We spend all year waiting for our summer holidays whether they be a sunny beach holiday or a bagpacking scottish wildlife holiday, we can't wait to start packing. But are you ready for your holiday? Some of our holidays can be very costly and it seems too much to pamper ourselves before we go, even though we may need it. However not all beauty products are expensive. Here are my budget beauty tips and holiday essentials that will assure that you are ready for your much deserved holiday without splashing out too much cash!

Before you go:

Boots Simply Sensitive range will assure your skin will be squeaky clean, fresh and nourished just in time for your holiday. Simply Sensitive's face wipes are perfect for popping in your holiday bag for quick make up removal!

So I've promised another beauty post for a long time now, and I've been wracking my brain thinking as to what to write. It's so easy for me to just write a post telling everyone that they are beautiful, but what good does it do, how many people walk away feeling better?
It makes me extremely sad when I hear about someone with low self-esteem, or someone who looks different to other and feels ashamed or embarrassed or when someone calls themselves ugly.That shouldn't be happening.

In this world there are so many species, so many types of animal. Each and everyone one of them is unique and different and special. And though to us perhaps we may think, say, spiders, are ugly, they hold skills and uses that we don't and others don't, which makes them extremely important in this world.

I don't want to be the kind of beauty blogger, who just sits here and tells you that everything will be okay. How will I know right? And it's dawned on me that it is so hard to change people's mind on that topic. In fact sometimes I find it hard to follow my OWN advice when it comes to body image and beauty. We all feel inadequate at times and indifferent to how we should feel or look. And maybe we need to focus on that a bit more. The fact that EVERYONE goes through it and experiences it. Even who you may think is the most beautiful person every, will most likely have something about themselves that they dislike or even hate.


Also, when it comes to boys, I'm not sure they are that fussed anyway. And I don't mean that disrespectfully. I mean that as women we focus a lot on make up and as we do it ourselves, we can tell when another woman isn't wearing any etc. But to boys, I don't think they can notice much. They still see the face that the see all the time underneath. And in ways, I actually think that is comforting. I myself feel gross and horrid without make up. I feel as though my eyes look too small and my eyelashes seem invisible and my skin is blotchy. However my boyfriend constantly tells me I don't need make up and that I still look beautiful. It's almost as if they don't see makeup, they just see faces. So why do we still make so much effort when it comes to beauty?

I think personally that the reason we spend so long getting ready and doing hair and make up is in fact to gain dominance among other women. We challenge each other and are all subconsciously fighting for the top spot. We want to look the best. And you see it in animals too- Alpha males, Beta Males  etc. And female animals for sure have to compete against each other for the males. Although a lot of nature shows focus on the male competition, I'm sure there is a lot of female competition as well. So, we seem to seek approval from other females, even females we are friends with. And the thing is why? Half the time people enjoy bringing others down, they enjoy feeling more beautiful than others and letting people know that. It's almost like survival of the fittest. Those with the low self-esteem get hunted by those with the high self-esteem.

My point is, I'm not even sure what real beauty is, no one knows. But I truly believe there is more too it that just appearance. Please let me know what you all think. Maybe you agree or maybe you disagree. Let me know in the comment box! X

So I went shopping for cosmetics the other day. I've never really bothered much in this area until more recently. My favourite thing to shop for is normally clothes, however recently I've discovered my new found love for cosmetics. Now I am still a student therefore I am not about to go out and splash the cash too much, so instead I found cheap alternatives and thus my review shall now commence...    

Boots- Simply Sensitive Toner
I've never really used toner. I have to admit to being really bad when it comes to beauty products and all you beauty fanatics will probably want to hit me when I say that I always use face wipes! EEEKK! However I want that to change. I already have a nice exfoliating face wash which you can find in one of my previous blog posts 'Spring Treats'. So after washing my face and having it feel super soft, I applied this.
What Does Toner Actually Do?
It says on the back that it sweeps away the last traces of impurities and make up, and revitalises to improve skin texture prior to moisturising.

I have felt as though my skin feels much more clean and prepared for the day/makeup, when I've used this. And as it's a Boots own product it was a fab price of only about £1.90! BARGAIN.


Seventeen- Stay Time- Long Wear Primer
This is fantastic. I never really understood what primer did before, but it acts as a glue for your make up. Meaning it stays on a lot longer. It also evens out skin tone and minimises pores. How excellent is that? And this cheeky little bottle was only about £3.45. It comes out in a flesh coloured liquid which feels quite tacky at first contact with your face, but it drys quickly meaning no waiting around before applying foundation. It's just a great all rounder really. I feel as though if I just wanted to go natural and only wear a bit of concealer or tinted moisturiser, this would be a great first base to assure what ever makeup I did have on would stay on, and would also leave my face feeling fresh!





