Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Garnier skincare


I recently decided to step up my skincare routine after having a consultation with a skincare expert and realising that makeup removal wipes just won't cut it anymore.
I've always been a fan of Garnier skincare as it's affordable and seems to work well with my skin.

Here's a few of the key products in my routine...


Garnier Moisture Match Illuminating Lotion Protect & Glow

Although my foundation already contains SPF 15 I like to apply a protective moisturiser to provide as much coverage as possible and keep those pesky dark spots and signs of sun damage at bay.
I find the Moisture Match lotion works as a great base and absorbs quickly so you can apply foundation straight away without having to wait around.
It does seem to brighten a dull complexion and provide moisture without being too greasy which is perfect for normal/dry skin like mine.



My previous makeup removal routine consisting of face wipes has been replaced by a much skin-friendlier micellar water and cleanser. 
After having my consultation I realised how bad face wipes are for skin and while you may not see the damages now they will definitely become more noticeable in the future.
Micellar water is a much gentler way of removing makeup and doesn't damage the sensitive skin around the eye area like wipes do.
Together with the softening cleansing milk they remove even the most stubborn dirt and makeup and leave skin feeling fresh, clean and super soft. 
I have definitely noticed a difference in my complexion and skin's appearance since switching and despite my makeup removal taking slightly longer, there's definitely no going back.



I have always used separate day and night creams and no matter how tired I am I moisturise first thing in the morning and last thing at night without fail.
 Every now and again I like to switch up creams as I find when my skin becomes too familiar with one product it stops working so well.
I decided to switch from L'Oreal Paris to Garnier and noticed a difference straight away.
While I love L'Oreal products I found that my skin immediately became softer and blemishes appeared reduced within days of using the Garnier Soft Cream Pot and Moisture Restore Night Cream.
The creams are extremely lightweight and absorb quickly to leave skin soft, dewy  and sporting a healthy glow. They also smell delicious too which is a bonus.



As someone who likes to sport a healthy glow all year round the Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion is the perfect solution to all-over, subtly sun kissed skin.

The lotion dries quickly meaning you don't have to hang about to get changed and although it can be a little patchy and leave streaks if your'e not careful, 9 times out of 10 it creates a nice even tan and leaves skin moisturised and looking a little less pasty during the colder months.

Have you tried any Garnier products? Which do you recommend?

Holly xx


*Post has not been sponsored by Garnier, all views and opinions are my own.



Friday, 1 January 2016

Happy New Year



It feels as though 2015 passed in the blink of an eye but on review a lot of great things happened and overall it was a pretty good year for me.

As always I am excited to wipe the slate clean and start the new year fresh and motivated. 
I'm not talking about the whole 'new year, new me' cliche, but starting as I mean to go on and continuing to improve, succeed and become a better person... and with any luck make 2016 my best year yet.

Here's to the new year and the start of a new chapter in everyone's life. 
Continue to grow and prosper, stay humble, work hard, be kind and achieve everything you've ever dreamed of.

Happy New Year!!

Holly xx


Here's a few pics from the last month...


True words


New baby


Christmas cups


Happy Christmas to me, from me xx


Fave



Fine dining


Weekend reading


Sundays


Favourite shade #MenLoveMystery



Outfit inspo


Pretty Christmas lights


Mmm chocolate


Praline soy latte = best drink EVER



Monday mornings


Christmas Day selfie


My beautiful Christmas tree


New makeup


Mmm sushi


Happy New Year!!


For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber


Tuesday, 22 December 2015

How to have a healthy happy holiday


Christmas is a time to let loose, have fun and fully embrace the perks of the festive season. Our usual healthy habits go straight out of the window and the fun-filled weeks of indulgence are often followed by strict New Year diets and military-style fitness regimes. However, you needn’t live in fear and begrudgingly decline every mince pie or chocolatey treat that comes your way. Instead, try these five simple tricks that will keep your health in check over the holidays, without ruining your fun (or your waistline).

Eat well

Festive treats don’t have to be laden with salt, covered in chocolate or served with brandy and cream. Make the most of healthier seasonal foods by indulging in sweet fruits such as apples, cranberries and clementines, or loading up on vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, sweet potato and squash. Nuts make a great snacking alternative to crisps and keep you feeling fuller for longer, which will prevent you reaching for junk food later in the day.

Keep moving

As tempting as it may be to bury yourself on the sofa with the intention of staying there all day, you will most definitely feel better for getting some fresh air and stretching your legs. Even if your regular gym routine has gone to pot, a brisk walk around the block, run around with the kids, or a dance to some festive tunes. These will help raise your metabolism and keep those pesky pounds at bay.


Stay hydrated

It’s easy to forgo water in place of fizzy drinks, mulled wine and hot chocolate, but these will simply leave you feeling dehydrated and sluggish. Start your day with a cup of super-hydrating warm water and lemon which will help to alkalise your body, kick-start your metabolism and support your liver by diminishing the unpleasant effects of sugar and alcohol. Aim to drink at least 2L of water throughout the day to balance the consumption of all your other favourite festive tipples.

Snooze time

With all the festive parties, late-night soirees and long list of Christmas movies to get through, sleep can easily become the last thing on your list. However, lack of sleep can leave you feeling moody, drained and overwhelmed, and who wants to feel like that at the happiest time of year? Aim to stick to a regular bedtime and get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This combined with a good diet is sure to help you feel your optimal best and full of cheer throughout the festive holiday season.

Moderation 

It’s more than likely at some point you’re going to over-indulge - it’s Christmas right?! Just remember to enjoy everything in moderation. Your favourite foods will still be around after December so there’s no need to feast as though there’s about to be a famine. And eating chocolate for breakfast is only acceptable on December 25th – not every day of the month. Aside from that… eat, drink, be merry and have a very, very happy Christmas!


Wednesday, 2 December 2015

Hello December


'Tis the season to be jolly!

The month many of us have been waiting for all year has finally arrived and for once I'm actually on the ball and have finished my Christmas shopping.

November has been extremely busy and in between uni work and exam revision (boo!) I've managed to enjoy a few nights out which have included pizza, cocktails, a pamper evening at L'Occitane and a fabulous day spent shopping and visiting the Christmas market with two of my best friends.

All of the festive shopping has left me with a slightly-sorry looking bank account but it will all be worth it when I see the smiles on my friends and family's faces Christmas morning!

What have you been up to the last month? Are you excited for Christmas?


Holly xx

Here's a few pics from the last month...



Shine bright


Healthy dinner


Treating my skin to a detoxing mud face mask


Delicious festive handwash


The best time of the week



New additions


Warming up with some delicious broccoli, Stilton and celery soup


December issue


Antioxidant boost: Spinach, blueberry, apple and celery smoothie


Dinner date



November BirchBox


Breakfast


Treats


 #BuddhaQuotes



It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...


Saturday nights


Redcups


New booties


 The best course



Everyday


L'Occitane haul


Christmas market, shopping and lunch with friends



 Feeling festive



Mmm... burgers


For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber