Monthly Favourites - July '14

Hey everyone.

Did you know that it is less than five months now until Christmas?! I doubt I am the only one to feel that this year is flying by. As we step into what I like to think as the final month of summer, I bring you everything I have been loving throughout the past four weeks. 

Eco Tools make-up brushes

I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I am a make-up brush expert because I am far from it. Up until recently I applied most of my make-up with my fingers and had never stepped into the make-up brush/sponge territory but I wanted to change that. I didn't fancy spending a lot of money on my first set of brushes so instead of going for the obvious blogger/beauty guru favourites of the Real Techniques brushes, I opted for these Eco Tools ones. Not only are they cheaper, but they're made from natural and recycled materials! I only have the powder brush and the foundation brush but I'm eager to complete the set. They apply make-up well and the flat foundation brush gives a smoother finish than when I used my fingers. I can't compare them to other brushes as I haven't used any others, but I feel these do the job well!

Montagne Jeunesse Creamy Coconut face mask

As with the brushes, I had never really taken any notice of face masks until recently. I actually received this particular one at Christmas but decided to keep it for when I went on holiday. What else was I supposed to do with my free time in the evenings due to the lack of wifi? I automatically fell in love with it! Not only does it leave your face feeling smooth and refreshed but it smells AMAZING! I love anything coconut flavoured or scented so this was a winner for me.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

This cleansing water will put an end to all your make-up removing worries. Just apply some to a cotton pad, wipe and BOOM your make-up is gone. It works on your face, eyes and lips and no rinsing is required at all. Not only does it remove make-up but it also hydrates your face in the process and leaves you feeling refreshed. Did I also mention that you don't need to rub at your make-up either? No more red eyes as you try to remove that mascara.

Clinique Chubby Stick in Woppin' Watermelon

Recently I have gotten into the habit of buying magazines for their free gifts. This is both a good and a bad thing. The bad is that I now have a pile of magazines in my room that I don't really have the space for, the good is that I basically bought a make-up/beauty product for less than half the retail price and potentially found a new love like I did with this chubby stick from Clinique. I received this free with Glamour magazine which cost me £2 so I like to think that I bought a higher end lip product for that price. But back to the product itself. I know I'm a bit late to the game with these chubby sticks but I now see what all the fuss was about. Not only are they super moisturising but they also give your lip a bit of colour.

In The Flesh [TV series]

I don't usually watch a lot of TV and I'm not the biggest of fan of zombies but OH MY GOD THIS SHOW IS SO GOOD! In The Flesh aired its first season last year on BBC3 and the second season has only recently ended. I'm useless at summarising things so here's a short summary taken from popdesign: "Following his death four years ago, Kieran's family believed that they'd never see him again. After his funeral though, thousands of people who have passed away came back to life as zombies. Following months of rehabilitation and medication, they are gradually allowed to return to their homes." If you're into anything supernatural then you're guaranteed to love it!

[Photo credit to the BBC and Digital Spy]

Meridian Almond Butter

Sorry peanut butter, but I ain't got no time for you no more As I was on holiday earlier in the month, my parents kindly allowed me to choose a slightly more pricey nut butter and I have now officially left the peanut behind and have moved onto bigger and better things with the almond. It tastes good on toast, caramel Snack a Jack rice cakes, apple slices and celery sticks but it can also be used in loads of recipes!

Feel free to leave a comment below telling me what you've been loving over the past month or if you've been loving any of the same things as me! 

I'd also like to quickly mention that I'm currently selling a few things on Depop. Unfortunately I'm selling to UK only right now, but feel free to check it out.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

Sunkissed Summer Tag

Hey everyone.

I recently watched missglamorazzi's Sunkissed Summer Tag video and as I've always been a huge fan of the seasonal tag videos/posts I thought I might answer the questions myself. This tag was created by itsmelexie1 and you can watch Ingrid's (missglamorazzi) video HERE!

1) What is your go-to product for a sunkissed summer glow?