Miss Sporty- Morning Baby BB Cream
I'd always heard about BB Creams and never even knew what it stood for. BB= Beauty Balm for those who were as silly as me. I wanted a BB cream as I'd heard great things about them. I supposed they are similar to tinted moisturisers, but more considered a foundation.
This one gives great coverage and makes your skin feel more alive. What I mean by that is it doesn't feel so suffocated by make up, like it might do with a regular foundation. I always feel as though I am being kinder to my face by using this! It goes well with primer and gives a nice glowing, glossy finish.

It also was a bargain of about £3.45.







Natural Collection- Powder
I absolutely adore Boots Natural Collection range. They are STUDENT FRIENDLY! Everything is basically under £3. How great is that! I needed a new powder because my last one, I think I dropped and it all fell apart which was very messy when it came to application and it went almost everywhere- not ideal. This little powder was only £1.99. It does everything a powder should do, so there is no excuses for buying a really expensive one when you are on a budget. This little guy does his job well!








Natural Collection- Concealer
I wanted a concealer and a highlighter but I didn't want to spend too much money- especially as some brands they are 2 in 1. So I had this idea about getting a concealer a shade paler than I needed so that I could use it as my highlighter as well. IT WORKED! This little stick was also £1.99 which is fantastic and it means you can leave the store not feeling too guilty for splurging the cash. It sets really nicely on the skin and covers up blemishes well. It'
s perfect handbag size as well, so no need to take a big foundation with you on a day trip, just pop this concealer in your bag and you're good to go!








Natural Collection- Lipstick- Moisture Shine-Coral Shimmer
I really wanted to get more into lipsticks this year so I thought I'd buy a few from Natural Collection seeings as their prices as so fantastic. I really like matte lipsticks but I couldn't find a shade I wanted, so I thought I'd give the shimmery ones a go. This is a nice natural colour which blends orangey tones together to make a good day lipstick. My only issue is the colour doesn't seem to be that noticeable when on. The shimmer is noticeable but it almost seems like a gloss or balm rather than lipstick and my natural lip colour seems still visible through the lipstick. However I actually quite like it because it means it is very natural and the gloss texture makes my lips feel lovely and nourished and it'll be great for popping in my handbag for a day trip- just for topping up!

£1.99



Natural Collection- Lipstick- Sheer Natural- Honeysuckle
This review is pretty much the same as the previous as it is the same brand of lipstick. The only difference is the shade. This is a more pinky shade and actually matches my lips well which is good as it looks as though I am just wearing a shiny lip balm. I do have a criticism of these lipsticks however, and that is that the break off too easily. You know when they break at the stem and fall in your lap and then you have to carefully apply for fear of it falling in your lap the next time- yeah that happens. However it's never really caused me much trouble, it's just sad to see a new lipstick broken.

£1.99




L'oreal Paris- Matt &Messy- Shine Free Salt Spray
I'm trying to take better care of my hair so I wanted an alternative to straightening and curling it. I really like messy hair and messy waves so I brought this in the hope that it'd create lovely scrunchy hair. Unfortunately it didn't. But to be honest my hair is naturally very straight so perhaps it just doesn't like my hair. It does however, give more volume to my hair which I am pleased with. Just because it didn't work much on my hair doesn't mean I will stop using it and trying it. And you should all try it as it seems a good product and if you have hair that takes better to it- it'll look fantastic.
 This was on offer and was only £2.99 I believe!







TRESemme- Breakage Defence- Hair Masque
I was in desperate need of a deep condition. My hair has felt so broken recently and weak and I'm not entirely sure why. This is great and I've used it for a few years now. It's in a big tub which lasts a very long time- depending on how much you use. You leave it on shampooed hair for a few minutes and then wash off and it leaves your hair feeling so nourished and soft and silky! It also smells ridiculously nice and you exit the shower feeling as if you've been to the salon! It was around the £4 mark I think which is great for what it is. It always seems to be on offer as well so look out for it!!







Okay so that's it for now and I hope you've enjoyed this little beauty post. I hope it encourages you to look at other brands and save so much money by buying cheaper products that work just as well. Feel beautiful whilst saving money-that is like the best thing ever for a woman!

ALSO LOOK OUT BECAUSE BOOTS AND SUPERDRUG ARE DOING A 3 FOR 2 OFFER ACROSS ALL BEAUTY PRODUCTS!!!!! EXCITING!!!

