Italy Day Three.

This was probably my favourite day of the holiday; we took a little trip to Lake Como. We woke up early, opening the curtains to glorious sunshine and summer heat, and so we stumbled off to breakfast. After feasting on croissants, fruit and crispy bacon, we went to the train station. It was a very long journey as it's a whole different lake but it was well worth it. We stepped off the train and this was our first sight...

We were dying for some refreshments - and shade! So we had a little pit-stop in a nearby café. It was terribly hot in Como town, at points it all got a bit too humid and we dashed in and out of shady spots. But, as Brits who are used to rainy days and cloudy skies, we weren't complaining.

After wandering around the lake, soaking up both sunshine and bustly atmosphere; we headed to the Funicular to get a slightly different perspective on Lake Como.

The view was simply incredible. If you look closely, you can see Milan in the distance, above. There were cafés and restaurants up the mountain so we decided to have a coffee break and take in the stunning view. From every corner there was something to gaze at; be it snowy mountains in the far distance, Milan or a birds-eye view on Como Town. 

Before we knew it we were back on safe ground and we decided to be real tourists. We came across the world-famous Como Cathedral. It's beautiful architecture was simply rather breathtaking and it stood proudly in a small piazza.

Then, time for dinner back in Locarno - we had a true Italian dinner with pasta, pizza and ravioli on the cards. With stuffed tummies and belt-loops loosened, we headed to the hotel for hot chocolates and a snooze.

What's On My Face #2:

On Friday I went to a friend's birthday party, and as part of this week's WOMF, I thought I'd share with you guys the makeup I wore. Surprise, surprise it's a natural one.

To begin, I mixed the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation with my Clarins Instant Light Perfector for a luminous glow. A base combo I always reach for. Then, I moved onto the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer for under eyes and on any blemishes. To take away any obvious shine, I dusted the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder lightly over the t-zone. I used the Body Shop Honey Bronzer and Benefit Coralista blusher to give colour and depth. They both apply heavenly and give a nice sheen to the skin.

For brows, all I used was my current favourite brow product, the Bobbi Brown Brow Gel. The colour is a perfect match, while it fills in any sparse areas and gives a fuller look. Nothing on the lids at all for this time, but I did use my trustworthy Clinique High Impact Mascara. It thickens your lashes like no other; it also lengthens and gives drama.

To finish the look, I applied a dab of Benefit's Cha Cha Tint on my lips for a splash of coral color. It compliments the blusher perfectly - instantly giving a healthy, peachy glow. The combo for summer.

Latest Style Inspo...

Minimal-meets-essential style. Think 90s Calvin Klein with healthy doses of effortless chic. 
All pictures are taken from my Pinterest.

Italy Day Two.

For day two, we took a little day trip to a local town called Ascona. A beautiful, brightly coloured, stylish town filled with bustling locals and coffee-lovers. The sun was shining and the heat was sweltering; but we decided to explore.

I'm wearing: Zara top (similar here), Topshop shorts (similar here), Zara bag (also similar here). For my sister Jess; Asos top, Zara skirt (similar here) and Topshop sandals.

Then, stumbled across a rather fancy pants hotel; the Eden Roc. We wandered around the hotel, gasping at the stunning décor and the surroundings. Speaking of which...

...look at the outside area.

We stopped for drinks at one of the many restaurants; gazing at the spectacular view. Truly was breathtaking. Even watching the paddle boarders was amusing - something I definitely want to try next time we go!

Ascona is a beautiful town - can't wait to return!

Italy Day One.

Leaving England in a cover of drizzly clouds; we were all the more excited to arrive in Italy/ Switzerland in glorious sunshine (Locarno sits right on the border of both countries). But, for the meantime, we were enjoying our Club class brunch, a chicken salad.

After what seemed ages to arrive, it was early evening and after snooping around the hotel, we hit the hay the minute we got through our room door. But waking up to this sight was pretty gob-smacking...

And so we headed for a morning swim (in the ridiculously massive robes hotels always have).

We caught the funicular up to one of the oldest Catholic churches in Europe.

Before heading back down to the lake for some sunshine and ice cream. Italian ice cream (gelati) is the best thing I've ever eaten and let's just say I could quite happily live on it for the rest of my life (shh!).

Wearing a Zara skirt (fairly similar here), Topshop tee and sandals and yet another Zara bag (similar here).

Then to conclude our first day of Locarno; we sunbathed and relaxed by the pool. Next stop - day two!

Sunkissed Summer Tag...

