Neal & Wolf : Natural Curl Styling Routine

I apologise for the lack of posts lately, once again life has taken over and unfortunately blogging had to take a backseat. But I'm back and fingers crossed there are lots of posts coming your way!

My hair has really done everything over the last few years -  colours, lengths, styles... I've literally done it all!
At the beginning of this year I made a conscience effort to try and get my hair back into a good condition. After trying ombre for a few months I thought it was time to dye my hair all over and get it cut into a bob... therefore starting over completely with my hair.
 Since then I have tried to keep it in the best condition I can and have only used heat on it a handful of times and it's already feeling a million times better!

My Morning Routine : Working From Home

For me starting having a positive start to each morning really is the best way to keep me on track for the whole day. That may sounds stupid but one lazy morning and unhealthy breakfast and I'm thrown. I work best by getting up and ticking things off a to-do list, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Since I started working from home morning motivation has definitely been something I have struggled back and forth with. With no immediate rush to get up, showered and ready I sometimes find myself lost and distracted - which is NOT good.
So I've taken it upon myself to set up a little routine for each morning to get me up, out, active and in the best mood possible to sit behind my desk for hours on end.

The thought of running the second I get up always has me with the same thoughts and response... 'nah'. So instead of pressuring myself to get up and run I've started to get up and head out on a walk. A power walk. Up hills, along the beach, round the park, you'd be surprised how much exercise walking actually is. Of course if I'm in the mood to run, I do - that's an extra bonus.
To accompany me on these walks/runs I thought it would be a great idea to download an audio book. I'm obsessed with reading but I find time runs away with me each day and I never really have a good amount of time to delve into a good story, so listening to one seemed to kill two birds with one stone. I still get to hear the stories, plus I'm out getting exercise and giving my body the best start to the day - win, win.

I'm currently on a 30 day free trial with Audible. I'm really enjoying the book I am listening too (After You, Jojo Moyes) and I think I may just become addicted to audiobooks at this rate. Do let me know of any of good apps or services for audiobooks though - I'm worried with Audible you only get one choice a month... that doesn't feel like enough!

Once I'm back from my walk/run/fresh air (I usually aim to go for around one hour but it does depend on what time I head out the door) I head for a shower and get dressed into some work clothes. 
By work clothes I mean leggings and a sweater. I work at home and there is noway I'm sitting around in jeans and a cami if it's not needed.... that's just insane!

It's then time for my hot water with lemon. There are so many benefits to drinking this each morning I've ensured that it has become a staple for me daily, followed by my regular 100 cups of green tea!

For breakfast most days I then fix myself a Protein World Slender Blend shake. I am trying to loose some weight that I seem to have gained over the last few months and I really love the products from Protein World, plus it really can keep me full until my lunchbreak!
I am currently obsessed with the Cinnamon Roll flavour! I usually have 4 scoops with either 400ml of cold water or unsweetened almond milk with a handful of ice cubes. (Protein shakes with ice are just a no-go for me!)

Ones I've had a little sit down and drank my shake it's time to make a green tea and head to my desk! Then work, work, work until lunchtime!

So there you have it - my weekday morning routine.... weekends usually start with a gym session, nail appointment or hangover, but that's another story!

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Barry M Flawless Original Primer

My everyday primer ran out.... and Barry M released a brand spanking new product - coincidence? I think not!

Yes, I was in need of a new primer and seeing this newbie out on the high street made the decision oh so easy - let's try it out.
I'm a big fan of Barry M but when it comes to face make-up they aren't the first brand that pops to mind.
 Nails and lips, yes - primers and foundations, no. So I thought I'd bite the bullet and give it a chance.

I'm not overly fussy with primers, I have my favourite (POREFessional) but it's just not in my budget right now to use daily so I only use my miniatures of it when I'm heading on a night out and want my make-up looking extra special.

I've tried alot of what the high street has to offer over the last few years and am always keen to try something new when it's released.

This is one of 3 primers Barry M has added to their collection. There is the Original, the Colour Correcting and the Brightening - something for everyone!

Smoothing and mattifying this white cream feels amazing, creating a lovely base. It's silky and soft (plus it's oil-free) and has my skin feeling ready and raring for my foundation in seconds. 

I've really been enjoying using this and it's become a well-loved member of my daily make-up routine already. My foundation looks better than it has done in a while and lasts all day long which I'm really impressed with.

The primer is priced at only £5.99 which is alot cheaper than other drugstore brands attempts that I haven't liked as much! You can find it here on Boots.com.

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My Everyday Contouring Duo

Contouring has been talk of the make-up town for at least a year now and although I'm no Kimmy K when it comes to shaping my face, I do use a couple of products in my everyday routine to give me a little definition, colour and shimmer.

These two have been a solid make-up favourite and in my make-up bag since the day that I got them. It was literally love at first use and I know I've talked about them a fair few times already on here but I do feel like they deserve another mention! 

These two are both from the ever-growing cosmetic brand theBalm - on the left the Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter and on the right the Bahama Mama bronzer - and I cannot rant and rave about these enough.

