I'm forever late to the party. Back in 2012 every blogger out there was raving about 'Balmi' lip balms. The pocket-size neon spheres where all the rage, along with the heavily reviewed EOS balms.
Now it's 2014 and after never giving into the hype wayyyyy back when they first came out, I was in need of a lip balm whilst perusing the aisle in Boots and this cheeky little number caught my eye.


The compact cube doesn't look like your stereotypical lip balm. I like the luminous pink silicone finish, it stands out in the depths of my handbag so it helps me to remember to use it (added bonus, that the bright colour also helps me to locate my keys, darn bucket sized bags!). Due to it's unique packaging 'Balmi' is very hygienic (no finger dipping to be seen here!) while from an aesthetic point of view looking a tad more interesting than your usual lipbalm.


The conical shape of the shape of the balm allows the perfect amount of product to be applied to the lips with one quick swipe. It feels very moisturising  on the lips, which is a must for me. I tend to be very prone to dry chapping lips, especially during the Summer when it hits festival season. All that time outdoors can be a bit too harsh on the skin! The rich moisturising properties are all down to Balmi's formulation. Composed of shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E which leave my skin feeling soft and smooth. It has the added bonus of SPF 15, providing UVA and UVB protection to the delicate skin on your lips.

I currently have mine attached to my keys as that way I know I'll always have it on me. My Balmi will be accompanying me to Glastonbury and on my travels across Europe later on in the Summer, how excting?! I currently own the Raspberry flavour, which is yummy but I do have my eye on the Coconut offering.
It'll be my perfect partner for the Summer worn on it's own or under lipstick. Do you have a favourite lip balm? Have you tried Balmi before or do you prefer the EOS offering?

My name is Kate and I'm a base addict. Especially bases of the BB/tinted moisturiser variety it would seem. This is the newest edition to my face base stash.

Meet the most hardworking highlighting, bronzing, and multipurpose little compact you'll find on the highstreet. This beautiful shimmer duo is the travelling girl's friend. Equipped with a sizeable mirror and two multifuctional finely milled powders with a multitude of options. The shades can be used to highlight, provide a subtle contour (on paler skins), give a wash of colour across the lids or a more intense eye look when used wet.
For me, this is the perfect Summer product to have in my handbag when I know I'm out all day and need something to counteract any imminent makeup emergencies! Due to it's large mirror and multitasking powders it's exactly what I need for a long day, I'm equipped to tackle any touch ups (be them eyes, cheeks or just general lacklustre skin) while I'm on the go.


The combination of the powders swirled together on my cheekbones and highpoints of my face gives an illuminating Summery bronze glow, perfect for warming up paler skin tones without a trace of that 'muddy' look.



For an easy day time look I'm loving the paler pink toned shade blended lightly over the lid with lashings of mascara. When night comes round I take the lighter shade across the inner corner of my eye, the darker shade blended out across the outer portion of my eye and through the crease, add some black winged liner and lashings mascara (again!) and you're good to go.If I'm going all out I might pop on a pair of false lashes, Ardell demi-wispies being the weapon of choice.

I'm going Interraling across Europe for the month of July so I'm looking for hardworking products that will cut down the size of my makeup bag. This little wonder duo will definitely be accompanying me throughout my journey.

Being the cosmetic loving geek that I am you can often find me hounding cosmetic chemistry blogs and websites on the look out for the next big thing. While checking out colinsbeautypages I came across this video, a potentially revolutionary printer that would allow you to print your own, lipstick, eyeshadow, even base, in any colour of your choosing.


 I'm really looking forward to seeing this project grow, imagine if this became a staple for every girl? Exciting stuff and an amazing concept, hopefully it's one to watch out for in the near future!

'Totally groomed means totally confident. Nails may be small, but they have a big impact on your look and the impression they make'

This was an impulse purchase in Boots. My original Leighton Denny 'Small crystal nail file' had been stood on and shattered *sob* and it was too damaged to salvage.  It's been around two months since I had to throw the remnants of my beloved nail file in the bin and I could take the chipped, flaking nails no longer. Having tried alternative offerings that just didn't cut the mustard I decided it was a definite repurchase job.

Recently I've been embracing all things pink. Up until January I lived an almost colourless life. A wardrobe that provided a plethora of black and grey, alongside the most basic of makeup staples. A quick dash of black liquid liner on the eyes, nude lips with just a touch of lipbalm or maybe, just maybe, a red lip - reserved only for the odd special occasion.

For 2014 I decided to try a much more laid back approach to my makeup, prior to this I was stuck in a rut, too scared to purchase something new in case it 'didn't suit me'. So I never changed.
This year I had a realisation... Does it really matter? Should I really be concerned about what other's will think? If I never try anything new, (specifically in the beauty department but I guess this still holds relevance in most areas of life) how will I ever find out if I like it or not?

Make-up is a creative outlet, it's a hobby. I love that we're able to create, try new things and most of all have fun. For me personally it's going to be all about thinking less and trying more. We shouldn't have to overthink the "but can I actually pull this shade off?" and the "can I wear this colour in the daytime?". If you're loving that neon peach or lilac pastel lip, go for it! I'm pretty sure you'll look fabulous and the confidence you radiate from doing something as small as changing up your lipstick will show on your face and your happiness will be infectious to others.

I challenge you all to change up one thing, let some colour into your life. If lipstick isn't your thing, try a cheek colour? Maybe a smudge of eyeshadow in a shade that you don't normally wear on your peepers, try it. You might want to just wear it while you're tottering around the house and that's fine, just embrace a small change and see the benefits for yourself.