JUNE EDIT: HEATWAVE BRACING, HAIR CARING, THE RETURN OF MOTIVATED BLOGGER

June... Summer has come, can you believe it? In a true fashion, it hit us with a heatwave.Not that I remember it anymore, 10 degrees yesterday!  It's been another busy month. Work's been crazy, again but I'm proud to say that it didn't have much effect on my blogging this month. I still managed to blog at least twice a week, but mostly three times. I am more on top of my social media too and I plan on going back to posting twice a day on Instagram. It's been difficult with the workload, but getting definitely better now.

I have had different priorities beauty wise too, keeping my nose shine free being one ;) Kidding aside, it was a month of one sweep shadows, tons of highlight and super light bases. In the heat of 25C and more, there was no way I'd be spending more than 15 mins on my routine, so quick routine came into play.  It felt as if my blog's finally going in the direction I wanted it to and the hard work being recognised. It means the world to me, to have you visiting more, being more engaged and happy! Without further 500 words epilogue, let's see what I've been loving in June! 

EVENING SKINCARE ROUTINE IN 5 STEPS + LUXURY GIVEAWAY

Having a good routine tailored to your skin type can dramatically improve the way your skin feels and looks. Knowing your skin type is crucial. Many people think they know it based purely on how it usually feels. Many symptoms can mean the opposite in terms of skin type. For example, an excessive sebum production doesn's necessarily mean oily skin. Breakouts don't always mean acne/adult acne. Knowing your skin comes with time. Knowing your true skin type comes with great skincare that reveals the true type that you are. I always thought I was ultra dry and dehydrated. Truth be told I'm probably a little combination: normal & dehydrated on t-zone and dry everywhere else. Getting to know my skin is an ongoing process. Lately, my routine just clicked in place. Every step comes together giving the ultimate glow. My evening routine works because the formulas are not only chosen for how it feels after application but also what I wake up to the next morning. Even given recent heatwave my skin behaved well which is unusual for this time of year. Without further a'do let's discuss what products have given me a clear and even complexion that only requires a BB cream (one and only Inglot Beautifier) in the morning. Oh and there's a pretty awesome GIVEAWAY waiting for you in the foot note <3

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER WISHLIST: GIFTS FOR HER #AD

I'm a through and through a summer kid. Born under Leo in the middle of August, I know what I like and work hard to get it. It may be difficult to buy for me, but in truth, I am happy with any little gift. Today I'd like to share with you the dream wishlist for my upcoming 32nd birthday. Yes, I know it's months away, but I like to plan my (and others lol) shopping ahead!

SURVIVING THE HEAT: FACIAL SPF MISTS FEAT. PIXI, BIODERMA & GARNIER

Last year marked the launch of very first facial SPF mist from Bioderma. The beauty world rejoiced, myself included.  I use SPF all over my face and body in the morning and tend to layer up facial SPF. From moisturiser to separate filters, I don't put makeup on until SPF has been applied thoroughly.  You should always re-apply every couple of hours for it to be most effective, even if you're not soaking in the pool all day. It was almost impossible to top up your SPF during the day if you wear makeup, which often resulted in exceeding the safe limits of sun exposure. The facial mist with SPF can be applied over the makeup, meaning no longer having to go without. Today, I'd like to talk about the three facial mists I've tried so far, starting with the SPF Mist pioneer from Bioderma, through the new offerings from Pixi and Garnier. They all come at the different price points, so you can truly have your pick, whatever your budget.

4 STEPS TO LASTING CURLS WITH STYLE FREEDOM

I used to think lasting curls weren't for me. I blamed everything, my hair, my skill, heat devices. Finally, I found the perfect curler and curls were not only possible but also beautiful and long lasting. Recently I have had an absolute pleasure to discover a new drugstore brand Style Freedom so I thought I'll show you the products from a different angle. Instead of a bland review, you get my step by step instruction to gorgeous and healthy curls.

