Bronzers For Pale Skin

I know, I know. If you've stumbled upon this post and you've got pale skin, you'll probably think I'm mad. But give me a chance... Trust me, I'm not completely. I used to never think that I'd be able to wear a bronzer. I mean I'll never be able to wear SOME bronzers, but that doesn't mean that all of them out there are off limits... just a lot of them might be. I've tried and tested a lot, and have narrowed down the ones worth mentioning. 

If you're looking for more of a contour, which honestly I'd probably suggest a bit more on pale skin. I think it's easier to get away with instead of sweeping a sun kissed glow across your face that well, really isn't very you. My go-to contour powder is the Rodial Instagram Compact Deluxe Contouring Powder*. I've been using this for such a long time and I can imagine that it'll be a staple in my makeup routine for a long time. It's the perfect ashy tone for pale skin and I just can't get enough. 

If you're after something a little bit warmer, and a little bit friendlier on the pockets then the Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Powders* are a great option. These are far cheaper than the Rodial option and come with a gorgeous, yet subtle highlight in there too with a nifty compartment underneath that includes a brush and mirror. I wouldn't take too much notice of light or dark as there isn't that much difference in them. Just go with the shade tone that you think is right for you. If it's a little dark, just use less and vice versa. 

Finally for contouring, probably the most daunting in the pan out of the bunch for us pale skin gals, but trust me it's worth giving a go. I'm talking about the Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Palette*. Don't worry too much about the one in the picture, this is completely the wrong shade for me, but I wanted to give it a go anyway to see if the quality was there - and it very much is. The palette includes everything you need to contour your face in four easy steps. It includes a matte highlight, a matte contour, a shimmer to highlight and a colour to use for blush. The cream formulas are stunning and I just need to get my hands on the lightest shade... Please and thank you. 

If you do want to give a bronzer a go, the Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer in Milk Chocolate* is a great place to start. Not only does this matte bronzer smell incredible (of chocolate, of course) it applies beautifully to the skin leaving a beautiful yet subtle colour. It can build up though, so do make sure you don't apply too much. 

If you want to add a bit of colour still to your skin, then you can do so through using a coloured highlight. I love the Illamasqua Gleam in Supernatural*. This is a warm bronze coloured highlight and it works perfectly against pale skin for this purpose. It's a lightweight cream that looks stunning when it hits the light. I use this for a much more subtle wash of bronze against my pale skin tone. 

As the sun is starting to show it's face again, I'm starting to get a craving for adding a bit more of a bronzed look to my skin. What are your go-to bronzers? 

Lorna x

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Bleached Hair SOS

After getting my hair done recently (I got a balayage at Rush Salon), I needed some serious help on the hair hydration front, to make sure my hair doesn't go into that post-hair-dye-slump and to keep it in tip top condition. It can be incredibly hard to find the products that actually work and will actually add that hydration and condition back into your hair, so I've tested out a few and rounded up the best into a little routine to get our bleached hair back on track. 

When washing my hair, I like to alternate between a couple of different shampoo and conditioners. I've got a little basked that I keep all of my 'to-use' bathroom products in and I very much make use of that when it comes to washing my hair. I firstly use the Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes Shampoo and Conditioner*. This pairing helps to combat any brassy or yellow tones that you may be left with in your hair through the purple shampoo. It also leaves hair super clean and shiny, while it protects the colouring of your hair from any UV damage that it may come across. I've fallen a little bit in love with this range and this is my current go-to purple shampoo. If I'm not washing and conditioning my hair with these two hair products, then I've been using the 100 Acres Shampoo and Conditioner*. I have to hold my hands up and say that this one is a little bit down to the packaging, but also because they leave my hair feeling squeaky clean (but not too much to the point that it dries my hair out) and smelling fantastic. The shampoo is filled with a Sage and Lemon scent and the conditioner is filled with a Rose Geranium and Clove scent and they just work beautifully together leaving an incredible scent on the hair. 

