#Blogtember Day Fourteen: ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser

As a self-professed lazy girl when it comes to skincare, I am always on the lookout for products that are multi-faceted, easy to use, and leave my skin feeling fresh, spot free and fabulous without having to go through hundreds of steps. 

ESPA Skincare has been a recent discovery for me in the beauty world. Before, I was a distant admirer of their pretty packaging and luxurious product layouts in shops. But, after trying their Herbal Spafresh Spritzer, bathing in their bath foam and bath oils, I have really been looking forward to giving more of the range a go. 

So, when a beautiful packaged miniature of the ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser popped through my post box* last week, you can imagine how excited I was! From the minute I clapped eyes on the gorgeous purple packaging, I knew I was on to a winner (I know you're not meant to judge a book by it's cover, but I just can't help myself when it comes to beauty products.) 

As soon as the scent of the ProCleanser drifts into your nostrils you are transported far away and in to your own personal spa. The blend of ingredients really does create a truly opulent smell that I find really attractive and relaxing. There is nothing more enjoyable than coming home and using your own little tube of luxury to remove your make-up. It makes taking off my face a joy rather than a job. Finding products that offer you that little glimpse of glamour without breaking the bank is really important. 

The consistency of the ProCleanser is light and delicate on the skin. The jojoba spheres that work to gently exfoliate the skin are small and not overly abrasive. After massaging the cleanser into your skin for a few seconds they begin to melt away, leaving the cleanser with a smooth and silky soft layer on your face. With a quick sweep of a muslin cloth, flannel, or clean hands over the ProCleanser, all remnants are gone, leaving your skin soft, supple, and smell sensational. 

Even with the added exfoliating aspect of the cleanser, my skin is still left feeling really silky after every time I have used the ProCleanser. For someone with really sensitive skin, this is usually unheard of. Normally, I would have to throw the moisturiser on myself to keep my skin happy, but I don't need to overdo it after using the ProCleanser. I have been using it 1-2 times a day, and following using the cleanser with the ESPA Optimal Skin ProSerum and the two combined are a match made in heaven for me. It also compliments the Spafresh Spritzer really well, which I use every morning. Since using the ProCleanser and Proserum as part of my skincare routine, skin over the last few days seems so much clearer. I've not had any breakouts, and I feel so confident. And I'm just about to have my *whispers* monthly visitor, so you can imagine how munch of a breakdown my skin might be having right now! I actually feel proud of my face, and even pointed out to Boyfriend yesterday how clear it seemed...."Have you seen this? It's my face....And I'm not wearing make up!"

What I love so much about the ProCleanser is the multi-purpose aspect that it has. It doesn't only cleanse the skin, but gentle exfoliates it too. And if you want to, you can use the ProCleanser as a mask. And it has been kind and accommodating to my sensitive skin, leaving me with no irritation whatsoever. It really does tick all the boxes I look for in skincare products. Plus, it smells divine. What more could you ask for? 

If you are still searching for that skincare product that you can use with ease, that cleanses, nourishes, and keeps your skin feeling (and smelling) sexy then definitely give the ProCleanser a go. It has seriously been impressing me, and has made what once was a dreaded daily task, a fun aspect of my beauty regime. 

For more information about ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser, or any other of the ESPA products, head to: 

http://www.espaskincare.com/

* I registered online for ESPA's blog competition, and ESPA kindly sent me out a sample size of the Optimal Skin ProCleanser to try for my entry to their "Optimal ProCleanse Blog Competition." I also received a sample size of the Optimal Skin ProSerum. This has not, nor will ever not affect my opinions on ESPA products. They are 100% my own, 100% honest, and informed my experiences alone.

#Blogtember Day Twelve: The Five Feel Good Films Tag

Today I'm just having one of those days. I'm sure you all can relate to me when I say that currently my mood status is set to "meh." I've already had a cuddle, vent and cry on Boyfriend which has made me feel heaps better. And there's a Dominoes on the way for extra comfort. But still, I just can't help but be down in the dumps.