SUMMER EDIT: HIGH-END SKINCARE

We don't get too many summer days here in UK but when they come, it's all about surviving the heatwave. I type this on a hot Sunday evening, eating a watermelon straight from a fridge and I wish I  could sleep outside tonight. I was thinking of post ideas all day and I thought I'll share with you my recent skincare loves, summer edition style. There aren't many this time, because the heat makes me super lazy but few suprised me from the first use.

MERUMAYA EDIT: THE 'NO BULSHIT' QUIDE TO ANTI-AGEING

There are many skincare brands trying to focus on anti-ageing. There are only a few redefining what ageing really means and how not to get overwhelmed by many bullshit slogans beauty industry sells on daily basis. Maleka and her team redefine what beauty feels and looks like and how to be fabulous at any age. Having met the team recently, I'm even more sure about the branding and the idea behind Merumaya. Today, I'd like to talk to you about all the products I've been using and what ageing gracefully means to me. 

DEWY FOUNDATION EDIT: TOP 5 FOR DRY, DEHYDRATED & MATURE SKIN

Happy Monday my Queens. Waking up on a Monday morning, I always take longer to do my makeup. I'm still rested after the weekend and I take my time, especially with my base. It comes at no surprise, I love my foundations to have an ultra dewy finish. Lately, I've been opting for some coverage too. I know I know, glowing rarely comes together with coverage, you may add. Thankfully glowing foundation doesn't mean only sheer anymore and you can find a decent coverage and dewy finish easier than before. Depending on what you're after, I prepared a list of five amazing foundations offering medium to full (buildable) coverage. Finding a dewy base that lasts all day is a little trickier and I'll share with you tips & tricks to make it happen. Ready? Let's go! ❤️

LAZY GAL EDIT: HOW TO SPA AT-HOME

How to spa at-home

Everyone deserves a little me time. The times we live in, the everyday stress we put our bodies through, we deserve it even more. Whatever your situation, maybe you work full-time and some, or home with kids all day, it's remembering to take a little break once in a while and give yourself a pamper session to end all pamper sessions! Clear your calendars, it's time for some mid-week me time!

#GIRLBOSS MAKEUP: YOUR QUIDE TO LOOK FABULOUS ALL DAY

Whether you work 9-5, run a corporation or try and control your household why not look fabulous while you at it? You don't need makeup to be confident of course, but knowing you look glam can have your confidence boosting. Whatever your style, there's a routine to fit it and today I'm sharing mine. I work long hours in the office so I stick to trusted formulas to ensure my makeup looks as good at 9 am as well as 5 pm and here's how I do it.

'I woke up like this' 

I'm all about the long lasting base. I've been super into Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear because it's awesome! It lasts all day, doesn't cake up on dry skin and that's a lot to say about a mattifying foundation. I feel like I've talked about it so much already but I really love it! It's important to trust your base products when you're stuck at work all day long. I work really long hours lately, so I demand longevity from my foundation. However, I also like light bases and my new    The Ordinary Serum Foundation is invisible on the skin, it lasts for at least 7-8 hours, so I tend to use it on my 'shorter days'. It gives that 'I have nothing on' finish, which sometimes I prefer. The formula is super light but buildable to medium coverage. I picked mine in two shades (1.0P pink and 1.0NS neutral-silver) and I tend to just mix and match. I apply it with my fingers first and then blend it in with a beauty blender. It's dewy but without going overboard and I tend to powder it down in my t-zone a bit to ensure it lasts all day. It's super watery and the whole pump is too much product for me, so I tend to use half a pump first and add on concealer if I need to cover any redness or dark circles. Given the price you really can't go wrong. Get it, if you're a patient person, as I waited for nearly 5 weeks for it to be delivered!

Concealer is a must and every girl's best friend. I don't like showing sleepless nights and with anxiety, I get plenty of these. Thankfully my Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Fair is there to pick up the pieces. I know I know. I think I featured this concealer in every one of my posts since I got it. I can't help it, it's this good! It gives superb coverage so it's perfect for days I choose lighter foundation formulas as it covers all the imperfections. I also use it to contour with. I apply it under my eyes and on the bridge of my nose and a little on the chin to cover up any dark circles and redness. Definite love!  