To add hydration - the Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Leave-In Conditioner* is perfect. It is a hydrating leave-in gel cream conditioner that you apply to damp hair before drying. It's super hydrating and really makes a difference. To add more hydration, then my go-to hair oil is the Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes Golden Girl Oil*. This hydrates my hair like I've never felt before. Just pop a bit through the lengths of your hair and dry as normal and you will be blown away too! It's incredible and I use this every time I wash. Finally, if you're still wanting to combat any brassy tones and add that extra bit of hydration then I would recommend giving the Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes Tone Correcting Conditioning Spray* a go. The beautiful shimmery purple liquid looks beautiful inside the bottle and it really does make a difference to your hair. It helps to neutralise the brassiness, strengthen the hair, hydrate and moisten the hair while conditioning and toning the hair. It's a do-it-all product, perfect for those with bleached hair and I can't quite recommend it enough. Just spritz over your hair before you blow dry and dry as usual. 

I love adding products to help my bleached hair into my hair care routine. What do you use on yours?

Lorna x

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From Brow to Wow: Benefit Brows and Budget Dupe

I remember the day I realised that filling in your brows made such a difference. I got my hands on the HD Brows Kit from a subscription box like Glossybox or something similar and honestly I haven't looked back since. I used to always use a powder to fill my brows in, but now I have to say I'm a whole lot more open to what I use and generally use a bit of everything. 

Everyone is always talking about the brow products from Benefit, but for some reason I hadn't ever given them a go but all I can say is that I'm insanely thankful that these beauties have now come back into my life. It's blown my mind just a little bit! I got my hands on the Benefit Brow Zings Eye Brow Shaping Kit* in Medium and the Benefit Gimme Brow* in Medium/Dark and I feel as though it's changed my life a little bit. They are now my go-to brow products, and I didn't really think anything would take over from my previous favourites, but Benefit have blooming only gone and done it haven't they! 

If you've got a little bit of time to spare and want to perfect the brows you've seen consistently when scrolling Benefit's Instagram feed then you'll want to start with the Benefit Brow Zings kit. This is your go-to-does-a-bit-of-everything kit. Inside you'll find a tinted wax, a coloured setting powder, and two brushes to apply with alongside a pair of mini tweezers all inside a cute compact with mirror included. Start by applying the wax to keep your brows in place and add a bit of colour. This shade is more on the ashy side so it works really well for me. Next up, finish filling the brows in using the setting powder. I have to admit though, I don't use too much of this as it's a little too warm toned for me but it does the job and you can't really notice. Then I'll finish up by applying the Benefit Gimme Brow. This is the absolute stand out product for me and finishes filling in the brows and really making sure that they don't budge. The colour of this is the perfect ashy tone for me and I'm a little bit obsessed. It's got the smallest brush which makes application really easy. I've tried others of these in the past but the brushes have always been bigger and far too similar to a mascara brush and so the colour always gets everywhere - but this one's completely different and it just works incredibly. 

If you're short of time and are in a rush but still want to add a little something' something' to your brows then I'd recommend just popping a bit of the Benefit Gimme Brow on. This does the job and is perfect for an every day brow look, but for a power brow I'd recommend using both. 

If these are both a little out of your budget though, then I've found a dupe! The Barry M Brow Kit* is super similar featuring both wax and powder and does the job in a very similar way. I do have to say the Benefit product pips Barry M to the post just slightly, but this is a great budget friendly option or just a back up to have in your stash. 

What are your current favourite brow products?

Lorna x

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Makeup To Hydrate Your Skin

If you've got dry skin, you will know what a pain it'll be to find the right makeup to sit on your skin. You might have dry and dehydrated skin like me most of the time, or you may be finding the transition of the start of this change in weather to be causing a bit of havoc on your skin. Whatever your issue - these are my current go-to makeup products to keep my skin hydrated and I just can't get enough. 

First up, if I know I'll be applying a foundation - or if my skin is feeling that extra bit dry then I will always use the Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer. This is the only primer for me, and it's been a favourite of mine for years - and that really is saying something. I remember spying this at a Debenhams press day before it was released thinking it looked strange and never expecting to like it or if I'm honest, probably even try it. But after reading up on it, I just knew, even back then that I had to give it a go as my dry skin would thank me for it - and it has done ever since.