I've got to admit that I don't have many products that give me that 'sunkissed summer glow,' but I have been using the Rimmel London Natural Bronzer quite a lot since the start of the holidays.

2) What book do you recommend for a summer read?

I'm going to be the stereotypical teenage girl now and say any of the books by John Green. Especially some of his more underrated novels such as An Abundance of Katherines and Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Mr Green never fails to disappoint.

3) What's your signature summer scent this year?

I seem to be reaching for Taylor Swift's latest fragrance, Taylor, a lot. This perfume is a lot more sophisticated and grown up than her first two, but it isn't too grown up so that you end up smelling like a woman in her 40's. The staying power of this fragrance is also a lot stronger than the other two.

4) The sun is shining and it's time to get outside! What's your favourite thing to do?

I'm going to be boring and say that I really enjoy just taking a walk. I like to also take my camera with me and take pictures of any flowers I pass. Yes, I'm THAT person.

5) You're on the boardwalk and your stomach is grumbling. What's your go-to summer beach food?

I very rarely eat them, but I LOVE donuts. You know the ones I mean. The ones that are freshly made, still warm, covered in sugar and the smell of them is to die for.

6) Sunscreen is always important but it's a must in summer! What's your favourite? (face, body or both)

I don't have a particular favourite. I don't even own a bottle of suncream. I just use the stuff that the rest of my family use.

7) After a day in the summer sun and heat, what do you do to cool off?

Right now I am addicted to iced tea. I'm not a huge tea drinker, but oh my god, iced tea is just the best! I just take a herbal or fruit tea bag and put it in cold water instead of boiling, add some ice and BOOM you got yourself some iced tea without the added sugar in the shop bought stuff.

8) How do you wear your hair in the summer?

I'm really lazy when it comes to my hair. I'll either have it au natural  (down and wavy) or just tie it up in a ponytail.

9) Must have nail polish for summer 2014?

I bought this nail polish last summer but am obsessed with it again this year. Rimmel London's 60 Second nail polish in the colour Instyle Coral. I think it's just such a gorgeous summery shade and looks great on both fingernails and toenails.

10) Sometimes it just feels good to chill out and watch Netflix. What shows/movies do you recommend for summer?

Pretty Little Liars. Need I say more?

11) Do you wear foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturiser in the summer?

I usually just stick with my foundation. Either that or I'll just put on a bit of concealer and powder.

12) It's super bright outside! Do you reach for a hat or sunglasses?

Definitely sunglasses. I don't even think I own a hat...

13) What is your summer jam this year?

I am OBSESSED with Tonight (We Live Forever) by Union J. It's such a feel good song and makes me feel really summery. I am also in love with the whole Days Are Gone album by HAIM. Those girls kick some serious butt!

14) Do you have a summer bucket list? If so, share some things on that list.

I actually did start writing down a few things that I wanted to do this summer. Whether I actually do them is a different kettle of fish though. I really want to learn Japanese and ace the winged eyeliner look.

15) Bikini, tankini or one piece?

None. I don't really like the beach and I never go swimming.

16) Summer means heat...and sweat! What's your favourite sweatproof product this year?

Gotta love a bit of the ol' deodorant. Usually my deodorants are nothing spectacular but I recently got the Dove Go Fresh deodorant in the scent pomegranate and lemon verbena and it smells AMAZING!

17) Summer wouldn't be complete without a scoop (or two) of ice cream! If you could create your own flavour, what would it be?

Definitely chai tea latte flavour. Oh my god, that would be so good! This has to be a thing, okay. Or a cinnamon apple flavour.

And I now tag everyone that has read this post! I'd love to know what your favourite things are this summer so feel free to leave a comment below or if you write a blog or make videos then post a link and I'll check them out!

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Kawaii Monthly Review - July '14

Hello everyone.

You may or may not know that I have a slightly odd obsession with Japan. I don't know what it is about the country, but I love everything from the food, the culture and yes, even the anime. I desperately want to visit the country and experience it all for myself. However, while I wait (rather impatiently might I add) for that day to come I have subscribed to a monthly box that contains 5 items STRAIGHT FROM JAPAN in order to satisfy my obsessiveness and I thought I would share it with you guys.