But I'm very much a glass half full kinda gal, and, in the spirit of positivity, I have taken to my keyboard and wanted to create a tag post to share my top five feel good films. One of these babies will more than likely be entertaining us tonight. These are the films that never cease to get me out of a funk. By creating this tag, I hope that we can all spread some positive energy, discover new films, and help lift each other up by remembering the good things in life for when the road gets tough.

The rules for the tag are simple:

Share your top five feel-good films. 
Tag five people to do this post. 
Tweet & Leave a comment on this post when you have done the tag and tell me one good thing you are grateful for today.

1. Jaws: I really can't tell you why I love this film, but I do. I really love this film. I have this thing about sharks where I don't know much about them, I'm a bit scared thinking about them, yet I find them fascinating. And to think of a giant great white lurking in unsuspecting waters....Well, it just gets me giddy.

2. Jurassic Park: Like with sharks, I think dinosaurs are pretty awesome. Thinking about dinosaurs put the universe in to perspective for me. How mind boggling is it to think that dinosaurs walked the earth...Our earth....millions of years ago..... I mean. Wow. Just wow. Having said that I wouldn't like to meet a dinosaur, but any film with them in and I'm there. And the Jurassic Park trilogy takes the biscuit!

3. The Hunger Games: I loved the trilogy of books, and I love the films just as much. I think Jennifer Lawrence plays an amazing Catniss and I never tire of watching the first two films. They aren't just for older children, they are for everybody, and I think the way that the books have been brought to life is great. I'm counting down the days until the next instalment comes out.

4. Father of the Bride: Classic film for my generation in my opinion. I must have watched the two films a hundred times at least, They completely define what a comfy, cosy evening should be like, and watching them makes me feel all fuzzy inside. The cast is fantastic, and sticking on these films instantly lifts my mood and clears my mind.

5. Wreck-It Ralph: As soon as this film came out I knew I was going to love it. No questions asked. I bought it on DVD, and for the next week I watched it solidly. I think it is a gorgeous film. I love the characters, the story, and how good it makes you feel. I am always cheering for Wreck-It Ralph. You just want him to come through and defy all the odds he faces.

I now tag:

Saloca in Wonderland 
Sparkly Shell Cosmetics 
GlitZeeGlam
Bethany Worrall
WordsbyHannahRosalie

and anybody else who wants to do this tag post too!

Today, I am very grateful to be in a relationship where blubbering is not an issue, because I have just snotted and teared up all over Boyfriend, and I feel soooooo much better for venting my emotions.

Good luck!

#Blogtember Day Eight: The Writing Process Tour Tag

I was tagged by Sarah (Saloca in Wonderland) to do this tag post. Writing has always been (and always will be) a massive part of me. I studied Creative & Professional Writing at university, then went on to do a Masters in Creative Writing....Writing and me. We go together like broccoli and cauliflower. 

So, if we are all sitting comfortable, then I shall begin....

1. What am I working on? 

For the past few years my main focus has been on blogging. I spent quite a long time suffering from writer's (not blogger's) block, so having complete creative freedom to write about exact;y what I want, when I want and how I want has been amazing. I have also started contributing articles to Women Make Waves. I have been so inspired since starting this new branch of my creativity, and hearing all the positive feedback about my contributed articles that my writerly confidence is just growing and growing. 

Eventually I hope to go back to my love and finish some pieces that I have started but taken a break from. Mama Ginger is desperate for me to send things off to try and get published, and MG, you'll be pleased to hear that my confidence is nearly in that place! *starts the Hallelujah chorus*

2. How does my work differ from others of it's genre?

I don't know to what extend it differs, but I always write in my true voice. The narrative that goes through my head when I blog comes out completely unfiltered on the screen. That's why I can't plan what I'm going to say, I just have to say it in the moment. I think it used to drive my lecturers a bit potty because, when they would ask me where I saw a story going, I'd give them a weak smile, a shake of the bead and say I have absolutely no idea.

