Win a £50 Etsy Gift Voucher!!

It's been a while but I've got another fabulous competition for you!

If you love handmade unique items you're going to love this prize - a £50 Etsy gift voucher!

To get involved simply follow the Rafflecopter instructions. Prize draw opens May 31 2015 at midnight and ends on June 30 2015 at midnight. UK and ROI only. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Super easy nail tutorials for beginners | Whale of a time

Whale of a time is a really easy nail tutorial which is perfect for beginners. Watch on to find out how you can recreate it yourself!

How to create a classic smoky eye tutorial

So I felt pretty inspired yesterday and created a really simple Smoky Eye tutorial. Watch on to find out how to recreate it.

Six bad health habits you need to avoid

There are some bad health habits that we all do so often we may not even be aware of it. Whilst it's important to get a balance between doing certain things to aid your health, sometimes it could do more harm then good. Here's a look at six of the top bad habit you probably didn't even know you had.

Going to the gym too often
Scientific research has found that people who did 30 minute workouts lost more weight then those who did an hour. Those that worked out less were not as exhausted which meant they could do more outside the gym such as walking or active hobbies like dancing or netball. By doing a range of activities you'll find you'll burn a lot more calories. If you're finding your workout leaves you knackered, try to cut down slightly and take up physical activity elsewhere doing a hobby you enjoy.

Removing all your pubic hair
Removing all your hair down there increases your exposure to germs and damages delicate skin so it's easier for infections to take hold. Gynaecologists have found that the level of patients with cysts and abscesses caused by damaged skin has increased when hair is regularly removed. Whilst it's fine to maintain it, try to keep pruning to the side of your bikini line where the skin is tougher

Not changing contact lenses after swimming
After swimming you're cold, wet and keen to get dry and often that means you forget to change your contact lenses. Harmful organisms that live in pool water can lead to serious eye infections and the risk of catching one is increased by contact lenses. Lenses hold water in contact with your eye and removing them can cause a slight trauma which can allow bacteria to get in. The best way to prevent any nasty infections is to wear googles over your lenses then either disinfect them or get new disposables.

Sitting on the bus/train
Whilst it may feel like a small victory to bag the last seat on the bus/train, it can actually lessen your life by 22 minutes. Researchers have found that sitting raises your insulin levels which can cause conditions like diabetes. Don't worry you don't need to stand up for the rest of your life - standing for a few minutes an hour counteracts this. Make plans to do tasks vertically and even download Standapp which reminds you to stand up at certain intervals.

Wearing flat shoes every day
You would think wearing flat shoes wouldn't be a issue? Flat shoes often have very little support which can aggravate the plantar fascia (tissue in the sole of the foot) and cause pain. Unfortunately sky scraper heels aren't much better and daily use of those can shorten the Achilles tendon (nightmare!). The best way to alleviate any problems is to alternate between different heel heights during the weeks so no one area of your foot gets overworked. Did you really need a excuse to go shopping?

Ordering takeaways online
It may sound strange but if you order your takeaway in person you'll actually eat 6% less calories. Research has found that we feel more embarrassed about 'pigging out' if someone real writes down the order as opposed to the anonymity of online ordering.

Three fantastic juice recipes for better skin and hair

You can't look at a glossy magazine these days without seeing a celebrity papped with something bright and colourful. Juices are the new big thing and with ventures like Juice Plus saturating the market, everyone is getting on the bandwagon. So what's so good about a juice in the morning? Juices have a lot of nutrients which make your skin glow, your eyes sparkle and it's so much more palatable then a plate of Kale.

So what sort of juice should you be going for? Here's a couple of recipes to get you started.

Great for skin
Beetroots are packed with antioxidants and they are perfect for helping your skin to renew itself. Raw beetroots are high in folate which is vital for DNA replication and to protect your cells from skin damage. Drink this daily and I promise your skin will have a gorgeous glow.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp raw beetroot
• 3 blackberries
• 10 blueberries
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 sprig of mint
• 1/3 of an apple 
• 6 red grapes

Perfect for hair
Do you want your hair to glow with health? This cucumber based juice is full of benefits that help keep hair healthy and looking great. Cucumber contains pantothenic acid which stimulates hair growth, spinach contains beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant for healthy hair development and almonds are rich in biotin (vitamin B7) which helps your hair to grow faster.

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber
• A handful of spinach
• 2 apples
• A handful of almonds
• 1 shot of wheatgrass 

New on the juice scene? Try this
You may be used to pure juice which can be very sweet and quite addictive. This juice contain oranges to give it some sweetness to slowly wean yourself onto healthier juices. It also contains carrots and lemon to make it healthier and a touch of ginger to give the juice a warm buzz.

Ingredients

• 3 carrots
• 1 thumb size piece of fresh ginger
• 1 peeled orange
• 1 peeled lemon

Alternatively if you're too lazy to make your own you can buy Raw Smoothies by Nosh Detox (RRP for eight) which will give you beauty benefits without the effort. Order online at therawsmoothie.co.uk. As this is the worlds first 100% raw smoothie you'll get as much good stuff as if you'd made it yourself. Win win.

May Birchbox Unboxing

May's Birchbox is a box geared up towards the warmer months. With a range of samples aimed at improving your look and physique for when clothes become a little looser it's great for covering most of the bases.

Check out what's inside!

What do you think of May's Birchbox? Do you think they could incorporate more makeup into their boxes?

Spring Shopping Haul | Primark | Forever 21 | Topshop

So I had a little shopping trip down Lakeside late last month but haven't yet got round to uploading it. Take a sneak peak at all the goodies I managed to grab!

Six simple ways to reduce acne

Relinquish the spa treatments
It may be hard if you're a pamper addict but sometimes a facial can do more damage then good when you're suffering with acne. Many beauty therapists are not equipped with the expert knowledge required with problem skin and may actually end up causing further breakouts. It is better to invest your money in a dermatology clinic where treatments such as Violet Light therapy are utilised. Violet Light treatment kills and removes acne bacteria and helps to reduce inflammation. Other treatments include Microdermabrasion which can unclog blocked pores and controlled chemical peels that use salicylic and lactic acid.

Consult the right expert
When suffering with acne it's important to discuss the problem with the right experts who will be able to help. Your GP will be able to discuss medication but can also offer advice on contraception such as the contraceptive pill as this can often stabilise your hormones. There are a variety of types available and they can discuss the right one for you. It's important to make sure your symptoms are fully assessed so any underlying medical conditions like Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome can be ruled out. If your acne is severe or really affecting your self esteem it may be worthwhile asking if you can be referred to a dermatologist. This is unlikely to be offered on the NHS unless your acne is very severe due to the cost but even one private session is worthwhile in finding guidance on how your routine affects your skin. Everything from your makeup routine and fitness habits can affect breakouts and a Dermatologist will be able to offer advice in how to overcome this.

Eat a regular diet
Whilst there is not a scientific link between greasy foods and acne, research suggests that excessive consumption of sugary and white carbohydrates contribute towards this. Sugary and white carbohydrates such as chocolate produce a protein called IGF-1 that stimulates the production of oil clogging your follicles. Whilst this may seem disappointing you shouldn't worry as combining small treats like chocolate with a healthy balanced diet of meat, fruit and vegetables will help to reduce your chance of causing more spots.

Take supplements
By taking supplements such as magnesium, vitamin B5 and the amino acid L-theanine you help to combat stress. Including a daily multi vitamin in your daily routine, especially those that contain Vitamin C and Zinc, will help to heal scars and promote skin health. Essential fatty acids can help to balance your skin's oil production so look for a multi vitamin that contains Omega-3 fish oil or flaxseed supplement.

Don't suffer alone
If your skin is making you really unhappy the best way to tackle it is to seek cognitive behavioural therapy ("CBT"). CBT teaches you to challenge the way you think, and how others see you, addressing your issues of self criticism that is common when suffering from skin conditions such as acne. Find a therapist at itsgoodtotalk.org.uk or plusguidance.com for online counselling.

Make time for you
Making time for relaxation and me times helps to low your stress levels which in turn will reduce surges of hormones. The reduction in hormones will have a positive effect on your skin calming any breakouts. Try to spend five minutes every day sitting or lying somewhere quiet with your eyes closed, imagine you're somewhere you love such as a sun kissed beach, and try to remember how good it made you feel. If you're in a situation such as a social event where you feel out of your depth and uncomfortable try to focus on the person you're speaking to. Concentrate on what they're wearing and saying, force yourself to ask them questions which will put you out of your inner critic.

Six top tips on how to keep your nails healthy

Soft and pretty nails are the trend for Spring/Summer 2015. Before you grab your latest Nails Inc Blossom shade it's important to remember to give your nails some TLC. Here's some useful tips on keeping your nail area looking neat and pretty.

Avoid metal files
When filing your nails avoid using metal files as these can be very harsh on your nails. Emery boards are more gentle and it's easier to control the shape of your nails.

How to keep up with the latest style
The shape for the moment is short and round. If your nails are short simply file your nails into a rounded shape to give the illusion of longer fingers.

Oil it up
Almond oil is perfect for giving your nails a new lease of life. Simply rub a couple of drops onto your nail bed and your hands will be soft and smooth in a instant.

Quick fix
Finding paint on the corner of your fingers after painting your nails can be very frustrating. In order to avoid the risk of smudging your nails by using a wipe, simply rub a bit of nail polish remover on a old lip pencil brush. This will help to easily tidy up any splashes.

Protection is key
When nails are coated with a protective top coat they often last a lot longer then without. Try Nails Inc 45 Second Top Coat to help your nails dry faster and last longer.

Greasy isn't good
The sticky feeling of left over hand cream can be quite irritating. After moisturising your hands rub a small amount of nail polish remover over each nail to ensure there is no leftover cream or greasiness.

