It’s been a while since I’ve done a monthly favourites, so I thought I’d bring it back and share a few things that I’ve been loving throughout the month of June. Also, can we just take a moment to realise we’re now over half way through 2017, absolute madness!

1./The Body Shop – Pinita Colada Body Sorbet

If you were following my blog last year, you’ll have seen how in love I was with the Pinita Colada range from The Body Shop (read my full post on it here). Therefore, you can imagine my excitement when I popped into The Body Shop a couple of weeks ago and noticed that they’d bought the Pinita Colada range back this summer. Unfortunately, despite it only being released for a few days, they’d already sold out of the body butter, which is my favourite moisturiser. Instead, I opted to buy the body sorbet. I’ve never used a body sorbet before, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity of using a Pinita Colada product. I’ve been really loving using it this month. Whilst I don’t find it as nourishing as the body butter, I can’t get over the scent of it, it’s just summer in a tube for me, I can’t get enough of it!

2./Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate 15 Year Collection in Boho Nude

I was very kindly given this by The Beauty Analyst after winning it in her giveaway. I often enter giveaways, but rarely win anything so I was so surprised when she messaged to say I had won! I love the Kate Moss lipsticks by Rimmel, so was super excited to try a product from the Kate 15 Year Collection. This is a lovely nude shade with brown undertones which makes for such a gorgeous shade. As with the other Kate Moss lipsticks, it’s super long lasting, plus it smells so good – I love it!

 

3./Dr Botanicals Cleanse & Tone Cleanser

I recently reviewed the Dr Botanicals Cleanse & Tone Cleanser and offered a discount code, so if you’re reading this before the end of June, go and order yourself a bottle using my code, you’ll love it (you can find the code and post here). I won’t ramble on about it too much in this post because I did give it a full review, but in a nutshell, I have been loving this cleanser this month. It’s really cleared up my skin and leaves it feeling so fresh and clean, I can’t recommend it enough!

4./Bondi Sands Self Tan Foam

This is another product that I recently reviewed, so again I won’t go into it too much here, but make sure you check out my full review. Having never used fake tan before, I was really nervous about experimenting with it this year. I was recommended Bondi Sands by a number of fellow bloggers and I honestly can’t rate it enough. It’s so easy to apply and doesn’t leave me looking at all patchy, it’s perfect for these warmer months when I don’t want to get my white, pale legs out!

 

5./ASOS

A bit of a random one here, but I’ve been absolutely loving ASOS this month, I think they’ve been absolutely killing it with their summer range this season and I’ve made several purchases throughout June. I’ve always been a fan of ASOS, but I have definitely found myself ordering more from them recently. Their customer service is amazing and much better than other online stores, it’s so easy to browse and order items. I often make a wishlist and then on pay day I splash out and treat myself. The one thing with ASOS though, is I wish they stocked more of each item – things sell out so quickly! I’m tempted to do an ASOS haul on my YouTube Channel – so make sure you’re subscribed to that if you’re not already!

That’s everything I’ve been loving this month, what’s in your June favourites? 

5 Beauty Products I Couldn't Live Without

As a beauty lover, I have so many different products that I've lost count of how many I own. Much to my boyfriends dismay, I've taken over his drawers in the bedroom and many of the drawers in the bathroom with all my products. I know it's all materialistic and many of them I really don't need, however, there's a few I genuinely don't think I could live without.  

1./Micellar Water 

I'm not particularly brand loyal for Micellar Water having previously used the Garnier Micellar Water and now using the Botanics All Bright Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Solution (full review here). However, I couldn't be without this product. It's so good at removing make up and cleaning my skin, ensuring all impurities are removed. I don't really know what I used to do before Micellar Water was a thing!

2./Sudocrem

This might feel like a bit of a strange one, but I genuinely couldn't live without Sudocrem. If you've followed my blog for a while, you'll know how much I rave about this stuff! It's perfect for healing spots quickly, bringing them to a head and helping to clear them up. I've spoken about this in more detail in my Sudocrem - The Best Skincare Product? post so I won't go on about it too much here, but yes, definitely couldn't live without it!

3./Bio-Oil

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this on my blog before and following on from the Sudocrem, I apply Bio-Oil once the spot has healed over, but has still left a mark. Whenever I have spots, I always find I'm left with scarring (probably because I'm really bad at picking spots!), but Bio-Oil is great at reducing the scarring and returning my skin back to it's normal form - I love it. 

4./The Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream

In general, I couldn't live without facial moisuriser, if I was only allowed one skincare product it would have to be this. However, I'm particularly a fan of this one from The Body Shop because it's so nourishing and hydrating which always leave my skin silky soft, I can't beat it! 

5./NUXE Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

This is another product that I've raved about many times on my blog. For me, lip balm is my safety blanket, it goes everywhere with me. This one from Nuxe is by far the best lip balm I've ever used, it's so good at healing dry lips. I ran out of it a few weeks ago and hadn't had the chance to buy a new one, so had to revert to another brand and it just wasn't the same. The Nuxe Reve de Miel is a firm favourite of mine.

What beauty products can you not live without?

Summer Holiday Wishlist

Summer is well and truly here, which means it's time to start planning what I need to buy for my summer holiday! I'm not going away until a bit later this year, so I have plenty of time to stock up, as normally my holiday comes around too quickly and I'm not prepared. Here's a few things that are on my wishlist this year.

1./LUMIX G Compact System Camera DC-GH5

No holiday would be complete without a camera and this LUMIX GH5 is definitely the Best CSC Camera that I've come across. It's perfect for holidays because it's compact, meaning that it's easy to carry around with you to ensure you don't miss any photo opportunities whilst away. Not only that, but it films in 4K and takes photos in 6K - ideal for providing the best holiday photos. I love taking photos whilst away as the scenery is always so beautiful and the sky is always so blue, I just know this camera will take such beautiful photos and capture all my memories to relive after the holiday is over.  

2./Dior Reflected Iconic Metallic Sunglasses

These glasses are just stunning. I've never invested in a pair of sunglasses, instead always buying cheaper ones that break after a few months, but I've recently fallen in love with these from Dior. I really like reflected glasses and these are just stunning in the copper shade too. They'd be perfect for my summer holiday!

3./Longchamp Jeremy Scott Travel bag L

I love Longchamp bags and already have the Le Pliage Tote Bag which is the best handbag I've had. It's so spacious and is great for everyday use. Therefore, when I saw this Jeremy Scott Travel bag on the Longchamp website, I knew it would be perfect for my holiday. I think it would be great to chuck beach towels in and other essentials that are needed when away. Plus, I love the unique design - it's super cute for summer.

4./Birkenstock Arizona Two Strap Sandals Black

I've wanted a pair of Birkenstocks for as long as I can remember. They look so super comfy and look ideal to throw on before heading out exploring / heading to the beach. I like to explore the local area whilst away and simple flip flops aren't always very sturdy, so these Birkenstocks would be perfect. 

5./Sunnylife Inflatable Watermelon

I'm absolutely loving these really quirky inflatables at the moment, they seem so much fun! This Watermelon one on ASOS looks perfect for lounging around on in the pool. Definitely on the pricey side for an inflatable, but you can't put a price on fun! 

6./PrettyLittleThing Bronze Sequin Swimsuit

Okay, this is probably the most impractical swimsuit I've ever seen, but it's also one of the prettiest. I'm pretty sure it would be really hot and not too sure how the sequins would look when wet, but you can't deny it's a beautiful swimsuit. 

7./ASOS Cotton Off Shoulder Sundress in Tropical Print

I really like this sundress. I'm all about light, airy dresses whilst away. I love being able to throw them on to head to the beach / out exploring as they cover you up without making you feel super hot. I hate clothes that cling to you when it's hot, so this dress looks like just the thing I'm after. 

8./Oasis Flossy Metallic Patch Clutch

When I'm away, I love going out for dinner and getting dressed up in pretty summer dresses and this bag seems like the perfect accessory. It's such a beautiful colour and I think it would go with a lot of my summer dresses. I don't like to take too much out with me, so this would be ideal for my phone, keys and money etc. 

There's my summer holiday wishlist. Definitely some pricier options, but you've got to aim high right? What's on your summer holiday wishlist? I'd love to know.

(this is a paid for post, but all views are my own)

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

*DISCLAIMER this post contains NO SPOILERS*

Harry Potter was a huge part of my childhood. I read all the books (twice!) and have seen the films more times than I care to count. Also, I've been to the Harry Potter studios, which you can read all about here! When J.K Rowling published the last book, I was really sad as there would be no more Harry Potter stories for me to get lost in. However, at least the films were still ongoing, but then they finished and I thought there'd never be anything new for me to enjoy from the world of Harry Potter, but I was wrong.

When Harry Potter and the Cursed Child first hit the headlines, I couldn't quite believe it - a sequel to Harry Potter?! However, it seemed impossible to get tickets and I remember thinking that it was only going to be on for a short amount of time, so resigned myself to the fact that I'd never go. Anyway, much to my delight, they released more tickets in the summer of 2016. One morning, my colleagues and I all sat anxiously waiting for the tickets to go on sale. Once they did, I remember I was stuck in a queue of about 50,000 people, I had no chance! Luckily, one of my colleagues got through and I was able to get tickets, but not until June 2017 which seemed so far away!