The Questions:

1. What is your go-to product for a sun kissed summer glow? The Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion is just perfect in my eyes. Being so pale skinned, it's hard to find a fake tanner that doesn't leave me streaky or orange; this results in bronzed, moisturised, radiant skin.
2. What's your signature summer scent this year? I'm currently lusting over my sister's recent purchase, the See By Chloe perfume, indescribably perfect, as are all Chloe perfumes. 
3. The sun is shining and it's time to get outside! What's your favourite thing to do? Probably heading into London for some shopping and coffee with my sister. 
4. You're on the boardwalk and your stomach is grumbling. What's your go-to summer beach food? Ice cream counts, right? It may not fill a hungry appetite, but it fills a gap or too for later. And if you're wondering; lemon or pistachio all the way. 
5. After a day in the summer sun and heat, what do you do to cool off? Well, I know everybody says this but definitely a cold shower; I for one, actually love cold showers (you feel toastie when you come out for once!) 
6. How do you wear your hair in the summer? As much as I'd love to say something cool like ombré or in a milkmaid braid, much to your disappointment, I just have it down. Sometimes I have it up if it's especially hot but usually, it's down in a blow-dry style.
7. Sometimes it just feels good to chill out and watch Netflix. What shows/ movies do you recommend for summer? Lately, I've been really into action/ drama movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Shawshank Redemption (probably not one for a chill out sesh!). But Funny Face will always be my #1 recommendation. 
8. Do you wear liquid foundation, BB Cream or tinted moisturiser in the summer? None! I wear a powder foundation, the MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation to be exact. Much more lightweight and wearable during the summer. For someone with oily skin, it's crucial I stay away from any liquids or creams!
9. It's super bright outside! Do you reach for sunglasses or a hat? I'd love to rock a hat, but sadly, my hair disagrees. Sunglasses all the way.
10. What is your summer jam this year? Well, all of the Ed Sheeran 'X' album - there isn't one song that I don't like!

There you have it! Let me know if you've done/ doing this tag! I would love to read it! I tag all of you! P.S: Expect Italy photo diaries soon - come back tommorow!

What's On My Face #1:

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World Duty Free Haul...

Yes. It happened. I stepped foot inside the home of tax free/ discounted beauty; was lured in with sweet scents and friendly staff; and a few naughty purchases happened. I wasn't planing on getting anything I ended up buying; I had in my mind to purchase a new foundation and blusher - but instead I walked away with a brow gel, eye cream and Benefit makeup kit. Now I'm back from my wonderful holiday break to Italy (photo diaries will be up soon!), I thought I'd spill the beans on my new lovers (if you haven't yet seen my instagram).

Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper and Hair Touch Up (in Rich Brown) - The best thing I've ever found for my brows. Filling in my brows with powder or pencil can take such a long time, effort and precision. However, just sweeping this on lightly fills in all the little gaps, keeps the hairs in place, gives a tint of colour and makes them instantly polished.

Kiel's Avocado Eye Cream - For some reason, prior to buying this product, I was experiencing really dry, flaky under eyes (a pain when I applied concealer) but the minute I used this (no exaggeration), I could feel already my under eye area was hydrated, soothed and line-free. Don't expect this eye cream to banish blue circles; it's aim to hydrate and repair the under eye area - which it does perfectly. 

Benefit Go Tropi-Coral Kit - This is currently my holy grail kit. The punchy corals (the Coralista lipgloss and blusher, and the Chacha tint) instantly make you appear tanned and glowy while the pearly High Beam highlighter fakes an instant radiant glow. I want to purchase all these products in full size! Love them!

Very pleased with my purchases this year, it always sets my holiday off to a good start. Plus, it means while I'm away I have something new and exciting to try.

What beauty products have you bought recently?

brb.

Taken from my instagram

I'm going on holiday tomorrow with my family to Switzerland/ Italy. I'll be back on Sunday the 13th - unfortunately I'm taking a break from blogging while I'm away but I hope to back on the ol' web when I'm back. Expect photo diaries too when I'm home!

Speak soon!

#NARSISSISTXLILYANNA Event...

Yesterday, I popped along to the Nars event at Space N.K where Lily Pebbles and Anna from ViviannaDoesMakeup were talking all things beauty. The event celebrated the launch of the new Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows, which we were able to preview, alongside a personal eye makeup consultation with a member of the team (not forgetting the champers and refreshments). The event was amazing, but of course, the highlight was meeting Lily and Anna, my fave bloggers.

My beautiful dates for the evening; my sister (right) and her friend

I love the eyeshadows and had I not be going on holiday next week (Duty Free wishlist coming soon!), I may have made a sneaky purchase. The oh-so-pigmented, buttery soft shadows slide on like a dream, and the shade 'Callisto' really tickled my fancy. My fellow beauty-addict dates bought a Nars lipgloss and a blusher, which came with an incredible gift; a mini Nars eyeshadow and blush!

Check this out on my instagram

Anna and Lily were everything that I thought they'd be! They greeted us with big hugs as if we were old friends, and were super easy to talk to and giggle with. We enjoyed chats about careers, shopping and of course, the eyeshadows. As always, impeccable hair, makeup and outfits (all which made us very jealous) matched the scene perfectly. It was strange talking to them; from seeing their beautiful faces on my computer screen at home in my pjs, to seeing them in real life was a really great experience. Truly some of the nicest girls I've ever met!

I had an amazing evening filled with champers, meringues, beauty, my fave bloggers, my fave girlfriends and all things beauty...all in one special place, Space.NK! I hope to attend more beauty events again in the future as this simply was incredible. The Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows are out now.