REVIEW: Botanics Ionic Clay Mask

Hi everyone, today I'm reviewing the Botanics Ionic Clay Mask. I bought this mask in Boots about a week ago, I'm not sure of the exact price but I think it cost about €6.40!

Clay mask swatched.

As you can see from the packaging, this mask claims to remove impurities and deeply cleanse - and that it does! I've used this twice now and I love it. I apply the product after showering, in a thin layer on my face and leave it for ten minutes to dry. Whilst drying I could actually see this mask removing the impurities from my face (to put it nicely). 

When dry, you rinse this mask off with warm water, your skin is left feeling soft, smooth and really, really clean.

The mask also claims to lessen the 'shine' on your skin. I have quite an oily t-zone so I was pleased to see that the product did infact reduce shine without drying out the rest of my face. With continuous use of this mask about twice a week I think that any blackheads or spots should clear up in no time. 

I would reccommend this product to everyone, unless you have exceptionally dry skin. Its effective and not too costly. Worthwhile purchase!

Thanks for reading and feel free to leave any questions you have about this product in the comments section.

September Wishlist

It's probably a tad too early for this post but after a day of shopping in Dublin this week my wishlist is already full :)

1. Topshop Contrast Sleeve Army Jacket 

I saw this in Topshop while in Dublin and I am in love.  My boyfriend James hated this jacket but I think it would look great during winter layered over any outfit with a cosy hat and a snood. Costs a whopping 80 quid though, any donations?

2. River Island Rucksack

This rucksack would be perfect for carrying my college books next year and it's fashionable too. I saw bags similar to this one in Accessorize but they were a complete rip off. I think this would be a good investment for any student and I love the aztec-y print!

3. Topshop Lipstick in 'Secret Admirer'

This lipstick just looks like a really nice day time pink colour, most of my lipsticks are more suited to night time but 'Secret Admirer' is a versatile shade that could dress up or dress down any outfit.

4. Regal Rose Knuckle Ring

This ring is exactly the kind of jewellery I love, I've been wearing more gold jewellery this Summer rather than silver as I think it goes better with pastel nail varnishes. However, coming into the autumn and winter seasons this silver ring would look great with darker nail varnishes in shades such as burgundy or navy.

5. Vans Authentic in Bluebell

I saw a studded DIY tutorial for these Vans a few weeks back and I have been obsessed ever since! I'm dying to purchase these shoes and try out some DIYing but i'm far too lazy to order the studs etc. Maybe one day...

6. H&M Beanie hat

Just came across this when I was browsing the internet the other day and thought it looked really comfy. I love hats, especially beanie hats so I'll be sure to stock up this Autumn and Winter.

7. The perfect pair of High Waisted Shorts

Still on the hunt for these :( I've been searching for the perfect pair of high waisted shorts for months now and still haven't found the right kind. They all either have my arse on show or they aren't actually properly high waisted. If you know where I can find a good pair please comment below, I'm desperate! I think these would still look great even in Winter when paired with a thick pair of black tights and my burgundy Vans or Topshop Moto Ankle Boots.

Thanks for reading, feel free to let me know what's on your September Wishlist in the comments down below :)

• 
  

Mini-Haul

Hey everyone, I was in Penneys yesterday and decided to pick up a few bits :) I bought the Palmers Firming Body Butter, St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mist and a Natural Beeswax Lip Balm.

Palmers Firming Body Butter €5.50

I finally gave in and bought this body butter yesterday having heard everyone rave about it for months! Palmers claims to firm and tone the body whilst moisturising the skin at the same time. Unfortunately, when I got home and tried out this lotion I realised that I hated its smell. I thought that maybe I was just being picky but my boyfriend James thought the smell was horrible too. I think I will try and exchange this for the unfragranced version. Disappointing! :(

St.Moriz Self Tanning Mist €4.00

I've been borrowing my sisters bottle of this for months so I decided it was finally time to buy one for myself, I love this tan! I apply it with my mit for a subtle instant tan, it doesn't smell and it never comes out streaky! I would reccomend this to everyone as it's so cheap but effective.

Natural Beeswax Lipbalm €1.50

I'm fairly sure this is supposed to be a dupe for the Burts Bee's Lip Balm but that's not why I bought this product! The Natural Beeswax balm caught my eye as I was queueing to pay in Penneys yesterday. My labello ran out during the week so I decided to pick this up as a replacement. This lip balm is cheap and effective, I used it before bed lastnight as my lips were feeling a bit chapped and this morning they felt soft and smooth. This product definitely works and at only €1.50 you cant really go wrong!

I hope you all enjoyed my mini-haul and thank you for reading!

Top Five songs of August

Hi everyone, I decided to do a post today on five of my favourite songs from this month, enjoy x

Made in Heights - Viices

Clams Casino - I'm God

Ben Howard - Diamonds

Sleep Party People - Ten Feet Up

Florence + the Machine - Spectrum (Say My Name)

I do not own the rights to any of this music

I just wanted to share my faves with everyone, let me know what yours are in the comments!

Easy Triangle Nail Art

Hey everyone, today's post is a tutorial on the nail art I've posted above!

I've been trying out tonnes of different designs lately having been inspired by the nail art sections in magazines like www.company.co.uk along with nail art posts on other blogs like Leanne Woodfull's thunderandthreads.blogspot.ie

This is one of my attempts that turned out better than expected so if you're interested in recreating the look then read on.

You will need:

• A base coat
• Two nail polishes of your choice - this design works best with one pastel polish and one brighter polish. I used Topshops' Nail Polish in the shade 'Milkshake' and Angelicas 'Skylar'.
• A top coat.
• Tape.

Instructions:

• Start off by prepping your nails with a base coat to protect them from any staining or damage (Not gonna lie I usually skip this).
• Once your base coat is dry, use your pastel polish to paint your third and fourth fingers along with your thumb. Then, using your brighter polish, paint your index and baby finger. Do two coats of each for an opaque colour.
• When your nails are completely dry, use two small strips of tape to form a V-shaped gap on your middle fingernail. If you stick down your tape before your nails are dry it will just wreck the polish you've already applied!
• Using your brighter shade of polish, fill in this gap and remove tape. Repeat on your fourth finger.
• Finish off your look with a top coat to prevent chipping and damage to your nail art, and there you have it, triangule print nails!

Thanks for reading and feel free to link me pictures of your own nail art ideas below

Emily.

Introduction

Hi Everyone, My name is Emily. I'm an eighteen year old blogger from Ireland :) After months of indecision I finally decided to start up a blog. I'll be posting about a variety of things including fashion, music, beauty and food along with some photos of my daily life.
Hope you all enjoy reading x