The highlight is a gorgeous pinky silver shimmer highlight which gives a gorgeous sheen and glow to the skin and the bronzer is a fantastic matte tan shade, which I always find hard to get hold of (For under £25 anyway!) - together they are a dream team!

I start off my doing my usual base of make-up - primer, concealer and foundation. I then use my Zoeva Sheer Luxe Cheek Brush to sweep the bronzer into the classic '3' shape from my forehead round to my cheekbones and then down towards jawline. At this point I look a bit OTT and ridiculous but that doesn't last long.

I then use the other end/side of the brush to start of the highlighting.
 With the Mary-Lou I usually pop a bit alongside/above the line I had made along my cheekbones, then down my nose, a tad on my forehead and a little on my cupids bow and chin.
Then it's time for the blending - I use my big fluffy Real Techniques powder brush to buff it all together in small circular motions, blending away those harsh lines and creating a soft, subtle and wearable bronzed and highlighted look.

As you can see.... these are running thin and I'm already panicking about running out! Even though I'm trying to save money this next year these will have the be a re-purchased as I really can't see me living without them anytime soon.

What are you favourite bronzers and highlights? Have you tried either of these?

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Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator Review

Being an Isle Of Wighter born and bred, Liz Earle are a brand which feature heavily in my skincare routine. If you didn't know the brand was formed here on the island in 1995 and I have used it for years and years now - I don't think I could live without my daily Cleanse & Polish session.

Because I am such a fan of their products I'm always open to trying more from their constantly growing range and recently I have fallen hook, line and sinker for their Gentle Face Exfoliator.

To be honest I don't know how it's taken me this long to try this particular product out, I'm a big scrub fan and tend to try and use one at least once a week.

I don't have many skin problems, I have been very lucky in that sense, a few spots pop up now and again but come and go in a matter of days, but I like to have a good skincare routine I always have done.
Alot of the time the scrubs I use are fairly abrasive, e.g. the Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix, which are great but tend to be a bit much/harsh to carry out weekly so seeing this had the word 'gentle' in the title I thought it would be a great product to have as a weekly treatment.

The scent of the scrub is lovely, and reminds me of a few other LE products - but for the life of me I can't think which ones.
It is made which a range of natural ingredients (something LE are known for) including jojoba beads, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and eucalyptus oil.

The Gentle Face Exfoliator is for 'congested or flaky skin'. This time of year with the hotter weather coming in I feel like my skin needs a good de-congestion now and again to get rid of build up and excess oils.
I have been using this about twice a week for the past few weeks. I keep it in the shower and once my face is clear of my grotty make-up I squeeze about a 5p sized lump onto my fingertips and gently massage it in circular movements around my face.

The jojoba beads help gently buff away dead skin cells while the cocoa butter is there to make sure the skin stays soft, moisturised and hydrated.

The results have been great and my skin has been looking fab with this added into my routine.
The version I have of this scrub is the 50ml tube, there are a range of sizes and tube/pump alternatives for it, but this is a great size when just trying it out.
Saying this I think I'll be investing in the largest pump version to get the best value for money once this is finished with.

Have you tried any Liz Earle products before? I highly recommend them!

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Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix Review

Hello Hello and happy Monday! (Or happy whatever day it is when you are reading this!) It's review time once again here on A Yellow Brick Blog and today we're back for some skincare loving and a certain facial scrub I've been using for the past fews weeks!

Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix*

Another product from Nip + Fab? Why yes it is! This is the Glycolic Scrub Fix and like I said I have been using this for the past few weeks or so!

This facial scrub is said to brightened and renew your skin and it's been working wonders for mine! With all the hot weather recently my skin has felt like it's had alot of build up and grime and having something to really refresh my skin has been life-saving.

I've been using this around 2 times per week in the shower after removing my make-up and following it with a nice facial wash. It has a lovely prominent grapefruit scent which it really soothing and refreshing - especially after a long hard day.

My skin and it's pores have felt really rejuvenated and cleansed after every use but I don't think I'd use it more than 2 times per week as I think it would be a little too harsh on my skin.

It says to avoid the eye area with this and.... please do! I got some near my eye and it did sting a bit - I shan't be doing that again anytime soon! 

Totally added in to my weekly skincare routine now you can get this stuff here for £9.95.

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My Current Everyday Make-up

I wear make-up more or less everyday. It is something I love and something that always makes me feel 100% better about myself as soon as applied (I look like a pale, tired child without the slap)!
 The only times I don't wear make-up is when I have a day off at home or maybe if I'm just popping to a shop. Most days I am at just at work at my normal 9 hour a day job and if I'm not there I'm just hanging out with friends, family or the boyfriend. And these all usually call for the same make-up look - my plain old, everyday, bog-standard make-up. 

This is a look that rarely changes and although I switch up products now and again it never changes drastically.  I could probably do all these steps in my sleep I'm so used to d0ing it! You might think this is alot for a daily make-up routine or you may think it is nothing but nevertheless here it is - my current everyday make-up routine.
I've split it into various sections to make it a little easier to follow!

