless glow from within.


Be sure to leave me a comment down below letting me know which shade is your favourite, will you be trying them out? Follow the links to shop the full cosmetic range and get your hands on these beautiful highlighters, you won't regret it!

Stay tuned for my next blog post where I showcase a look I created using all three of these stunning shades. You won't want to miss it since I do my best to capture that flawless Bali Body Babe glow that every girl loves, I'll see you very soon!

*Gifted but all opinions are my own*

Shop: Bali Body Cosmetics

XOXO

Saturday 22 February 2020

Jonas Brothers, SSE Arena Wembley, 3/2/2020
Hey lovelies!

A blog post had not surfaced for the new year so I thought: "what would be the best way to ease myself into it all?" and of course the answer was to share twenty of my favourite songs from this season with you.

Thankfully due to Tik Tok and Shazam, the songs that I've listed for you down below make me look so versatile and I guess that it's this kind of variety in my life that always makes listening to music so fun. I've found that it's this constant yet exciting journey of finding songs that touch the soul in whatever way they please that gives me the most happiness. The best songs usually attach themselves to my many moods and prey on my emotions so much so that they embed themselves in my brain...I let them to be fair haha!

Anyway, without further ado, here are just 20 of my favourite songs from this Winter...

1. Piece Of Your Heart - Meduza featuring Goodboys
2. Saturday Nights Remix - Khalid & Kane Brown
3. One Man Band - Old Dominion
4. Raised On Country - Chris Young
5. Beer Never Broke My Heart - Luke Combs
6. Homemade - Jake Owen
7. Convenient - Lo Lo
8. South Of The Border - Ed Sheeran featuring Camila Cabello & Cardi B
9. Love Songs - Kaash Paige
10. Beautiful Crazy - Luke Combs
11. All The Good Girls Go To Hell - Billie Eilish
12. Roxanne - Arizona Zervas
13. Walls Could Talk - Halsey
14. Lottery - K Camp
15. Yummy - Justin Bieber
16. My Oh My - Camila Cabello featuring DaBaby
17. Wish You Were Gay - Billie Eilish
18. Big Yellow Taxi - Counting Crows & Vanessa Carlton
19. You're The One For Me - D Train
20. Magic Moments - Perry Como

Let me know in the comment section down below if you're loving any of these songs too and DEFINITELY tell me if you're a fan of Tik Tok, it's my guilty pleasure for sure so please share! 

XOXO

Instagram

Not Vicarious. Theme by STS.