Make your eyes stand out with Maxfactor Excess Intensity Longwear Eyeliner in 01

The Hype
Make your eyes stand out by lining them with Maxfactor's Excess Intensity Longwear Eyeliner. Available in 9 intense shades that compliment your lashes to create a look that lasts all day.

The Lowdown
I tend to use black eyeliner but like to switch things up from time to time. The eyeliner is quite unusual in that it's self sharpening so those days of broken eyeliners are in the past. I'm testing the gold shade (01) which is absolutely gorgeous. The liner is amazingly pigmented and so soft and creamy to apply. The liner has fantastic resistance and I had to really rub the product to get it to shift even a small amount.

The one negative thing I have to point out is the fact that the tip does not have any real shape. Whilst many eyeliners have a typical pencil tip which makes it easy to apply this eyeliner is quite flat which means application isn't so exact and it may slip a bit.

The eyeliner is bright enough to be used on its own either on the top lash line, bottom lash line or both. Alternatively it can be worn with a bright eyeshadow to really make your eyes pop.

It's not often I say this but this eyeliner does pretty much everything right. Perfect for lining your eyes on a sunny beach holiday.

I give it 4/5

Get it for £6.99 at Boots 

Advantages

• The eyeliner has amazing staying power and is both smudge proof and waterproof
• Soft texture
• Glides on smoothly
• Intense pigmentation 
• Self sharpening which means no more broken pencils!  

Disadvantages

• The tip is not shaped for easy application

Get your nails to dry quicker with Bourjois Instant Dry Nail Drops

The Hype
Bourjois Instant Nail Drops are the perfect solution to help your nails dry quickly. The drops are enriched with a quick-dry, cuticle nourishing formula that takes the pain out of painting your nails.

The product is as easy as 1-2-3 to apply simply:
1. Apply your nail varnish
2. Release on drop from the pipette onto each nail
3. Wait a few seconds and like magic your nails will dry twice as fast

The Lowdown
There's nothing worse then sitting there for hours waiting for your nails to dry then accidentally smudging them and ruining all your hard work. I read about this product in the Superdrug Dare magazine so I was keen to know if it actually worked!

With visions of many ruined nail designs in my head I applied the product hoping for the best. I applied the nail varnish then dropped a small amount of the product on top.The drops are really easy to apply and instantly cover the nail and start to harden the nail varnish. I estimated that after 2 minutes the nail varnish was completely dry.

 I would just like to add if your nail varnish is particularly thick or gloopy it may take longer for the drops to take effect.

I was very impressed by Bourjois Instant Dry Nail Drops, they do actually work in very little time at all. It's great to see a product performing exactly as it's supposed to.

I give it 4/5

Get it for £5.99 at Boots 

Advantages

• Really easy to use
• Adds a glossy shine to nails which eliminates the need for a top coat
• Dry nails in pretty much no time at all

Disadvantages

• Thicker coats will take longer to dry and won't be instant
• Slightly messy

Asda George Quartz Gel Pro Nail Varnish

Whilst out shopping this Wednesday Asda's George Gel Pro nail varnish in Quartz was literally staring at me in the face. I loved how vibrant the gold  shade was, and how up close it appeared amazingly pigmented. So what it look like on? Check it out below!

Get it at all good Asda stores or online for £3

Maybelline Color Drama Velvet Lip Pencil Fab Orange Review

The Hype
Maybelline's Color Drama lip pencil is a lipstick with a difference. The slim Kohl pencil design makes lips the centre of attention with vibrant colour and creamy texture. The product is available in 9 on trend shades including:

• Berry Much
• Fab Orange
• In With Coral
• Red Essential
• Light It Up
• Nude Perfection
• Love My Pink
• Minimalist
• Fuchsia Desire

The Lowdown
For the purpose of the review I am testing Fab Orange. The shade is a very bold primarily red hue with the slightest orange tint that really makes my lips pop. The tapered tip makes the lipstick really easy to apply and manoeuvre but I did find the pencil felt quite dry when applying. After application the product felt fine however and they felt smooth and hydrated.The pencil is really small and compact so it can be slipped easily into a bag or coat pocket and can easily be whipped out for quick top ups. If you find you've run out you can simply sharpen the pencil and the lipstick is renewed. The colour is fairly long lasting but it does come off when eating or drinking.

I love how bold the colour is but I do feel it could have a nicer application.

Available at Boots for £4.99

I give it 3/5

Advantages

• Available in 9 on trend shades
• Colours that make your lips pop
• Easy to apply
• Small and compact

Disadvantages

• Dry initially upon application

L'Oreal False Lash Superstar Mascara Video Review

I was in Edinburgh last weekend and saw the new L'oreal False Lash Superstar mascara on the shelf in Boots. I've tried two part mascaras before and have always been a bit on the fence about how good they are, but it's been a while since I last tried one so I decided to buy it.

Check out my review below.

Have you bought L'oreal's False Lash Superstar mascara? Are you impressed? Let me know your thoughts below!