Berry Christmas

Lush have the best gift sets regardless of the time of year but at Christmas they’re just extra special. This year I purchased the Berry Christmas gift set for £23! Lush gift sets are ideal for those not looking for full sized products and really want to sample some that you may have never used.

I think they’re a lovely gift for Christmas, birthdays or any occasion really. I especially like how this one has a selection of scents and the products large enough to really sample how good they are! Berry Christmas has 2 shower gels, 1 body lotion and a 120g portion of soap.

Berry Berry Christmas shower gel has a sweet orange and bergamot oil scent. It really does remind me of the winter and Christmas season and I love that leaves small amounts of glitter. It’s beautiful and a small bit goes a long way!

The other shower gel in this set is the well loved Snow Fairy! I do like the bubblegum breeze a lot and whenever I use it I always feel more clean than usual and rather enthusiastic. The sweet scents just make me so happy!

The Once Upon A Time body lotion has the most beautiful apple scent, it’s not too strong and feels incredible on the skin. It’s not greasy feeling, dries quickly and leaves the skin feeling really soft and hydrated. I wouldn’t use this on the face at all as I find it quite heavy. However, the consistency and formula is beautiful for the body!

Finally, the 120g block of Baked Alaska Soap is gorgeous. I’ve always been hit and miss with the Lush soaps as some are lovely and others just don’t agree with my skin. My favourite is the black Coal soap that literally makes my body feel so clean and nourished every time I use it. I’ve not really used this soap that often to give it a full review but I do know that the scent screams Christmas and festive season at you!

I think this gift set is perfect for so many people and in particular those who are new to Lush and aren’t sure what to purchase. The sizes are worth £23 and I really do encourage all of you to go and pick up a gift set from your nearest Lush store.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

What Am I Thankful For?

Blogmas day 24! It’s Christmas Eve and I just can’t believe how we have gotten here so quickly. This time of year is beautiful, it really does allow you to think of all the things you’re grateful for and how appreciative you are of life.

This year, I’m so thankful for change. Some people are afraid of change and I know I was as well, but this year, I embraced it. I graduated from my first degree, started my second in a new town, new university and begun creating a new life for myself. I’ve met some incredible people and I’ve had the best first semester ever. I threw myself in the deep end and started to experience the uni life I never really had in Aberystwyth.

With that in mind, I’m grateful for my grandmother. This year she’s had all sorts thrown at her and she has fought her way through it all. Taken it all in her stride and not let it get her down. Each day I realise that she’s the reason I’m working so hard to better myself. She’s a real inspiration and someone I’m so incredibly grateful to have in my life.

My niece and nephew are growing up so quickly, Gracie recently turned 7 and Ethan is due to turn 2 next month. It’s so amazing to have the honour of watching these little ones grow and develop into the most wonderful children ever. They’re experiencing childhood to the full and have the most amazing people in their lives to help them achieve whatever they want. They’re beautiful and I love them so much!

However this year, I’m most thankful for my mum. We haven’t always had the best bond, we haven’t always been close. To be honest, we’ve fought and battled with each other for years. Until this year, I experienced my first heartbreak and my mum was my absolute rock through it all. I was devastated and she helped me through everything. Something I never thought I would ever see her do. I do think she’s finally realised that I’m an adult now and she hadn’t been able to let me go for so long. But now she has, we’re closer than ever. I couldn’t imagine my mum not being in my life even when she’s being the biggest pain in the ass. This year I am so grateful to have had her help me and guide me through everything I’ve needed her for.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

7 Things To Do In The New Year

Another new year has passed and we’re almost in 2018! There are people everywhere doing things as a fresh start for the new year, whether it’s adding or removing things to your life or simply having a clear out. We all do a little something to really make a difference to the new year and month.

For me, I always like to have a clear out. I think there’s nothing better than starting the new year with a freshly cleaned home and a clear mind. I also like to do other things just to really make the extra difference to my life and I think it’s time to share them with you!

1. Having a clear out is important so whether it’s your clothing, your draws or whatever it could possibly be. Go ahead and empty your unnecessary items into the bin for another year.
2. Make decorative change to your home. Fancy a new colour in your living room? Flooring? Make a list of things you want to do to make your house feel that extra more homey and you’ll thank yourself in December when you achieve these.
3. Send happy new year cards! It’s always lovely to show people how much you love them and how grateful you are for them. I think writing cards is so thoughtful and what better than letting someone know you’re so happy that you have them in your life.
4. Give to the homeless or a charity, maybe both? Who knows. December is a month for giving and it doesn’t stop there! Whether you have left over food or clearing away any old toys, you can always donate them.
5. Organise your monthly bills. Paper chase have the most incredible annual budget diaries and I think it’s a great way to get your finances in order and make 2018 another successful year.
6. Plan a trip! There is nothing better than knowing you have something to look forward too. I definitely plan on organising a holiday this year and I can’t wait to give myself a little motivation and excitement for the upcoming months.
7. Setting goals is important and for me, I like to do them monthly rather than yearly as they’re often more achievable. I really think that it’s important to do more of what makes you happy and do things to improve your sense of self.