However, the next thing I knew, it was 10th June 2017 and we were finally off to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. For those who don't know, it's essentially two plays - it's split into two parts and you buy tickets for both. We saw the first part as the matinee and then the second part as the evening performance. Going into the show, I had no idea of the story. Part of me had purposefully avoided any spoilers, but also there's a massive secrecy surrounding the play with their tagline #keepthesecrets, on badges and the tickets. That's part of the reason why I started my post with the disclaimer of no spoilers, because I really believe everyone should be able to go in and enjoy it without having any idea what's going to happen.

What I will say though, is that it's an amazing show! Whilst I was super excited to finally see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, part of me was unsure how much I'd enjoy spending a whole day in the theatre. Don't get me wrong I love seeing shows, but I'm easily distracted! However, I needn't have worried as the time went crazily quickly. The story picks up from the last chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and then moves swiftly into a new story line. Without giving anything away, the production of this show is outstanding, it genuinely looks like magic is being performed in front of your very eyes, I couldn't get over it! The acting was also incredible. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to believe the characters, having seen the film actors portray them for so long, but their acting instantly drew me in. I genuinely think it's the best play I've ever seen. It was so gripping and I felt fully immersed in the world of Harry Potter again, something which I truly love.

I know they've recently released more tickets, but I think they've sold out too. If you ever have the chance to see this play, you HAVE to go! I genuinely can't recommend it enough, it's simply amazing! 

Have you seen Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? I'd love to know your thoughts!

Dr Botanicals Cleanse & Tone | Review

I recently tried and reviewed the Dr Botanicals Advanced Anti-Oxidant Superfood Facial Oil and absolutely loved it, so I was really excited when I was given the chance to try their Cleanse & Tone Cleanser. For those who don't know, Dr Botanicals is a cruelty free, vegan brand who only use natural ingredients. For me this is becoming increasingly important when I'm thinking about what products to apply to my skin, so I'm always on the lookout for ethical brands to incorporate into my skincare routine.

Having removed my make up in the evening, I then cleanse my face. I must admit, I'm not very good at using a toner because I'm a little lazy when it comes to skincare and as I'm often really tired just before bed, I like to use as few steps as possible in my skincare routine. Therefore, the Cleanse & Tone Cleanser from Dr Botanicals is absolutely perfect for me as it combines two steps into one!

What do I think of the Dr Botanicals Cleanse & Tone Cleanser?

So far, I've been really impressed. I've been using it daily for a couple of weeks and have really noticed how healthy my skin is looking. It's infused with essential oils and Elderflower extract to restore the PH balance in your skin, helping to prevent oiliness or dryness. Also, it heals and smooths inflamed, irritated skin, whilst wiping away dirt and impurities for fresh and hydrated skin. The pump makes it super easy to apply and it's a cream cleanser which is definitely my favourite type of cleanser. It's not heavily scented which I like as I'm not a massive fan of putting really fragrant cleansers on my face (it makes me worried about the ingredients inside!) This has quickly become part of my daily skincare routine and I've found myself reaching for this way more than other cleansers I own. Once I've removed my make up, I apply this onto my damp face massaging it in, in a circular motion before rinsing it off and then applying my Dr Botanicals Advanced Anti-Oxidant Superfood Facial Oil.

The Dr Botanicals Cleanse & Tone Cleanser feels so light and refreshing to apply to my skin and always leaves my skin feeling really fresh and clean. I haven't experienced any breakouts since using it and have really noticed how healthy my skin looks. I love how radiant Dr Botanicals products leave my skin, you can really notice the difference when using natural products.

As with all their products, the Dr Botanicals Cleanse & Tone Cleanser is a little on the pricey side and is priced at £64.90. However, they've very kindly given me a discount code for all my readers. You just need to enter 'BLONDEBLOG at the checkout and you can get the Cleanse & Tone product for just £19.99! This is such an amazing offer and I really think you get a lot for your money with this cleanser, I'm 100% going to stock up on it because I've really fallen in love with it. However, you need to be quick as the code is only valid until the end of June!

Have you tried the Dr Botanicals Cleanse & Tone Cleanser? I'd love to know your thoughts! 

Bondi Sands | Review

As a very fair, pale, blonde girl I barely tan. Going on holiday once a year gives me a touch of colour, but nothing more. Therefore, you’d think I’d be super knowledgeable about fake tan in an attempt to add some colour to my skin, but you’d be wrong. Until a couple of months ago, I’d never bought fake tan. A couple of times, I’d stood staring aimlessly at the fake tan shelves hoping that I’d somehow know which one to buy or which one would be most suitable for my skin, but unfortunately, I remained clueless. However, this year I’m not going away until later in the year so knew I couldn’t go through the whole of summer without a tan, so thought it was time to invest in some fake tan. I asked my lovely Twitter followers for some advice on the best brands and products and Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam came out top.

