The Body Shop - The Wild Argan Oil Review

There's nothing like a new set of The Body Shop products to get a girl excited! 

So the other week, my mum went to fetch my usuals, (the seaweed collection) and got talking to one of the lovely ladies working that day, and she happened to mention that I have a blog, bless her. Anyway, the lady who was working there (her name's Rachel, working at the Solihull branch, she is an absolute gem and is so so helpful!) asked for me to come in to review some products that are launching on Tuesday!

These new products that are launching on Tuesday are the 'Wild Argan Oil' range, and the products that are included are: Wild Argan Oil Bubble Bath, Wild Argan Oil (for body and hair), Wild Argan Oil Body Butter and a Wild Argan Oil Exfoliating Scrub.

Wild Argan Oil - Bubble Bath

Wild Argan Oil - Body Butter

Wild Argan Oil - Exfoliating Scrub (Middle) and Oil for body and hair (Right)

Now, I don't usually take a liking to products very easily, I have to use them a few times before I've formed a solid opinion on them, and I suppose thats normal for most people.

However, having tried and tested these products with the three samples of each that I was given (I used them in conjunction with each other), I can safely say that I will definitely be investing in the majority of these products.

Wild Argan Oil - Bubble Bath

Bubble bath is one of those products that I get excited purchasing.. sounds strange right? Well it probably is. I usually have a lovely little collection built up courtesy of Lush, however after trying out this particular range, I have a new favourite! The fragrance is light, slightly sweet, and floral but very gentle on the skin. 

Wild Argan Oil - Exfoliating Scrub

THIS SCRUB! I absolutely love it. Seriously though, I was a bit apprehensive before using this because I'm usually quite sensitive to scrubs, and they tend to dry my skin out a lot, therefore I usually make my own, using either almond or coconut oil and a dark brown sugar. BUT, after using this twice, my skin has already started to show signs of improvement, its more supple and definitely not dry after use. The beads in the scrub are smaller than most scrubs and dissolve so much better than others that I've previously used, however still end up exfoliating your skin extremely well! As the scrub contains Argan Oil, you can actually feel that your skin is being moisturised as well as cleansed. Just like the bubble bath, the scent lasts on your skin for a good while, and is so pleasant!

Wild Argan Oil - Body Butter

I used this body butter straight after my shower, and after the scrub had been used. It has the same scent as the rest of the products, which added to the lasting power on my skin (which I was over the moon about!) and above all, sorted out my dry skin in no time! I usually get dry patches on my arms and my usual moisturiser wasn't cutting it, so I'd been meaning to find a new one for a while. I've decided that when this product launches, I am definitely investing in the body butter! My skin stayed soft without a need for reapplication, which I do sometimes need to do. A total life saver! (It's also grease-free, and sinks into your skin very quickly.. so no need to fret about sticky clothing!)

Wild Argan Oil - Oil for Body and Hair

I must admit I haven't tried this as a body oil yet, however having tried it on my hair I am recommending this a product for those who want to try the original Moroccan Oil hair product, but are afraid to because they don't want their hair to become greasy! As that product is quite thick, I can empathise with those with finer hair, as it can tend to become greasy. But, this new body oil by The Body Shop is very thin, and is suitable for any hair type, as it doesn't coat the hair, it simply disappears when you've massaged it into the ends of damp hair. (It also smells gorgeous too.)

So there we have it, my complete review of the yet to be released, Argan Oil range of products by The Body Shop, launching on Tuesday 12th August. Definitely a must have set of products for people who enjoy using argan oil, and I think it is perfect for those suffering with mild dry skin. 

Jazz x

Skincare and Seaweed

Back - Seaweed Cleansing Facial Wash
Nivea Soft Moisturiser
Seaweed Purifying Facial Cleanser

Right. Skincare. I don't know about you guys, but skincare products are literally THE most important products in my life! I've been through loads of different brands before finally finding 'The One.'