Let me know some of the things that you like to do in January to make your new year more successful!

twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

10 Benefits of Exercising

I recently started to take exercising more seriously and don’t get me wrong, I’m no expert at all. Although that doesn’t mean I haven’t become aware of the perks of exercising whilst doing it, my body has been changing but not only that, my mental health. Whether it’s my shape, my skin or my mind, I’m finding that there are so many benefits from exercising and it’s encouraged me to do it more. 

It has so many benefits, most of which I never knew or understood for a long time. In fact, the thought of exercise used to give me major lazy-bones syndrome. I hated everything to do with exercise for so long and when I eventually started taking my weight loss seriously I just knew that I wanted to increase my chances of loss and changing my body shape by adding exercise to my plan. 

Exercise is different for everybody and people change in accordance to their mind and body. These are the things I’ve noticed that have happened since I’ve started taking exercise more seriously but I would love for you to share with me your feelings on exercise! 

I used to exercise religiously, in fact it probably wasn’t at all healthy. However,after minimising the amount I exercise and finding a balance between what makes me happy, I have noticed the benefits that come from exercising. So, what benefits have I noticed from exercising? Continue reading to find out. 

1. I do struggle with acne and I always have but I’ve found since exercising my skin has become so much more clear. Perhaps this is the amount of water I’m now drinking, the healthy balanced diet and exercise combined. Whatever it is, it’s working and I’m very happy! 

2. Exercise boosts your endophines, meaning that you’ll become less stressed, anxious, angry and confused. 

3. You’ll feel more confident seeing changes to your body. You’ll try on your old clothes and start feeling more yourself again enjoy the skin you’re in. 

4. Eating healthy and exercising can decrease your chances of being unwell and having to fight those nasty winter colds. As well as improving your blood pressure.

5.  Your balance will improve along with your flexibility! I really encourage yoga for balance and flexibility, it’s a great workout and I’ve found my body has become more flexible in just the few months that I’ve been practicing. 

6. Improves your sleeping pattern. I sleep so much better than ever! Getting between 8-10 hours a night. 

7. You will have picked up a new hobby so instead of spending your time doing nothing whilst sat at home, head out and exercise. It passes the time away and makes you feel good. 

8. It’s mentally stimulating which helps productivity throughout the day. For me, if I’ve got an essay to write or reading to do I’ll always start my day off with a workout to aid my energy levels. 

9. Your lung capacity will improve and you’ll find yourself with better stamina. At the beginning I noticed this change and you will too, eventually you’ll be doing certain exercises like jogging better with your ability to control your breathing through the session. 

10. Exercise gives you a better outlook on life, it helps with your mental health drastically and can seriously reduce depression and anxiety. Along with that you can decrease your chances of having diabetes, heart problems as well as a strokes by up to 50%. 

Before my masters degree I wasn’t ever keen on exercising, I didn’t know what I was doing and I couldn’t control my breathing correctly. With time you’ll adjust and you’ll learn how to successfully control your breathing, for me, yoga did this. I practiced yoga before starting the gym and it really helped me to learn how to control my breathing when in poses and sessions that are hard.  Don’t get me wrong, I do struggle to find the time for it as I’ve gotten busier these past few weeks, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t like to exercise. In fact, I enjoy it more!

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Beauty Gift Guide

Each year I impatiently await the releases of any beauty items and spend a long carefully considering my options between drugstore and high end. I know I’m not the only one who does this and each year I find things that I wouldn’t necessarily buy myself but I do give them as ideas to others.

Beauty gifts are always a safe gift to purchase, whether it’s for your friend, girlfriend, grandmother, wife or daughter, there is something for everyone. This year I’ve picked a few things that I would like and I thought you guys may want to use as ideas for your friends and family. Remember, these gifts don’t necessarily have to be for females as makeup is for all genders!

I have selected a few items from drugstore to high end so there is a variety of prices to pick from. The first for me and the one that got me the most excited, is the Benefit The Great Brownaza. It is essentially a box full of 5 full sized brow products from Benefit. I’ve done a review on this already s be sure to check it out. It costs £49.50 and has around £120 worth of products which is a total bargain! If you can pick one up, I highly recommend it.