Another holy grail is RCMA No-Color Powder, but it's been a while since I talked about it! It deserves all the shoutouts so here it is. It's by far the best powder I have ever used. I have dry and dehydrated skin usually and it never sets on any dry patches or in fine lines. It doesn't cake up. Even in warmer months where my skin's borderline combination, it works great at keeping t-zone shine at bay. Can't fault it. It's so cheap and lasts forever. I had it for so long and I'm only half way through it! I love baking with it and I find it's best applied all over with a damp beauty blender, which is a weapon of choice for me.  

Cut those cheeks

I don't know about you, but it's been bloody ages since I went to work without full contour on. I have a full face and feel more confident with defined cheeks. And if I can look just slightly less chubby cheeks then I'll do it! Lol!!! Inglot HD Sculpting Powder in 504 is one of the best contour shades I own. It's difficult to describe, as it's very ashy with slight purple undertones, but somehow it works well on my super pale cool tone complexion. I can't imagine leaving the house without even a slight contour and the Inglot powder may not swatch well but blends beautifully onto the skin.

I've spoken about Maison Jacynthe Blush in Juliette 02  before and I still love this for my everyday needs. It's super light but gives enough of peachy-pink flush to my cheeks. It's also natural and cruelty-free and that's always a bonus! It's either this or Benefit Dandelion for me on days that I want to add a little colour to my cheeks but not go overboard.

I am not used to loving highlighters that don't burn a hole in my credit rating (looking at you Becca!), so Primark's PS... Pure Glow Highlighting Palette has been a shocker!Having seen everyone raving about it, I couldn't not try it. I'm pleased to confirm the hype was justified! Other than Firefly which is a little too dark for me but I can probably make it work if applied lightly once I'm a little tanned, I love and wear all the shades. Sometimes I just swirl a brush and mix all the shades or go either Glimmer (champagne gold) or Eden (rose gold) first then add a little of mind blowing Desert (white silver) at the very tip of the nose, cupid's bow etc. For £5.00 this palette is a true must have. I even love the marble-like packaging with rose gold details. I rarely like the non-luxury packaging so it's an all rounder for me. Get it while you still can! 

Smoldering looks

I'm all about that daytime smokey and it's my go-to look. I must admit, contoured eyes give me a lot of confidence! It's been a while since I talked about Makeup Geek matte eyeshadows and Duo Chromes but they're still one of my favourite eyeshadow formulas. I have few of my everyday favourites such as White Lies (matte white) to set my primer with, Baby Face (beige taupe) and Creme Brûlée (medium camel) in the crease and Frappe (warm medium-dark brown) & Cocoa Bear (warm dark brown) in the outer corners. Depending on my mood I also add either I'm Peachless (pink beige duo chrome) or Rockstar (grey, lilac and pink duochrome) all over my lid. I can create a multitude of looks just by using these shadows, but  I also have 20+ more to play with. 

Another 'will you stop, you're being boring' kinda product is my mascara. I don't think L'Oreal Miss Baby Roll is the best mascara, far from it, but I choose it over and over for its longevity. It doesn't crumble or smudge and believe me when I say it, that never happens to me! I wish it was more like Better than Sex and gave me incredible volume and length too, but I think it's a great everyday mascara nevertheless. I am little bored with it myself now and I'm looking forward to testing a new mascara. What would you recommend I pick up next?

Statement lips

I wouldn't be myself without a lipstick. I tend to go statement lip over a nude any day but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy both. I feel confident with a statement lip on and lately, I've been into orange reds again,  fuchsia pinks and good old rose. Jeffree Star Checkmate is my favourite shade + formula combo. It lasts literally all day, doesn't crumble and look at that vibrant red. Be that work or going out, I go Checkmate over anything! I picked up a gorgeous pink from MAC Fruity Juicy collection and it's gorgeous. Love at First Bite is not too neon but certainly not muted either. It's not the most lasting finish but it's easy to top up throughout the day. But you know what they say, once you go MA, you never go back ;) I recently picked up my one and only Chanel La Raffinée, which is a gorgeous rose dark nude. It almost looks statement on me, given how pale I am, but also super wearable. I tend to stick to it on days when I'm in meetings or any other professional capacity as it's easy to wear and top up and suits any look well. 