Onto foundation, and as much as I'd recommend using them with the Hydra Veil Primer these are the ones that I'd say you could just about get away with going without. The Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation* in Ivory is beautiful. This gives a little more coverage than I'm used to, but when applied alongside my beloved primer it lasts such a long time - I just can't quite get enough. I've never seen a liquid foundation in a tub, so I have to say I was a little sceptical of this one when it first arrived in my stash but I'm really glad that it did. The KIKO Glacial Light Soft Sifter Liquid Foundation* in 01 is so lovely. It's a water based foundation that brightens, hydrates and evens complexion. It gives a light finish but that's why I like it so much. I'm not usually much of a foundation kind of gal, and this helps me along the way with that. If you need a bit extra hydration however, the DHC Q10 Moisture Care Liquid Foundation* in 00 is the one you have to try. Before this, I would never have looked towards DHC for makeup but I'm glad I did. This foundation is the most hydrating out of the bunch. It gives great coverage and leaves a super glowy and dewy finish and I'm a little bit obsessed. If the finish is a little too much, just blot it out with a bit of powder and you'll be good to go. 

If I don't opt for foundation though, my go-to concealer is the Rimmel Match Perfection Illuminating Concealer* in Ivory and truly I can't get enough of this. I go through tubes and tubes of this stuff but as it's so budget friendly I just don't care. Plus the product blows my mind so I really would pay a bit more. If you don't find that you need too much coverage and like quite a natural finish then this concealer works incredibly. If you do however always still like to wear a foundation, then this concealed works beautifully with that as well. This is my go-to-can't-live-without beauty product as it just works so incredibly well. The finish is great, it's buildable and so the coverage is too and for me the colour match is just perfect. 

To add a bit of colour to your lips and cheeks, the new Maybelline Baby Lips Balm and Blush* are ideal. These multi-use products might not be incredible for staying powder, but for that the hydration makes up for it. The application is incredibly easy and it blends in really well, just make sure you put it in your bag to reapply later. My picks of the shade range are 107 and 157 as they add a lovely pop of colour. If you're more of a lipstick kind of gal though, then I'd recommend the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipsticks*. I mentioned both of these Maybelline beauties in my 'Your Lips But Better Colours' post and I'm mentioning them again because they're very much worth it. 

What are your go-to makeup products for hydrating your dry or dehydrated skin?

Lorna x

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The Starter Kit: Fake Eye Lashes

I never quite thought the day would come when I wrote a blog post about false eye lashes. I think the memories of getting my eyes stuck together by the eye lash glue when I used to try them out with my friends when I was a bit younger have stuck with me, and for that, and a few other reasons I never really gave them ago again. 

That was until recently.  I don't know what came over me but I gave them a go again, and a little something inside me got that excitement and I'm now quite the fan. Now I'm not saying that I wear them every time I do my makeup, in fact, I'm not even saying I wear them every time I go on a night out, but on occasion when I have a little bit of extra time to get ready or when I want to add a little bit more to my makeup look then I'll pop a pair on. 

My favourites, still to this day are the Eylure Naturals, especially in No. 20. I mean I can't say that I've tried many, but these are the natural lashes that inspired me to give lashes another go and I'm extremely thankful for that. Now they are extremely natural, and if like me you just can't get behind massive and exaggerated lashes, then they are a great place to start. These can be used for every day, or just adding a little bit extra to a smokey eye. A great stepping stone into the world of false lashes and also something in my beauty collection that I just can't see going anywhere for a long while. 

After falling in love with the lashes from Eylure, I decided to venture out and give another few a go. Threads are some of the most beautiful quality lashes that I've tried and I think you can even tell from the picture. Threads lashes are all handmade with a super flexible lash band but do you know what I noticed the most about these? How light they were! The Threads Vavavoom Lashes* and Be-bop Lashes* are my favourites and I'd really recommend giving them a go if you're a lash fan or are looking into getting into them a little bit more like me. They are natural, but add a little bit extra than the Eylure Naturals do. I love them! 

What are your favourite Natural eyelashes? 