It's so important that I keep that sense of self in my writing. My blog is my baby and an extension of my personality, and the same for my writing. So if I wasn't true to myself I would only be betraying who I really am. 

3. Why do I write?

For practically my whole life I have written, or made up stories, or acted. Creativity is me and I am creativity. I don't want to write. I need to write. My imagination is just so vast and unfiltered and beautiful that I have to let everything out and express myself. In whatever medium. Be it a story, a poem, a blog post or a list. Writing is in my veins and I don't ever see myself stopping. 

4. How does my writing process work?

To be honest it depends on what I'm working on. For my blog I have a list of things I want to write about and, depending on how I feel at that moment in time, I will chose a subject from the list and start writing. I stick on some TV, or Netflix, music, or an audio book and just absorb myself in writing.

If I'm working on a story I have to lock myself away and just write. Because when creativity and inspiration arrives I don't know how long that will last. Sometimes it will be ten minutes. Or an hour. Or a whole day. I have to listen to what my inner-author is telling me and go with the flow. Because if I push it too much, my writing gets clunky and stops being me.

Thank you Sarah for tagging me to do this post. (Check out her post here) I now tag: 

Words By Hannah Rosalie 

GlitZeeGlam 

SparklyShellCosmetics

Beauty in Beta 

and all of you who are reading this post right now! 

#Blogtember Day Six: Autumn Days...

Guys....as a side note, I've decided that I will having #Blogtember breaks at weekends. Just because at the moment Boyfriend and I are crazy busy and I don't want to be rushing to keep up. #Blogtember posts will be Monday-Friday. Hope you enjoy all the posts!

I have a;ways been the biggest fan of the colder months of the year. Spring and Summer are lovely. Warm days. Pretty flowers. Ice lollies. But there's something about Winter, and especially Autumn, that draw me in. I had a moment of giddiness standing outside today. I felt a cold breeze kiss my nose, and I thought, Yes....Autumn is nearly here!

To celebrate my favourite time of the year, I thought I'd share some things I really love about the season and what I am looking forward to most. 

Warm Fires 

Everybody who knows me knows just how much I feel the cold. It could be one glorious Summer evening, where everybody is in shorts and t shirts, and I'd be there huddled in a fleece. It is just ridiculous. So I am looking forward to getting our gas fire going so much. I'm like a cat. I sit as close as I can to the fire and curl up in a little ball all cosy and warm. I just love it! 

Hot Drinks 

Hand-in-hand with the warm fires is definitely hot drinks. There's just something about making a hot orange or hot chocolate and snuggling up, feeling the steam tickle your face and the mug warm your hands that just fills me with so much happiness. And, as it gets even colder, there's nothing like a hot mulled wine and cider to warm your cockles on a Winter evening at the weekend. 

Comfort Food 

I may be embarking on a bride-to-be diet, but I'm still a big foodie at heart. And Autumn is the perfect excuse to indulge in that extra few chocolates, a piece of cake, or sneaky second helping of Sunday lunch. I won't go overboard (or I'll try not to) but, well, you need the extra energy when it's cold don't you?

Layering 

Autumn is the perfect excuse to go all out when it comes to clothing. In my opinion, the more layers the better. There's no better a feeling than being bundled up all cosy and snug and warm but being able to see your breath on the wind. Ooooo... I'm going all fuzzy inside just thinking about it.

Events 

This is the time of year where everything starts to happen in my life. First there's Spotto's birthday, Papa Ginger's birthday, then Halloween, then Bonfire Night, and then, CHRISTMAS! And this year in particular, Boyfriend and I have so much planned. It's going to be manic, but it's going to be really, really fun too. 

What things do you like most about this time of year? 

#Blogtember Day Four: My University Wardrobe Revisited

My days at university are long over. It was nearly 10 years ago that I headed out on the first leg of the road that led to adulthood, and yet, I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

Now that I am that bit older and have slightly more perspective, I have a completely different view on my wardrobe and what I would've taken with me to uni. And with some of you out there about to embark on this massive journey, I wanted to share my thoughts about what I would take with me to university to wear, and some of the things I'd say to consider taking with you too.