Next is the Kat Von D London is Calling Vol 2 set. For £19.50 you receive the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lovecraft, Studded Kiss lipstick in Mercy and the Tattoo Liner in black. I especially like this product because all of Kat Von D products are free from animal cruelty and the price of this set isn’t too high at all considering it’s bought in Debenhams.

I speak so highly of this years Tanya Burr Cosmetics Christmas collection this year. I really enjoy the makeup line that she has created over the past few years as it’s a decent brand and the formula of the products is absolutely fantastic. This year I bought the Jingle and Mingle night set which is a combination of 3 eye shadows, a liner, lip gloss, bronzer and glitter pot. It’s £18 from Superdrug and I think it’s a lovely set for any age range and skin tone.

Something I personally have had my eye on this year is the Makeup Revolution Ultimate Nudes Brush Collection, as I’m writing this it’s £25 but the original price is £50. Although it’s likely to stay at a discounted price. With the set you receive 9 brushes and a silicone makeup applicator. I purchased the Christmas brush collection last year and I highly recommend these brushes. They don’t shred at all, they’re so soft and really do apply makeup effortlessly. These are also ideal first makeup brushes for those teenagers who are just starting out!

I had a browse on the Beauty Bay website and come across the Zoeva Plaisir Box for £48. I absolutely love the Zoeva eyeshadows, they’re fantastic quality and dependant on where you get them from, they aren’t all that expensive. In this set you get 3 eyeshadow palettes which each hold 10 shadows. So you’re receiving 30 eyeshadow of an amazing quality. These come as a set but also as individuals if you wish (I think Cult Beauty stock them individually) and I think they’re the most gorgeous colours that can cater for all types of looks.

Again, from Beauty Bay for those lipstick lovers. Ofra Cosmetics have The Lip Affair Collection for an amazing £30. This set comes with 3 liquid lipsticks in Laguna Beach (a baby pink tone), Milan (a burgundy) and Manhattan (a nude pink). What more could a girl want? They’re long lasting, the formula is creamy and not drying and most of all, you’re getting 3 beautiful lipstick shades for a great price.

Real Techniques are widely loved across the world for their high quality, low price brushes and makeup tools. In fact, their brushes and sponges are my absolute favourite. In Superdrug the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge comes in a pack of 6 for around £24.99! Bargain if you ask me. Only a few weeks ago they were selling these packs for £12!! If this deal is still on, you’ve got yourself a steal. Although let’s be fair, you’re saving money by buying them as a pack of 6 anyway!

A final one from Makeup Revolution is the 8 pan amplified highlighting palette. This palette has the most incredible shade selection for highlights and eyeshadows and can definitely cater for so many skin tones. Honestly, for £15 you cannot go wrong with this palette. Everyone knows Makeup Revolution is one of the best drugstore brands around right now and this product is a winner in my eyes.

These are the beauty items I highly recommend for those beauty lovers out there! There are such a variety of beauty gift sets on the market right now and if you’re stuck for ideas I hope that I’ve helped.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Favourite Books of 2017

Happy blogmas day 20!

2017 is finishing and I’ve read a lot of books this year. Truthfully, I do like to try and review every single book I read but honestly, I don’t always get the chance or simply, I don’t do it. I don’t review every single book because well 1. They might be rubbish and so bad that I don’t care to review them. 2. Life gets in the way and University is a priority so instead of uploading a review I might just upload a post that’s been in my drafts for a while (lazy yes, practical yes). This year I have read my fair share of books, just like I do every year so I have carefully gathered my 8 favourite books of 2017, I hope you enjoy. Fortunately for you, I have written reviews on all of these books so go ahead and click on the links, they’ll take you to where you need to go for the review. 

We Were on a Break – Lindsey Kelk

White Lies and Wishes – Cathy Bramley

The Girl with The Lower Back Tattoo– Amy Schumer

The One We Fell in Love with – Paige Toon

Diary of a Fat Girl – Moira Mugweni

All the Bright Places – Jennifer Niven

The Break Down –  B.A Paris

Harry Potter 1-7 (ignore Order of the Phoenix because that’s crappy) – J.K Rowling

Share with me some of your favourites to add to my 2018 reading collection. 

twitter: @bethdaviesblog

instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I’ve been an avid fan of the Garnier skincare for several years now. I think Garnier is one of the best priced and greatest quality on the drugstore market right now. So when I come across the new Garnier Micella Cleansing Water I was definitely intrigued.

There are two types of this product, one for combination and sensitive skin and another for just sensitive skin. I’ve been trying both at separate times to make sure I give them a fair and equal review.

I tried the combination and sensitive skin first, this one comes in the green bottle. I do have both sensitive skin and combination so I thought this would be ideal for me. I had been using it for several weeks and had noticed that my skin had been breaking out more than ever. After 4 weeks of using this and once I had stopped, I noticed my acne was clearing up amazingly. I don’t know whether the grape extract in this product maybe affected my skin but there is something in this product that made my skin flare up.

However, I really did like this product otherwise. I found that this really removed all my makeup, dirt and oil and I really felt like my skin was sparkling clean. Although I did like it I knew that it wasn’t helping my acne at all.

I then went ahead and tried the one that is just for sensitive skin and it’s been amazing. So amazing in fact that my skin has started to clear up and It’s even helping to control the oils on my face. It totally removes my makeup, makes my skin feel fresh and healthy and I can’t recommend this product enough.

Personally I think the one for sensitive skin is dependant on how sensitive your skin is but honestly, as a cleanser and makeup remover I think this product is outstanding. The formula really doesn’t feel drugstore at all.

Garnier has done it again and created the ideal cleanser!

The best part is how affordable this product is. I get mine for around £2.60 in savers but you can also purchase this in your local Superdrug, Boots and Wilkinson’s as well as many supermarkets.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Anti-Christmas Makeup Look

For those of you who aren’t the biggest Christmas lovers, don’t like a bright red lip that symbolises the festivities, then this look is for you. Call it the anti-Christmas makeup look. A purple, berry toned lip and a matte base that still makes you look fantastic (even if you don’t fancy celebrating).

This years makeup look is essentially an autumn/winter look, it’s pretty basic and can be worn for all occasions. I’ve been wearing the statement lip during the whole of the Autumn and Winter and I’ve been loving it! So let me tell you how I achieved this look.

I started by applying a mixture of the Rimmel Match Perfect foundation in True Ivory and mixing it with the L’Oreal True Match in the shade 1.N. The Rimmel shade is slightly darker and just stops my face looking so bland and pale without overdoing it.

I didn’t contour at all as I wanted to keep the look basic, quick simple. Although if you wanted too, then you can! I browned with the Physicans Formula Butter Bronzer (I still don’t know if you can get it in the U.K.!) and added a little berry toned blush from the Morphe 9B palette.

For eyes, with the tip of my finger I applied the L’Oreal 24HR Colour Tattoo cream shadow in the shade On and On Bronze. I blended it with a clean brush and then went in with the ABH Modern Renaissance palette with the shade Raw Sienna in the crease, Vermeer on the brow bone and Primavera on the inner corner.

To create the perfect thin liner, go in with the Maybelline Master Precise liquid liner. This is generally personal preference, I wanted a thin liner so it looked fairly neutral. Apply for favourite mascara, mine is Doucce Punk Volumizer mascara to add a lot of volume. I did my brows no different to how I would usually do them, using the Freedom brow pomade in blonde and crested small brush strokes.

Finally, the Sleek liquid lipstick in Velvet Slipper is the perfect berry toned liquid lip. Long lasting, matte and comfortable to wear. Ideal for all the food and drinks this Christmas!

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

The Body Shop Body Butter

Blogmas day 16 gives you a review on my current favourite body butter! 

The Body Shop are known for their incredible skin care line and I totally agree. I swear by the tea tree range for my face and with that, I’ve recently picked up the most incredible body butter ever. 

I’ve been so hit and miss with body butter’s in the past, sometimes they’re good, other times they just leave me feeling sticky and I cant put clothes on right away. However, The Body Shop Frosted Berries Body Butter is beautiful. I don’t know whether it’s just this one or whether it’s the whole range but from what I know, it’s incredible. 

I do believe that this specific one is actually from the Christmas 2016 range, which is why I got it at a discounted price from £15 to £6. Which is an amazing deal since it’s a 200ml tub of heaven! 

I like to apply this right after I’ve had a shower and dried my skin, it just leave my skin feeling so soft, gentle and moisturised. The thing I really like is that at the end of the day, when I’m ready for bed, I still feel all those things and the scent just stays with you all day long. It’s honestly beautiful. 

This one has a mixture of so many berry smells but I can really smell the raspberry scent which is probably why I love it so much. Since wearing this I’ve had so many compliments on what I smell like, which I personally think there is nothing better than someone telling me I smell good! 

If you’re able too, I’d go and take a look at the selection that your local Body Shop has and test one out for yourself! It’s incredible and I highly recommend. 

Twitter @bethdaviesblog

Instagram @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x