Confidence becomes her

Forget makeup for a second. Let's talk about being yourself, about being respected and holding your head high. Us women, don't get it easy. In most jobs, we have to fight to get our point across or to even be heard. I am sick and tired of seeing girl-clones. You know the type, I'm sure. We call them Yes-Girls. It seems that to get ahead you have to become that version of 'never original, saying yes to everything and everyone' kinda professional woman. So please please please, don't ever turn into one. Wear your opinions comfortably, don't lose your integrity because, in the end, you'll find yourself with no personality left. Be yourself, even if yourself means being a nasty woman. That nasty woman any insecure man or woman disrespects because they're afraid of you. Be her. Shatter glass ceilings with you, the pure, the original, uncensored you! 

What are your current work everyday makeup obsessions?Let me know in the comments section below. I hope you have a great week my Queens. Remember, don't let anyone dim your sparkle! 

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Thank You For Reading,

Love

MAY EDIT: KICK-ASS SKINCARE, SURVIVING THE HEATWAVE & 2ND BLOGOVERSARY

May flew past me so quickly. I was fairly busy with work, a couple of exciting events and planning Beauty Drama Queen's second birthday. It always makes me wonder that with every product I test (and that's a lot) I am still able to come up with many, many favourites each & every month. There are so many incredible formulas out there and I discovered a few again that I'm sharing with you today. From aiming for a dewy base whilst surviving the blasting heat through a quick look at recent events, May's been an eventful month for many reasons.

Skincare heroes

The Ordinary 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution | £6.30 for 30ml

Simply the best at home exfoliation treatment. 10 minutes with this peel renews my complexion and reveals smoother and glowing skin. It looks murderous when applied (the shade and consistency of blood...) but after 10 minutes my skin isn't even a little irritated. With  30% AHA concentration of  Glycolic Lactic, Tartaric and Citric acids as well as 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) idecongestsst the pores, kickstart cell regeneration and peels away any dead cells to reveal a glowing younger complexion. With the addition of Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer it alsdeeplyly hudrates to avoid skin peeling after such high acid concentration. Formulated with Tasmanian Pepperberry which helps reduce irritation common with acid use and Vitamin B5 and Black Carrot that help healing process of the skin and act as strong antioxidant. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone below 30 years old and even then I'd only use it once a week or even fortnight. I'd stick to lower concentration of acids, as you simply don't need anything quite this strong yet. However if you battle any skin damage, discolouration and uneven surface - give this new treatment from Ordinary a go, you shouldn't be dissapointed! 

Omorovicza Copper Peel | £90 for 8 sets (16 tubes of 10ml each)

A couple of peels this month and I'm not even sorry. Omorovicza Copper Peel is a 2-step resurfacing facial. I apply half of ampule of Copper Paste to my face and neck first and then activate it with half an ampule of Lactic Acid Activator. Once applied, I massage the treatment in circular motions concentrating on my forehead, around nose, cheeks and chin for around 2-3 minutes. Great for mid week facial, when you don't have the time or the energy for long haul treatments but want to revive your complexion. Active ingredients such as copper gluconate, sodium bicarbonate and Lactic Acid work together to decongest your pores, regulate sebum production, smoothing the texture of your skin and unifying uneven tones. Your lines and wrinkles appear plumped out after use too, so it makes a great midweek skincare treat. It's definitely not the cheapest. However one set will last for 2 (even 3 if only face is being treated) applications.

Sukin Facial Moisturiser* | £7.49 for 125 ml | POST

Given my love for exfoliating peels, I tend to stick to gentle moisturisers. I discovered this gem from Sukin recently and I can't get enough. I love the scent: it's gentle and sweet but doesn't linger for too long. I love natural skincare and this lightweight cream packed with natural oils have been a favourite of mine lately. Packed with soothing aloe vera, horsetail, nettle and burdock as well as healing rosehip seed, wheat germ, jojoba and avocado oil. It's paraben free and should work for even the most sensitive types. I love the combination of Wheat Germ and Rosehip Seed oils as they have ultra brightening properties and in long run can lighten the complexion and even fight age spots! I use it mostly in the morning or in the evening after a chemical peel to deeply nourish and hydrate my skin. It sinks in almost instantly and huge bottle means it'll last for ages. 

From top to bottom 

Style Freedom Curl Angel* | £7.99 for 100ml 

I fell in love with this lightweight curl defining cream. It doesn't weight my hair down which is a first for me in this category of styling products. What originally attracted me was the packaging. I didn't have high hopes as styling products rarely work for me. With my new shorter hairdo, I find that curls don't last or form as well as when I had a super long hair. Enter Curl Angel. I use it on damp hair and just brush two pumps of the products through the lengths. It gives my natural waves some life and bounce. However, it's best used after curling. I apply again 1-2 pumps of the products while I separate my curls with the fingers. The definition it gives is brilliant but also give my curls a little longer lasting power. As I mentioned before it doesn't weight it down either which is always a plus. I love this stuff! 

Blossom & Blossom Revitalising Foot & Leg Spray | £14.00 for 100ml

I love discovering great products in my Latest in Beauty subscription! This Blossom & Blossom Foot & Leg Spray works as well as I hoped it would. I have a tired leg syndrome post my hormone therapy and my feet and legs react badly to heat and long days, which is why I wanted to try this in the first place! And it works!! I now have it in my everyday bag and carry it everywhere. 2-3 sprays per feet/leg are enough to quickly reduce swelling, cool & revitalise at the same time. 5 minutes is all it needs to start working & I'm glad for it. If you suffer fromsimilar conditions, I highly recommend you try it. I'll be buying the full size for sure! 

Sweat resistant makeup & going nude

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear | £30.00 for 30ml | POST

The new foundation by Lancome promises ultra long wear and boy, does it deliver! It's by far THE BEST foundation I have ever used. If you're dry or combination with tendencies to dehydration and look for a matte foundation that won't make you look like a caked up mess - here's your holy grail and you can thank me later! Even after hours and hours of wear, this foundation holds the shine at bay, it's actually crazy how well it lasts! I love using it Monday-Friday when I need my base to last long hours and in the evening if I'm going out with friends. I didn't experience too bad of flashback with it, however, I'm super pale so I rarely can tell lol! I plan on starting foundation series where I do live hourly updates so you can see how different foundations wear throughout the day on me. Let me know if you'd be interested in that type of posts! 

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer | RPR £19.00 | POST 

I keep singing praises but it's the best concealer ever, simples. It covers well, it's still lightweight enough to use under eyes, light enough in tone for me to light contour with and most importantly doesn't cake up or crease. I always set my concealer with RCMA No-Color Powder so it's always a joint effort but I've been absolutely loving using it every single day since I bought it! It's so expensive here in the UK but I think I'll have to brace custom charges and order it from Tarte directly next time, I'll just order a couple as I don't envision using any other concealer ever again! Also available from QVC UK here

Bourjois Rouge Lacque Liquid Lipstick | £8.99 each

I have been keeping it cool with my lips lately. Yes, I still enjoy my statement lip and wear it a lot, but I've also been loving muted rose shades, just like this Toute Nude from the new Bourjois Liquid Lipstick line. I haven't been the biggest fan of their original formula but colour me impressed with Rouge Lacque now!  Toute Nude looks like a medium rose shade on me, with light purple tones mixed in. The finish is also quite interesting, the first coat goes on sheer, then the second makes it opaque with a light gloss to the finish. I've been preferring non-matte finish recently and I need to pick up more shades from this collection. The lipstick wears well, around 4 hours, sometimes even better depending what you're snacking on and most importantly doesn't dry out my lips like the original matte formula did. I hope this is an evolution in liquid lipstick formula and I look forward to other brands following the suit.  