Lorna x

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House of Fraser Beauty Event Picks

I'm always hunting for discount on beauty products that I want to buy as its something that doesn't come around that often. It's usually 10% maximum and that's generally a rarity. I always seem to find the discount are on the products that aren't on my list, but that's probably just sods law. 

House of Fraser are running £10 off when you spend £50 or more on beauty including one of their favourites - and don't worry, their favourites are blooming fantastic and something I can imagine you'd be wanting to purchase anyway. 

Which products are featured in the discount offer? Here's the list: 

1. Benefit Exclusive Cheekathon Blush Kit, £44.50
2. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer, £29.50
3. Lancôme Hypnose Mascara, £23
4. Clinique Smart Treatment Oil, £38
5. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £37
6. Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lip, £21.50
7. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+Pump, £30
8. Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream, £22
9. Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate, £36
10. Estee Lauder Revitalising Supreme, £62
11. Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream SPF 20, £42
12. Lancôme Advance Genifique, £59
13. NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Foundation, £30
14. Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, £108
15. Lancôme Juicy Shaker, £18.50
16. Kiehl’s Turmeric And Cranberry Seed Energising Mask, £28
17. NARS Blusher, £23
18. Clarins Double Serum, £69
19. Yves Saint Lauren Le Teint Touché Éclat Foundation, £32.50

20. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, £33
21. Clarins Super Restorative Eye Concentrate, £54
22. Benefit They’re Real Mascara, £19.50
23. Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil Free Photo Finish Foundation, £35 

24. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, £30
25. Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick, £29.50
26. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, £70
27. Yves Saint Laurent Touché Éclat, £25
28. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, £39
29. Estee Lauder New Dimension Pump & Fill Lip, £29
30. Urban Decay Naked Palette, £38.50

I mean it's quite a hefty list and if I'm honest, it looks fairly similar to my current wish list. From the list and from what I'd try, I would of course recommend the Urban Decay Naked Palettes. All of them are on the offer and honestly it's so hard for me to pick which is my favourite. I'd probably have to say the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette* is my favourite though. It's very much the one I pick up the most! The Clinique Smart Treatment Oil and Lancôme Advance Genifique* are skincare staples that are very much a must try and if you're looking for a new mask to add to your collection the Kiehl’s Turmeric And Cranberry Seed Energising Mask* is a great option. I've had a couple of my friends give this a go and they've loved it and really noticed a difference, though I would say that if you have sometimes super sensitive skin like me, give it a miss, I had a bit of a reaction - eek! The Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick is a great throw in your bag to top up your makeup kind of product. It does a bit of everything and is a great option to touch up your base and the Lancôme Juicy Shaker* are the most perfect every day hydrating lip colour. If you're looking for a new super luxurious foundation, then I'd 100% recommend the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation*. This foundation feels incredible against the skin, not quite like anything else I've tried. It's super lightweight and lasts really well. 

There are so many products on the list that I'm eyeing up. I'm thinking the Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream and the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair may have to be coming home with me pretty soon... 

The offer ends on the 3rd of April so... Ready, steady, shop!

What's on your House of Fraser Beauty Event wish list?

Lorna x

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A Budget Brush Cleanser

A budget brush cleanser can be extremely hard to come by. In fact, I've been using Johnsons Baby Shampoo for as long as I can remember, but with this new contender entering my life (and my beauty stash) it's been taken down a shelf or two as this new favourite has arrived. I rarely talk about one product on it's own on Studs and Dreams anymore, so if I do, you can just know that it's really blooming good. 

The Lottie London Soap Star Brush Cleanser* is hopefully a step in the right direction in the world of brush cleaning. I don't think people are informed enough that it's something that needs to be done. Unless you're into reading beauty blogs or watching beauty YouTube videos then I can see why it's something that can slip past your knowledge. But with Lottie London's makeup brush cleaner release available in Superdrug for under £7, you just can't say no to giving it a go. 

Cleaning your makeup brushes can be such a slog, and I think I can talk for any girl on the planet when I say I am QUEEN at putting it off. I end up with sore hands (from all of the swishing) and a lot less time left from my day. Don't even get me started on the wait for the brushes to dry... This product makes this process a little bit easier and I'm blooming thankful for that. You just wet the brush, swish it around the soap (filled with shea butter) in the casing and rinse, repeat if necessary. Your brushes are left feeling clean, super soft - and the best bit? Prune hands are no more! 

Give this budget beauty a go and hopefully it'll make the process of cleansing our brushes a whole lot less of a difficulty... 

FYI - the brush in the picture is the incredible KIKO Artist Foundation Brush* from their new range. I very much recommend it also!

Lorna x

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Lipstick: Your Lips But Better Colours

Nude lipsticks is something I usually buy a tonne of, but steer clear of because I just can never quite find one that suits me. The hunt is over now however as I've managed to narrow down, some of the best 'my lips but better colours' that actually blooming suit me! The wait is finally over. 

Okay, so my picks aren't just lipsticks. I mean it's the 21st century - who just wears lipstick anymore anyway? Lip liner is the most talked about - your lips but better go-to and I think you may have guessed this one already. The infamous Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk* is perfect for starting this round up. It's a perfect nude for lining your lips, filling them in and adding a little extra if needed. Go the whole hog, and just leave it there. No need for a lipstick or gloss as this beauty has incredible staying power all on its own. 

If you are into adding a little extra and going for a lipstick. For a beautiful, budget friendly lipstick that hydrates the lips with a beautiful colour pay off, the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in 207* is the one for you. If you're looking for something a little more sheer, with slightly easier application and still as friendly on the pockets, then the Bourjois Colour Boost Lipstick in 07 Proudly Naked* is most definitely going to be your new favourite and your new go-to 'throw in your handbag' lipstick. If you're after something that verges slightly away from the usual 'your lips but better' shade and slightly more towards the brown end of the spectrum and the Illamasqua Lipstick in Buff* is a new favourite of mine. I didn't think my pale skin would be able to hack a brown lippie, but after seeing them sported on so many of my favourite people, I just had to give one a go. This has changed my life and gives any look a bit of an edge and I love that. 

Im obsessed with liquid lipsticks, and the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks are some of my absolute favourites. The pigmentation, easy application and shade range blows my mind and so I just couldn't miss the Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Nude* out. It's very much a nude and very much slightly veers away from the usual 'my lips but better colour' but it's super close that I just had to include it. 

If you're opting for a 'your lips but better colour' out of ease however then I'd recommend going for a lip balm. The Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Honey Nectar is perfect for this. It's hydrating with a sheer wash of colour that finishes off your look, helping you look a little more 'done'. The same can be said for the Maybelline Baby Lips Balm & Blush in 06 Shimmer Bronze*. The application of this blows my mind. It along with the other shades in the range are my go-to lip products for when I'm rushing out of the door. Re-application is most definitely needed multiple times through the day but that's okay as you will reap the benefits from it. 

I have to admit though, I've saved my favourite for last. The Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 07 Toffee Pink Shimmer most definitely wins... This is my grab and go lip product for when I'm not sure what to put on, it's also great if you've not got a lot of time for application, or if you don't want too much there. It gives a sheer wash of colour, leaves your lips looking and feeling hydrated and the applicator is just great. I've had these on my beauty shopping list for as long as I can remember but for some reason they have never made it into my beauty stash until now. I've got 07 and 08, now just let me add the rest of the shades in the range to my collection and I'll be happy... 

If you want a sheer wash of colour or something a little longer lasting. I've rounded up my go-to natural lipstick shades for your, but I want to know what's your favourites? 

Lorna x

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Night Time Essentials

I always find it a little bit harder to get to sleep at this time of year. I'm not too sure what it is, maybe it's the light, maybe it's the temperature, I don't know, but what I do like to make sure is that I'm fully kitted out with pamper products that will one, help me sleep and two, make the most of my night and utilise the time and give my skin a little kick up the backside and nudge it in the right direction. 