As a fake tanning newbie, I didn’t want to spend a fortune on any product in case it all went wrong and I ended up wasting all my money, therefore at £14.99 Bondi Sands sounded like the best brand for me to try. Even after I’d bought it, I waited a good few weeks before I first used it as I was still so scared. Again, I reached out on Twitter for everyone’s hints and tips and eventually plucked up the courage to fake tan for the very first time.

What did I think of Bondi Sands Tanning Foam?

Application

It’s super easy to apply. I use a mitt and just rub it into my skin in a circular motion like I do a moisturiser and it goes into my skin really well. Every time I’ve used it, I’ve made sure I’ve exfoliated my skin beforehand which makes the application much easier.

Fragrance

Fake Tan is renowned for not having the best of fragrances and this was something that I'd prepared myself for. However, the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam has a really nice coconut scent to it when you apply it, which always gets me in the mood for summer. Having said that, I do find once it's drying it doesn't hold the coconut scent and instead changes to that more 'biscuity' scent that fake tan is known for, which isn't the best.  

Longevity

Bondi Sands recommend that you leave the tan on for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of six hours before washing off. I must admit, that due to the smell and the unfamiliarity with wearing fake tan, I haven't been able to wear it for more than an hour, instead choosing to wash it off after an hour. Despite this, I've seen really good results. As we're not quite in the height of summer, I didn't want a full on tan, instead I just wanted a hint of colour to take the edge off of my super pale skin. I found that leaving the tan on for an hour and then washing it off, provided me with the glow I was after. Not only that, but it lasted a good few days and faded evenly which meant I didn't have to stand in the shower scrubbing it off. The longer you leave it, the darker the tan is and I think this would definitely last longer too, so I'm excited to try that once we hit the peak of summer.

Price

As I already mentioned, the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is only £14.99, which is such a good price! Admittedly, there are cheaper brands out there, but I'm always a little worried about how good the quality is. Also, there are many other brands that are a lot more expensive and whilst I've never tried another brand, I do think Bondi Sands is really good value for money.

Would I recommend Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam?

Yes, definitely! Whilst I have nothing else to compare it to, I do think it is a really good fake tan. If I can I use it successfully and I'm clueless when it comes to fake tan, then anyone can use it!

Have you tried Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam? I'd love to know your thoughts! Also if you want to share any fake tanning tips with me, I'd love to hear them, I'm still really new to this world!

Thanks Dad

With Father’s Day fast approaching, I always reflect on the good times I’ve had with my Dad. I’m very lucky because my parents are still together and I grew up in a very loving environment. My Dad has always been very supportive of all the decisions I’ve made and helped support me through university, which without him, I would have found very hard to do. I was recently contacted by the Car People who as part of their 'Thanks Dad' campaign are encouraging people to reflect on their favourite car journey with their Dad. Whilst I’ve had many car journeys with my Dad over the years, I think the trips to and from university are some of the most memorable.

Dad drove me to university on my very first day and picked my up on my very last (with many trips in between!) Going to university in Norwich meant it was about a 2.5-3 hour journey back home to London, which I did countless times over my 3 years at university. However, there’s one car journey that particularly stands out in my mind and is most definitely my favourite journey we shared together.

It was the end of the first term of my second year at university and my Mum was turning 50 on 13^th December, which was just before term ended. I’d apologised to my Mum that I wouldn’t be able to spend her actual birthday with her as I had my last week of lectures, but little did she know, behind her back, my Dad and I were planning her a surprise. I’d asked Dad if he wouldn’t mind taking the day off work to come and pick me up from university. I often got the train home, but as it was the end of term and I had about a month off, I had a lot of stuff to take with me! Anyway, he kindly agreed to come and pick me up, keeping it a surprise from Mum (he even briefed his secretary to tell my Mum he was in a meeting should she call!) He arrived to pick me up and it was so lovely to see him. I always missed my parents when I was at university, so it was lovely to be greeted by them at the end of term. Dad and I packed up the car and began our journey back to London. It was such a fun journey, we were chatting about how my term had gone and were both excited to see my Mum's reaction when we got home. Dad always put CDs on when we travelled home, often a new artist he’d discovered and wanted to share with me. I don’t think he realises how much I enjoyed those journeys with him. Once home, I rang the doorbell and to my Mum's utter surprise, there I stood. She was in complete shock and had no idea that Dad and I had been planning this for weeks. It was so lovely for my Dad and I to be in on a little secret that we knew Mum would love. I’ll never forget the look on her face, it was such a special moment, which without my Dad, I’d never have been able to do.

So thanks Dad. I don’t think I tell you often enough how much you mean to me and how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for me over the years. Happy Father’s day, you deserve nothing but the best.

What’s your favourite car journey with your dad? I’d love to know!