http://www.boots.com/


http://www.superdrug.com/

Dear Readers,

                      Okay, so I know I previously wrote a blog post called 'Be YOU', and this post may seem similar, but I want to stress something that i've noticed. It is something that everyone knows, but nobody really notices. And that is how different we all are. I know, that sounds like the most obvious thing to say, but its true. We are all conceived in the same way, yet the results (us) are so unique and special. Each and every person has their own body, their own heart, brain, soul, bones, skin. Nobody is the same. I think we all need to take a few seconds, or minutes or how ever long you want, to stop and think about that. Why is it we judge others for being different, and why do we judge ourselves for not being the same.
I've realised recently that nobody understands you, better than you. So if you don't want to do something- only you can justify why. Some people drink, others don't. Some people smoke, others don't. Some people play Dungeons and Dragons, whereas others play Football. And that's okay- I promise. There is nothing wrong with being different!
I know there are a lot of people out there who feel lost, who feel they don't belong, and I want to let them know that they are not alone. Right now, I could be out partying but instead I'm sat at my laptop listening to the calming music a mystery person from another floor is playing. It's got me thinking: how many other people are doing the same thing right now? How many of us feel like we are wandering through life without a clue, or perhaps too many clues that others don't see. In this world, with so many people, it is so very easy to feel on your own. But just knowing that other people feel this, allows us to know that as long as the world keeps spinning, we will never be truly alone.
And for those who like being alone, that's okay too. Relaxing by yourself can be a great way to reflect. I know that I am one of those people who has always enjoyed being by myself. That doesn't of course mean I don't like meeting up with friends and family-because of course I do.
I just think people need to accept who they are and more than that..

. accept who others are.
Our lives are like a story book. If all the characters were the same then you'd have no story. But the different characters, ah well they just make for a fantastic read. And I think our stories- I think they're going to be the best!
So be silly, act crazy and be spontaneous, fall in love, enjoy anything and everything and most of all never forget that without you, this world would be a little less different and unique.


Lots of Love
Laura
X

As a young woman of twenty, I feel responsible enough to take this matter into writing. Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with some ridiculous lecture or anything of the sort, but what I feel is necessary is a good talking to. Since being at University, this matter has become more and more apparent to me. And that is ladies and gentlemen * clears throat* the matter of virginity. Losing it, keeping it, throwing it at people, whatever.
 Growing up for everyone is hard, hitting puberty is not the best time of your life putting it nicely. But with all the stress of this, with school, college, University etc on top, I don't understand why we pile more upon ourselves. And yes, I am talking about the need, or shall I say, obsession with losing virginity's.
From my point of view, and I am in no way saying it is the only point of view, as of course thousands of you out there may disagree, your virginity is something special. You are letting a person into your life both emotionally and physically, and I personally don't think that is something that should be thrown around willy nilly (if you'll pardon the pun). Our bodies are all beautifully sculpted, each individual and each different, and that's what makes the world so special, I think we owe it to ourselves to respect our bodies. After all, they have been with us since birth- otherwise we'd just be a floating head!
When I was a few years younger it seemed majorly important to lose your virginity. Whether this was because it was seen as uncool if you didn't or because in fact everyone was scared that they'd never lose it, and wanted to get it out the way. Either way people should never feel pressured to do anything if they aren't ready or comfortable with it. The truth is when you get older you begin to regret the choices you made. Not all, but for sure some. And often the way people lose their virginity's is a regret. Whether you're 16, 18 or 25, what ever your age, never think it is acceptable for people to make you feel rubbish about whether you've had sex or not or force you to do it. Please never feel like you have to have had sex to fit in with a group. If that's the case, then those people aren't cool enough for you- for someone who is strong enough to say 'Hey, when I'm ready, I'm ready, not when you think I'm ready!'
Truth is, it doesn't matter when you lose it, the only thing that matters really is how you lose it. And I'm sure when you're 70 years old you'd prefer to look back and say you lost your virginity to someone that you truly wanted to be the one to take it. Unfortunately, we don't all choose that option, and that doesn't make us bad people. It just means we didn't think it through as much, and perhaps we, sadly, felt the pressures of society and our peers put too much strain on how we approached the matter. But for those of you reading this, you DO have the chance to think.
Sex is a very personal thing and we should take care of our decisions around it. After all its our bodies we are using. I'm sure you'd prefer to put your body in the hands of someone you love and trust! SO be brave and stand up for yourselves. Be ready for it when you want to be!

Another matter I thought I'd touch upon, and I won't go on for too long as I've already kept you a while, is about numbers. And no, I don't mean maths. Although that seems to be coming into it. Whilst being at University one of the most common things I hear being talked about, and this seems much more apparent in males( though not always) is how many people they have slept with. Apparently this matters? I see boys proudly admitting how many they've 'had' and 'bigging' themselves up to each other. I would just like to say a few words to those people:
Not only is it highly disrespectful to the other gender- thinking of them as objects or pieces of meat- but if you ask the opposite sex if they'd prefer a relationship with someone whose slept with one person or someone whose slept with 25... Who do you think they would choose?
Its not cool guys.
For those people who aren't counting, just enjoy sex, and are embracing it and aren't hurting people in the process- fair enough! Enjoy your life, I'm not hear to say don't have sex, or don't explore- go forth and do that!
My point is, sex to some people is an intimate beautiful thing and that needs to be accepted by more people! 
I'd much prefer to sleep with one person I was madly in love with for the rest of my life, than someone new each day, wouldn't you?!
After all- you only have one chance to lose your virginity! Lose it wisely!