To help me sleep, I use the Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Linen Spray*. This product scents my bedding with the uber relaxing scent of Lavender and it just helps me to rest that little bit easier. In fact, I've also got the Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Hand Wash* in my bathroom for the same reason. I like my pamper times to feel relaxing and when I'm in the bathroom this does just that. Before I get into bed though, I love having a peppermint tea. I'm not much of a tea drinker anymore, in fact I barely drink any caffeine at all as it just seems to cause too much havoc so I like to treat myself to a peppermint tea when I do fancy something a little hotter to drink. My go-to mint tea at the moment is the Voya Peppermint Pleasure Tea*. It's a little more on the expensive side but I can really notice the difference - and I find that because I don't drink tea that often, I can just about justify the spend. It's natural and organic, and it also is filled with Seaweed which of course gives so many more benefits than just a normal mint tea. If you have problems with digestion then I'd definitely recommend giving this a go. Plus it tastes delicious!

This time of year also can play havoc with my skin. I like to have a few go-to skincare products that will push my skin in the right direction and give me that little pamper overnight that my skin so desperately needs. If I'm having an issue with blemishes, then the Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel* is great. This overnight treatment helps clear breakouts while minimising the potential for future breakouts. I've heard that this works wonders for acne-prone skin! As I'm super lucky with my skin however and only breakout sometimes, I use this in a far more targeted way. I'll apply directly to any affected areas and then cleanse my skin etc. as normal in the morning. If you do find out that you break out a bit more, then this can also be used over the entirety of your skin. 

If my skin is lacking moisture, then lately I have been loving the Argan+ Moroccan Rose Night Time Facial Oil*. This a great budget beauty that helps to hydrate my skin overnight, leaving it super fresh and awake looking in the morning. 

If my skin is looking a bit dull and lack lustre, which is pretty often at the moment, then I've got a few products that I've been loving. First up is another budget favourite and it's the Sanctuary Spa Beauty Sleep Face Mask*. I love the purple in the packaging for this. The product works to hydrate and brighten skin over night, and with no need to remove in the morning, this one is great if you're short of time (or just like those extra 5 minutes in bed in the morning). This Works is very much known for its products that help you sleep, but the This Works Sleep Plus Trouble Shooter* was a really lovely addition to my bed-time skincare essentials. This beauty works help you look as though you've had a lot more sleep than you may actually have had. It plumps, brightens and rejuvenates skin leaving it looking lovely in the morning. If you find you wake up with an uneven skin tone in the morning, this is a really great one to give a go. The Kiehls Over Night Biological Peel Skin Treatment* is for sure my go to in emergencies. This gives my skin back its life and I love that about it. You apply in the same way as the other products, before you go to bed and then remove it in the morning when cleansing. The packaging is my favourite though - it looks beautiful on your dressing table and really looks like it's going to do something... Which I can confirm, it very much does. 

My last couple of steps before going to bed, is always applying a hydrating hand cream. I've got a lot in my stash but my favourite at the moment is the Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado Hand Therapy*. This is super hydrating (as you can imagine it would be with Avocado) and it sinks in beautifully before I hit the hay. If I've been feeling super stressed, then I'll either rope the boyf into giving me a massage with the Aveda Stress Fix Composition Oil*, or I'll just rub it into my skin for hydration. This is an all round great oil as it does a little bit of everything. If I had a bath, I'd pop a bit of this in before bed-time too as the aroma and benefits are just incredible. 

I love trying out and adding new products to my before-bedtime-regime. What are your go-to products? 

Lorna x

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My New Balayage Hair

Remember back in the day where I wrote this post about having my hair dyed balayage and ombre by the incredible Dario at the Mowgli Salon? It was the first time I'd ventured out of my bedroom to inevitably get my hair done by a professional, and for the first time ever - I blooming loved it. Now that was about a year ago, and I have something to admit... That was the last time I visited a salon to get my hair cut. Oops, I know but from past experiences and quite liking letting my hair grow, it just kind of happened that way and of course, there's only Dario who I can put my faith in to take over the reigns and let him do my hair. He's a blooming genius and he just knows what to do. 