As mentioned above, Kawaii Monthly is a monthly subscription box that is delivered straight to your door and contains five random items from Japan ranging from sweets, beauty products and officially licensed Sanrio and Rilakkuma products. The price is fairly reasonable for what you get each month at £12.60/$18.99 per month.

Earlier this week I received my third box and thought I would post my review on this months products.

Doraemon Leisure Sheet

Doraemon is a manga and anime series. I had heard of it before but haven't actually seen it. However, this mat is super practical especially for these warmer months. I can easily see it being used as a picnic blanket or a table cover. It was thinner than I expected it to be and I feel like it could rip a little too easily. It is waterproof though and the Doraemon icon itself is super cute!

Retro Japanese Sensu

This was by far my favourite product in this months box. This sensu, or a fan to us English speakers, has a beautiful Chrysanthemum design on it with a gorgeous detailing on the wood. I can't see myself using it for its proper purpose considering I live in the UK, but I am planning on using it as a decoration and hanging it on my wall. I like how Kawaii Monthly includes traditional Japanese items alongside the titled 'kawaii' items. 

Puchitto Kudamono Apple

I'm always up for trying new foods from different countries which is why I love how Kawaii Monthly always includes some sort of food product and this month did not disappoint. Not only is the packaging super cute but the sweets themselves are delicious. I'm sometimes a bit wary about Japanese candy as Japan is well known for it's odd flavours (yes, I'm looking at you Baked Potato flavoured Kit Kats), but these sweets were safe with an apple flavour. Both the scent and flavour itself were pretty strong and they reminded me a bit of the Maoam sweets, but with a slightly more foam texture. My mum, sister and brother tried them and they definitely approved! The packet is also resealable which is always beneficial.

Sanrio 3D Deco Stickers

I may be 18 years old and an adult now, but I still love childish things including stickers. So imagine how happy I was to find these in the box! Not only were they 3D but they were Hello Kitty who is my favourite Sanrio character. They are super cute, waterproof and include a velvet textured bow and jewelled heart which I think add a special touch to the stickers. I'm not sure where I'm going to stick them yet, maybe on my 3DS or a notebook or folder. On opening the stickers I discovered that you also received chewing gum with it. I tried a bit of it but it wasn't the best. The flavour was lost quickly and had an unpleasant after-taste.

Cocoon Massage Balls

The final item in the box definitely left me curious. These massage balls are 100% natural and are meant to cleanse your pores and moisturise your skin. Simply soak the cocoon balls in warm water for 5/10 minutes, wash your face, place the cocoon balls onto your fingers and stroke your face with them. I will admit it felt a little weird doing it, but it did leave my face feeling a little smoother. I'm guessing that in the long run you would notice more of a difference. This packet contains four of the cocoon balls and they can be used up to three times.

You can subscribe to Kawaii Monthly HERE!

If you enjoyed this post then I'd love for you to let me know by leaving a comment below. I also thought that I might make these review posts a monthly thing. Let me know if you're subscribed to this or a similar box and have reviewed any of the products. I'd love to read them!

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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An Introduction.

Hello everyone.

First and foremost I would like to thank you for clicking onto this post and taking a minute or two out of your day to read it. Even if only one person ever reads this, I am incredibly grateful towards that one person. This is my first ever blog post so I'm not promising anything spectacular, and in all honestly it's probably going to be a pile of dog poop. But alas, we all must start somewhere, right?

My name is Elijah, I'm 18 years old and I live in the west of Scotland. I am a college student and am starting a media and communications course after the summer. I drink too much coffee, sing off key and watch a shit ton of anime. For now that is all you need to know.

This blog will mostly focus on fashion and beauty (I will not lie and say that I am an expert in either of these things) but may also feature lifestyle posts and whatever else I feel like writing about. So I guess you could say that there isn't a specific category I would place this blog under.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

Picture credit to the amazing artist who I am unable to find a link to. Also credit to Studio Ghibli.

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