The main thing to remember is that you should take things with you that are wardrobe staples and can be worn again and again. Things like a range of different coloured tank tops, jeggings, leggings and skirts that can be mixed, matched and interchanged to make lots of different day-to-day outfits and can be worn day and night. There will be some days in uni where you spend hours at your lectures and then head on out afterwards to meet your friends. For these times you need things that can carry you through....pretty day dresses, classic black flats, a blazer, and a good pair of tights.

Comfort is also key. You won't always get a choice in what lectures you attend, and if you are landed with the 9am call, I;m sure you'd rather have extra time in bed than get up earlier and spend ages getting ready. Hoodies, oversized shirts, a snuggly coat and jumpers will be your best friends, as will a good pair of Ugg-style boots, trainers or flats. The last thing you want is to be sitting in a really long lecture feeling utterly uncomfortable is it?

Having accessories that make a statement are a great way to bring some of your personality out. Bags, scarves and jewellery are the perfect means to express your personal taste. A good-sized "school bag" is imperative of you're going to be on a course with a heavy workload. And a smaller, more portable bag should come with you for when you venture out and explore the night-life, go on road trips, or are running errands.

Having a classic LBD in tow will mean you always have something to pull out if you ever have a "I have nothing to wear" moment. It will always look gorgeous, and teamed with a killer pair of black or nude heels you will undoubtedly exude elegance. Another night-life essential is also some fancy dress options. There were so many fancy dress parties whe n I was at uni. From pyjama parties to letter-themed, Halloween and "Back to School" nights. So if you do like to have a bit of a boogie, check out any itineraries you may have and think about taking appropriate costumes to wear or things that can be turned in to costumes.

Remember that university is the perfect time to completely express yourself, and clothes can help you do that. You can use my ideas as a guideline, but take clothes that you are happy to wear, and that you will find comfortable and feel phenomenal in.

#Blogtember Day Two: The Best Eye Make Up Remover I've Found!

I suffer from incredible sensitive skin, particularly on my face. I have to be so careful when it comes to finding new cleansers, masks, toners and moisturisers to use because my skin can react so quickly to ingredients that may be too harsh. This seems to be even more tricky when it comes to finding products that are eye friendly. Because of my skin tone and hair colour, the skin underneath my eyes is particularly thin and irritable. This makes using make up remover there almost impossible. 

It was at The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil launch event in Liverpool One that Sarah (Saloca in Wonderand) introduced me to The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make Up Remover. She absolutely sung its praises, and when I mentioned how sensitive my eyes were, she assured me that the product wouldn't irritate me at all.

What could I do but give it a go? 

This is honestly (so far) the most amazing and gentle make up remover I've found. At £8.00 for a 150ml bottle it isn't overly expensive either! The packaging is gorgeous in its simplicity. A clear bottle with a slightly blue hue and decorated with two pictures of camomile flowers. I like that the packaging is understated. It doesn't need to be OTT, and the clear bottle means you are well aware of how much solution you have left and if it is mixed properly (you have to shake it to activate it.)

Although on The Body Shop website, it says the product has no fragrance, to me at least, the remover does has a faint scent of camomile to it. But this is in no way overbearing and has no effect on the skin. It is easy to apply too....simply shake the bottle to activate the product, pour some on to a cotton pad, and apply to the area where make up needs to be removed. And voila! In only a matter of seconds all your make up is removed with no trace that it had ever been in place. 

I've only had it a matter of weeks, but The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover is the best thing for my eyes I have tried. It does not irritate my skin, and does a great job at removing all the eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and brow gel I apply. For somebody who finds it incredibly hard to find products that successfully remove all my eye make up without having that unbearable stinging sensation that leaves you momentarily blinded and searching for something to wipe away the pain. 

So if this tale of picky skin, irritated eyes, and last night's mascara that you are still trying to take off rings true for you, definitely consider giving this make up remover a go. Cos' now that I've added it to my skincare routine, it's here to stay!