Too Faced Sweet Peach Lipgloss | £16.00 each | POST

It's probably the first time in years I've been wearing a gloss, true gloss and it's all thanks to the amazing formula of Too Faced Lip Oils. Firstly it's the scent and taste of peaches, then the creamy oily formula that keeps my lips moisturised all day. Lastly, it's the shade (Peach-sickle) that makes my 'paler than white wall' self look like I've been in the sun , it compliments my bronzer so well! I won't be buying anymore shades as I can use this one over many lipstick and lip liner shades and given I've been into nudes lately, this one's perfect. I don't wear gloss every day but when I do, it's Too Faced as it's the only gloss I own... Yep LOL! 

Scent of the month

Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bloom | £44.00 - £79.00

To end this favourites post on a sweet tune, I present to you the best thing to happen to Flowerbomb since the original Flowerbomb. Victor & Rolf has done it again and Flowerbomb Bloom is just perfect. If you're into sweet but feminine floral scents I dare you to give it a whiff and walk away... I knew I needed it from a first whiff and I just can't get enough. The original Flowerbomb is still here, just fresher, more fruity and fun updated with citrus and 'liquid air' notes. I wish I knew what 'liquid air' was! Top notes are definitely fruity with pomegranate and mandarin (love!!!) with the heart still very flowery with freesia, damask rose, jasmine and addition of 'liquid air' which according to Victor & Rolf immitates the freshness of the air at the top of the mountain. Whatever it is, it gives the perfume a new fresher note and I'm loving it. Base notes are quite woody, giving this fragrance more masculine feel after 6-8 hours. It lasts well over 10 hours on me and I most love it at the beginning with top fruity notes and after 2-4 hours when heart notes hit. The original bottle was redesigned here and appears longer and taller. The perfume itself was designed by Domitille Bertier. 

Lifestyle bits <3

Beauty Drama Queen turns 2

I can't believe it's been two whole years that I've been sharing a little insight into my world with you. Yes, I mainly post about beauty, but within these posts, you can always find some personal snippets. I'm very socially awkward, so being here and hearing your feedback has been life changing. You have kept me going when life got to be too much at times, so thank you! I thank you from the bottom of my heart that you believe in me and stuck with me since the beginning. To all my new followers, I welcome you and I hope you stick around as I'm not yet done. I think I've grown up so much, since the start. I see it in my makeup looks, my tastes, my photography and little in my writing style. I changed and evolved and I hope to continue to do so for many years to come. I am not done, that's for sure!

So many events, so little time.

This Morning Live Show with Panasonic Beauty and creme de la creme of Birmingham bloggers

Facial with Panasonic Beauty

I am most certainly not complaining and wish life wasn't so busy so I could be attending many more events, as they're always so much fun and a chance to catch up with some friends and meet new people. In May I was invited to This Morning Live show with Panasonic Beauty. I had such an amazing time with the group of Brum Bloggers and Charlotte & Sophie who organised the event. I was treated to a facial using Panasonic newest beauty electricals, their 3-in-1 Micro-Foaming Cleansing Brush* (POST) & 3-in-1 Microcurrent Enhancer using some amazing DHC skincare products.

During BeautyUK show I was also representing a great brand and their UK distributors The Straight From Nature. Together with the team, we showcased Nacomi's natural facial and body skincare during the show, which was tiring but a total blast.  Thanks for having me guys :)

I met an incredible team behind Merumaya with Maleka herself plus Rosie, whom I've only ever met via email before. It was so much fun to chat skincare, life goals and simply just goof around. If you don't know Merumaya yet, I've written about their products many times over. Check out my posts below:

30 GOING ON 60: WE'VE USED MERUMAYA LIP RESTORATION TREATMENT FOR 30 DAYS & HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED

MY GUIDE TO 30+ ANTI-AGEING EVENING SKINCARE FOR DRY, DEHYDRATED & SENSITIVE SKIN

BUSY GIRL'S MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE: SPRING UPDATE

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Win Balance Active Formula Dragon's Blood skincare range HERE

Thank You For Reading,

Love