He's moved over to the Rush Hair Salon in Sutton* and I just had to take a trip there to see what he was getting up to now (and more so, to let this genius loose on my hair again). I wanted the same thing as last time, but as usual, I just let Dario loose and to do what he thought would be best. You can trust him, he really does know what he's doing!  

I went for a blonde balayage and a bit of a trim. An ashy toner was put on top to counteract any brassy tones (this can also be kept up when you're at home with a silver or purple shampoo. I've been using the Pro:Voke Touch Of Silver Brightening Shampoo and it's brilliant. It's super affordable - only around £3 - and it lasts for a super long time as I wouldn't recommend using it every time you wash your hair).

We finished off the look with some loose curls - my go-to hair style and my favourite hairstyle for Balayage hair. It just makes the blonde and brunette contrast look incredible. I love it! 

Balayage and ombre has been my go-to hair colour for years and years now and it genuinely just feels like me and I'm super thankful for Dario for helping me get there. I know I've said it before, but this guy really does know his stuff. Just ask for Dario when booking at Rush Hair Salon in Sutton and you'll get to see what this genius can really do. 

Lorna x

*My hair was done free of charge in exchange for this review, but I really mean what I say and I do genuinely just trust Dario with my hair!

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Mother's Day with Next

Mother's Day is super special and I always try and make an effort to do something on it for my Mum. Unfortunately this year, I can't be with mine as I've got to sort house things out but I'm going to do something when I see her next as I don't think it's something that should be missed or ignored. We of course should show our Mum's that we care all year round, but I think it's lovely that there's a day just for them and so when Next contacted me asking if I'd like to work with them on their #StyleMyMum campaign I jumped at the chance. My Mum is such a fan of Next so I just knew she would love the idea - even if she does usually steer clear of photographs. 

We chose our outfits and I popped home last weekend for us to try them on, and spend some time with her before our belated Mother's Day (which Mum, we will be having... I know you'll be reading this!). Pictured above are our outfits. My mum went for the Navy Peacoat, Navy Ditsy Grandad Shirt, Navy Premium Slouch Trousers, Black Leather Premium Feature Heel Boots and the Navy Weave Tote Bag. She has always been a fan of the colour Navy, as you can probably tell and all of these pieces make a great addition to her wardrobe. The boots though are to die for - I actually got the same in a different shade but I just need these too. The Brown Tortoise Shell Feature Heel is just stunning - I can't quite get over it. 

For my outfit, I wanted to go for something a little out of my comfort zone and not my usual black on black on black kind of vibe. So I gave myself the rule of no black and actually, I kind of fell in love with it. I went for the Neutral Trench Coat, Geo Blouse, Denim Leggings, Mink Suede Premium Leather Feature Heel Boots and the Grey Suede Bucket Bag. The trench coat just felt beautiful on, the material felt lovely to touch but the one thing I would say is wait until it's a little warmer to wear it. It's blooming freezing right now, and this is the perfect coat for that transitional period between winter and spring and on from there... It is England after all and the weather is super temperamental and so this is a great piece to have in your wardrobe. The Denim Leggings were more like jeans which is actually why I went for them. If you're a fan of the Topshop Joni's then you'll probably like these. They are a great budget alternative and I love the shade - it's completely different from my usual Black Joni's but I love it! My favourite part of the outfit had to be the shoes though... I usually have this rule of only buying black shoes because in the past I've found that I just don't wear anything else but these Mink beauties are absolute game changers. They're super comfy too which is always a bonus in my book! 

We spent some time having a walk in the park in our outfits, before inevitably I got a bit too cold  and we had to pop home for a cuppa. When I go home to visit my parents, that's what I like to do anyway. Sit at home with a hot drink, some good food - I love to cook - and just have a good catch up as I don't actually get to see them as much as I might like anymore because of that whole thing of being a 'grown up' and having a job... Just that ol' malarkey, you know. I think it's just about spending time with them and enjoying that - and I was super excited that this campaign gave me an excuse to go and do that. So thanks for kitting my Mum and I out and giving us a chance to have a catch up - it was super special. 

Lorna x

*The clothes were provided by Next for the feature but as always my views are completely honest. 

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