First up - the base. For good make-up you've got to have a foundation to start  on (and I don't mean literal foundation!) These products create the best surface for my make-up and help keep it lasting all day.

Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer

I've been using this stuff for a good few months now and I love it so much I've just started my second jar! No need for a thick moisturiser every morning this is a day cream and primer all in one - keeps my skin hydrated and helps me avoid getting those horrible dry patches around my nose and chin. The perfect first step.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer (Review)

As we all know this stuff is a newbie to both me and my make-up bag, but it has flown straight into my daily routine with ease! This stuff reminds me slightly of Benefit's POREfessional which is a product I save for big nights out where I want to look my best (can't avoid to be whacking that on my face everyday... especially if I'm just going to work!) Great results and at a cheaper price - fab!

Seventeen Skin Wow 3 Way Highlighter (Review)

One of my top products from 2013. This is a gorgeous pink shimmery highlighter which I dab onto my cheek bones once my skin is primed. Very much like Benefit's Highbeam this stuff helps you get a gorgeous radiant glow in seconds! Highly recommended! 

Here's my favourite part - the part in which my dull, boring skin gets rid of those patchey red areas and bags and becomes fresh, bright and clear!

Seventeen Pwhoarr Paint Concealer -Fair

Recently I have had the most hideous bags under my eyes and this stuff has been a god send. I apply this to my under eye area and around my nose with my Real Techniques Expert Face brush. I originally bought it in the shade 'medium' back in the summer/autumn months but after a while as my tan faded I realised I needed to step down to 'fair'. This stuff is fantastic, heavy duty stuff - it really works! 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - 52 Vanilla

For years I had been stuck using the same old foundation (L'Oreal True Match) too scared to try others as I never thought anything could compare! Well I can tell you now since the day I bought this my True Match has taken a back seat and I have worn this stuff everyday! Again like my concealer when Winter hit I had to drop down a shade (which is totes understandable!) but the next shade down matched me perfectly anyways - score! I dab this onto my face and then buff it into my skin with the Zoeva 102 Silk Finish brush.

Seventeen Miracle Matte Pressed Powder - Silky Beige

This is just a quick step I do to help set my foundation - Zoeva powder brush, a once over my face. Done.

Eyebrows are really important to me when it comes to my make-up, they frame your face and can either make you look alot better or alot lot worse!

I get HD brows done every couple of months so I like to keep them as neat and symmetrical as I can - although you always have to remember...... unless you are a fabulous celebrity your eyebrows are normally sisters not twins!

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil -Hazel

Have used this badboy for years and years, same pencil, same col0ur - if you are looking to start penciling in your eyebrows this is the pencil to get -only £2.99 aswell, bargain!

HD Brows Powder Palette

I actually got this in a Glossy Box years and years ago! It was the first time I'd heard of the brand (as it had just come out) and I am so so glad I kept hold of it as it is the perfect eyebrow pallete for me! I use this after I've penciled in/on my brows and use an eyeliner brush from ELF to apply which gives them the perfect finish!

You can't do your make-up without adding a bit of colour. These products give me a healthy, glowing look - not sure how I live without them!

Sleek Contour Kit - Light

Another product which was new to me last year but I have used more or less everyday since it came into my possession!

 The bronzer is a fab matte colour and I use this on the hollow of my cheeks (you know when you do that sexy sucky-in face?) with my Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush and then place the highlighter just above it. I then grab my powder brush from Real Techniques and blend it all in!

Fake Bake Bronze Shimmer - Light

This is a product I bought years and years ago (and it's still going) because I read that Billie Faiers had said she used it - and I am obsessed with her flawless make-up! I just pop this onto the apples of my cheeks with my blush brush from Real Techniques to give myself a gorgeous shimmery glow - I get so many questions asking what product it is all the time! I'm dreading the day this stuff runs out!

I have the shortest lashes and the smallest eyes so whatever I can use to make my eyes seem bigger - I do it!

Maxfactor Masterpiece Max Mascara

So far my favourite mascara of all time! I have used this for years and even though I tried out countless amounts of other mascaras - this is the one I always grab.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

Along with my masterpiece max mascara I have been using the Hypnose mascara from Lancome which I bought in a gift set just before Christmas! This helps my lashes look fuller and thicker and I always use this after I've used the masterpiece max to separate and lengthen.

Maybelline Master Kajal Khol Eyeliner

Another fairly new product to me. Eyeliners are something I never really stick too - I'm always switching them up and trying all different makes, brands and styles. I apply this to just the outside of my lower lashline to help open up my eyes a little.

As for lips.... that is something which changes daily. Lip balms, lip glosses, lipsticks - I use whatever I feel like on that day, I don't have a staple daytime piece. ( I have so many I don't know what to do with them all really!)

So there we have it, my current everyday make-up routine! Are there any products there that you use? Do you think this is alot to wear on a daily basis? What do you wear everyday?

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