Tuesday 22 July 2014

A Blogging Break...

Over the last few weeks, my blog has had to take a back seat due to events happening which have distracted my attention. I'm not going to go into detail about what has happened but things seem to be much calmer in my life now (*touches wood*) and so I can finally get back into one of the big passions in my life-blogging.

My blogging break has made me think about the direction I want to take my blog in, I have felt a little lost with it over the last couple of months. I realised that I love writing about beauty so I am going to try and include more product reviews and beauty posts aswell as trying to incorporate lifestyle posts into my blog.

In terms of blog series, I am going to kick-start my Healthy Living Diaries series again aswell as a few others I have up my sleeve.

Taking a break from blogging was great for me because it has made me appreciate how much I love my blog and how much I want it to do well. It has also given me time to think of lots of new ideas for the blog which is something I really needed.

I hope you continue to enjoy reading A Little Gem....

<3

Tuesday 1 July 2014

June Favourites

 Yay its monthly favourites time again! I'm not completely sure why this makes me so happy, possibly because I've been using makeup a bit differently recently (i.e. minimalist) and have rediscovered my love for some great products. Anyway, lets crack on....
 
 
Nina Perfume
 
This perfume is my ultimate summer scent. I am the worst person at describing scents so I won't embarrass myself or bore you by trying to, but its a lovely fresh scent that I use year after year. I have almost ran out of this bottle so I may have to make a little trip to Boots.
 
Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Grapefruit and Greenberry
 
I love the Barry M Gelly nail paints as they are super shiny and are long lasting compared to other gel-like formulas. I have a few in my collection but this month I have been loving these two shades. I have been wearing Greenberry (a bright, mint shade) on my toe nails as it looks lovely with a bit of a tan and some sandals; and then I have been wearing Grapefruit (a bright, candy pink shade) on my finger nails. Both shades look great with a tan and are just perfect for the summer. P.S. keep an eye out for my Top 5 Summer Bright Nails coming soon.
 
Benefit Coralista Blush
 
I think I may have mentioned this in a previous favourites, but I have been loving it this month. Its only a sample size (yes I'm too stingy to buy the full size) but it has been lasting me ages. Its a beautiful peachy rose gold shade which looks perfect in the summer as it also doubles up as a highlighter so catches the sun on your cheek bones.
 
 
Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Lotion
 
I burnt a few weeks ago so my skin has been craving some moisture and this has definitely ticked that box. It smells of chocolate (funnily enough) and is just ultra creamy and smooth, and doesn't leave the skin feeling sticky or greasy. It has been a dream to use and has been very kind to my sun-exposed skin (naughty, I know).
 
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer
 
This is a bit of an old favourite but I have rediscovered it this month. During the warmer months in the daytime I don't like to wear a foundation as I find it too hot on the skin, so I have been using this beauty just to conceal any areas that need it. I have also been using it on my cheekbones and down the centre of my nose as, due to the light reflecting particles, it can work as a subtle highlight well.
 
 
L'Oreal Ever Riche Perfect Elixir
 
This is something I have had for ages but I've only just started using it. It did the blog and YouTube rounds quite a few months ago. It is effectively a spray on hair mask that you spray onto wet hair after conditioning, leave for 5 minutes or so, and then wash off. It leaves your hair feeling so soft, much more than any other hair mask I have used. Also, because it is a spray form, it doesn't weigh the hair down at all. I'll be popping a review up soon.
 
 
Topshop Magic Liner
 
This is my first Topshop makeup product and I'm in love. It is just a felt-tip style eye liner but its just brilliant. The nib is the perfect size, it doesn't dry up whilst your using it like some liners, and it lasts for ages without any smudging. What more can you ask for? And its super cheap! I am definitely going to try more of Topshop makeup so leave any recommendations below.
 
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
 
A Micellar water is a staple in my cleansing routine and I have tried a few recently but this is definitely the best. The bottle (I have had troubles with the packaging of some Micellar waters) is great because it allows you to not put too much of the product onto the cotton wool, it removes all makeup easily and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean. A winner for me!
 
So there we have it, a few gems that I have found and rediscovered this month!
 
What have been your monthly favourites?