Front - Seaweed Clarifying Toner
Seaweed Pore Perfector
Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

Swatch - Seaweed Pore Perfector

Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

So back in 2012, I was advised by my mum to visit The Body Shop after suffering a mass breakout of spots, which I couldn't control by using the current products I was using, which was the Forever Living, Aloe Vera range. 

When I walked in, as some of you may know, there are a wide range of different products to suit different skin types which at first baffled me quite a bit! However, once a member of staff approached me and started talking to me about my skin type, we quite quickly figured out which products would suit me.

Since I have combination skin, which is a combination of both dry and oily skin, the seaweed range of products are developed specifically for that skin type. At first I was skeptical as to whether or not this was going work, as nothing else had! However, after using these products for a good two years, I can confirm that I don't think I will ever be able to use anything else! In just one week I had noticed a definite improvement, my skin looked brighter, and my spots had reduced significantly, leaving me with an even complexion. 

My Regime

I follow the basic 3 step routine, which involves cleansing, toning and moisturising.

- Every morning, I'll rinse my face with water, and then taking the Deep Cleansing Facial Wash, squeezing a little larger than a pea sized amount onto my fingertips, I'll massage it into my face in circular motions, I'll then rinse it off with luke warm water.

- Following this, using some cotton pads and 2-3 droplets of the Clarifying Toner, I'll (again in circular, clockwise motions) rub that all over my face, concentrating on areas that get oily very quickly, because for me those are the areas which build up dirt the quickest. I'll do this using about 2 or 3 cotton pads, usually. (You'll probably feel a tingling sensation when you use it, which I was told isn't an issue.. just means it's working!)

- Lastly I'll moisturise using my favourite moisturiser, Nivea Soft Cream. Some days I'll also use the Mattifying Cream, but only if I'm wearing makeup for an occasion that day, so it provides extra protection against oily skin.

- I repeat those steps in the evening also - however if I've been wearing makeup I'll use the Purifying Facial Cleanser in the same way that I use the toner, right after I've cleansed my face using the Deep Cleansing Facial Wash. This removes excess makeup quickly before toning, which then removes impurities and dirt. 

- I sometimes also use the Seaweed Pore Perfector, which I find minimises the look of pores quite significantly, however can also dry out my skin. 

Why?

Cleansing and toning is extremely important, whatever your skin may be like! It helps to remove traces of makeup that may not be removed from just using a make up wipe, and if this isn't done, can lead to clogged up pores which results in spots (ew)

Just something to bare in mind!

I hope this helps any of guys who are struggling to find a good skin care routine, and products for that matter! I can't express how well The Body Shop products work on me, there aren't any unnecessary chemicals in any of the products, and every skin type has a specific range of products, which I'm sure work just as well as these that I've tested!

Christ Church, Oxford

High Neck Tank - Asos
Skort - Topshop
Shoes - Dr. Martens

So on Sunday I was literally still in bed at 10am, when suddenly I hear my dad yell 'I've just got a call from your Uncle, we're going to Oxford and we're leaving at 12.30' … I've never been more confused and desperate to get ready in my entire life! (And for those who know me, I shamelessly take at least an hour and a half to get ready haha, mostly due to the fact I take 5 minute breaks to check twitter, instagram, blogger etc..)

I wasn't aware that the weather was going to hold up and be so warm, so I naively opted to wear a high neck tank top.. and surprise surprise, in black! I paired it with this beautiful skort that I purchased from Topshop, and firmly secured the monochrome vibe (still living in autumn/winter, clearly.)

Can I just take a second to express how pretty Christ Church is? Its a college associated with Oxford University, and the surroundings are just gorgeous! The grounds were huge, and it was the kind of settings I imagine Charles Dickens would write his novels in. 

Everything about Oxford was so pretty and dainty, I especially enjoyed this cafe, that unfortunately we didn't get to visit (but I vow to visit next time I'm here!)

We took a lovely walk around the grounds, before enjoying a good old boat ride on the River Thames, then finally ending the day with a picnic in the nearby park. 

Next stop - Central! 

War Paint!

4th Row (L-R) - Velvet Teddy, Taupe, Fan Fare, Candy Yum Yum
3rd Row (L-R) - Faux, So Very Good, Speak Louder
2nd Row (L-R) - Rebel, Diva
1st Row - Morange

Since my last lipstick post was received so well (thank you!) I've decided to show you all my full collection of MAC lipsticks, or as I like to refer to them as - my war paint! These are still being added to, with Russian Red and Kinda Sexy being next on my list.

Matte 

Velvet Teddy - Okay so this is a beige toned lippy with a rose tint, which is perfect for when I do deep, brown-based smoky eyes, as it complements my skin tone and really lifts my look. The matte finish is a tricky finish to work with in some cases, and in this case it can crack slightly on the lips, so I'd suggest a good primer and buffing of the lips before application, but apart from that I really love this colour! The opacity is pretty decent, I apply it onto my lips twice before smacking my lips together, and then I'd say I probably have to reapply it once after about 4 hours. Definitely a winning nude shade for Asian/olive skin tones.

Taupe - Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh. This is my favourite nude shade of lipstick E V E R. Anyone who knows me, knows that I constantly complain that anything 'nude' is never nude on me! Including lipsticks! However, this is the perrrrrfect 'your lips but better' shade on me, and when applied, let it settle on your lips, and then apply a plum shade lipliner over the top.. and you've got yourself a mauve colour, similar to that of some of Kylie Jenner's recent lipstick looks. Aside from it being a nude on me, the actual colour is a red-toned brown, which looks stunning against every complexion! 

Candy Yum Yum - Which translates to - a beautiful neon, barbie pink which is a MUST in every girls make up kit! I bought this not knowing whether it would suit the undertones of my skin colour, which is quite yellow based, however I am so impressed with how it just suits anyone! The colour really pops, and in a way, makes the rest of your face glow? Love it.

Diva - I wore this to my prom, and it's the most rich reddy pink, almost burgundy? although sometimes it can look more red than pink. This is a colour that literally does not budge.. whether you're eating, drinking, whatever! It has the perfect staying power. You don't need to use a primer underneath it, and similar to the other lippys, is really creamy during the application stage, so I find that there's no need for a lip balm underneath either!

Satin

Faux - I've mentioned this in my Top 5 Spring Lipstick Shades post, and I'm not afraid to say that this is still one of my favourite frosty pinks!

Rebel - This was one of my first MAC lipsticks, and I love it! It's a very creamy plum shade, which is slightly on the pink side, and I love it because you can dress it up or down, and it's one of those timeless shades that works with any skin colour and any outfit! As it's a satin finish, there is a sheen, which even though I don't usually like much in a lipstick (I'm a true matte kind of girl) really just works, and I dig it! Its fairly opaque but because its a satin finish the staying power isn't as good as a matte, so I find myself reapplying it so that the colour is still quite vivid. Although I suppose you avoid this situation if you were to line your lips first.

Cremesheen

Speak Louder - Another one that I've previously mentioned, however I'm rocking this a lot more now in the summer time, its perfect when you want to keep your eye makeup low key, which in this heat is a definite must!

Fanfare - I've never mentioned this one before, as it's not one of my favourite lipsticks in all honesty. I don't usually wear lipsticks under the cremesheen finish as I find they're not pigmented enough for me, and the colours themselves don't really jump out at me. However when I swatched it in-store, I really liked the colour, until I went a tried it out properly for myself at home. My lips aren't very pink naturally anyway, so I found that the colour just didn't do anything for me, and I've given it to my mum since! However, if you like creamy, soft pinks, then this lipstick is the one for you because the staying power is very decent and the lipstick itself doesn't feel sticky or slip around on your lips even though its a cremesheen!

Amplified Creme

Morange - Another that I've managed to mention, but still a favourite. I find that I wear this most when I'm wearing a simple colour palette, as it adds that touch of colour.

Pro Longwear Lip Creme

So Very Good - As you can see I've barely got any of this left! It was my first ever MAC lipstick, and it is a pearly plum colour, which kind of dries out to feel matte on your lips even though the initial application is ever so creamy and leaves a beautiful mauve colour stain on your lips. This is very true to its name in that when it says long wear, it means long wear! I usually wear this when I know I'm going to be out for a long day, and it easily lasts 12 hours. It can be drying though, so I recommend wearing a lip balm or primer underneath it. 

So there we have it, my MAC lipstick collection!

How I did Wireless Festival!

Hey dolls! So on Sunday me and a group of my close friends and family went to Wireless Festival which was held in Perry Park in Birmingham and Oh. My. God. Kanye West was the headlining act and he was so bloody amazing, his performance was literally everything a Yeezy performance should be… grand! It's funny because I actually cannot even put it into words how well he put on a show, even after waiting in the same spot for around 10 hours, the sudden energy I gained from the sheer force of the crowd reaction due to his stage presence was truly electrifying! Guess he doesn't call himself Yeezus for no reason huh?

Jumpsuit - Topshop
Jacket - H&M
Shoes - River Island
Sunglasses - ASOS

So as promised, this is how I styled myself for the day. I chose to wear a jumpsuit because I was really unsure of how the weather was going to turn out and I kind of figured that even if it was going to be really warm, at least the material was soft and quite thin actually! I got it for around £29 I think, and I am absolutely going to wear this to death this summer, its such a staple piece for my wardrobe! I love the colours in the print most of all, the hints of blue are my absolute favourite. I wore it underneath my black bomber which I wore purely because its waterproof and really lightweight, so when it did get hot I could literally just throw it in my bag with no problem. And lastly my shoes! Obviously many people would have turned to wellies as their best friend when at a festival, buuuuut obviously I decided to risk it and wear slip on skater shoes! They're from River Island and have a black/white snake skin print on them, and are uber comfy! As I said, we were standing for a good 10 hours, and these shoes neither rub, nor make your feet ache.. love it.

I hope this gives you a little inspiration for any upcoming festivals you might be going to, or even for general summer attire, I think this is great for casual occasions! Also, I'd love to know if you'd like to see more style posts.. lemme know dolls!

Jazz xo

'A Paradox, Personified'

Hey guys! Okay so it seems as if I'm beginning to apologise rather a lot for being M.I.A. However, the last part of the school year has finished (well, in my mind anyway) and hopefully, I'll be able to blog a lot more often!

So continuing on with the theme of photography, I have another set of photos which focussed a lot around fashion which was rather exciting for me as I was able to lend quite a big hand in the styling aspect of things!
At first I didn't really have a clear concept in my head and I wasn't really sure what mood I wanted my models to portray, and to be quite honest if I had planned it in more depth I probably would have been able to execute the shoot in a better way. However, given that I've thought about it in more depth since then, I've considered the first set of photos will perhaps be entitled: 'A Paradox, Personified'

So most of these are unedited, with a few exceptions as I wanted to use them for another project in which I was scrapbooking. I quite enjoy some of the out takes that perhaps at first glance didn't look 'perfect'. The models that helped me out were my close friends Beth Robertson and Sally Burke who I am so thankful for, you guys make for absolutely amazing models! 

The next set of photos were of my best friend Greg Leaney. I don't have a concept for this set, instead I just focussed on portrait photography, and I believe that I've captured such an amazing soul within these photos, so thank you Greg! (Again, these are largely unedited with a couple of exceptions.)

I hope that you enjoy viewing these photos as much as I enjoyed capturing them, it was honestly such pleasure working with some of my best friends, if anyone ever needs any models, hit them up ;)

I'm hoping that my next post will be an outfit one, as I'm off to Wireless Festival this coming Sunday, soooo excited!

Thank you my loves,
Jazz xo