Summer Body Essentials

Summer 2017 has HIT the UK and for once I (nearly) feel ready! 
As someone who has never been overly body confident, Summer can be a bit of daunting premise for me....... and my thighs! 99% of the time my legs are pale, hairy and severely un-ready to see the light of day, especially in public, so when warm weather approaches I like to prep like a pro to ensure I'm not caught out when it comes to baring all!

As I was just at the Isle Of Wight Festival earlier this month I had already started my summer body ritual before this crazy (yes I'm melting) heatwave began. It's only a few extra products to add into my daily/weekly routines but they really are life savers.

1. NSPA Coconut Daily Refresh Shower Scrub*
First things first, before all that tanning and creaming malarkey I need my skin to be fresh, clean and smooth - so a body scrub is a must.
This creamy daily scrub from NSPA at ASDA smells bloomin' incredible - if you have read my blog for a while you will know that scents are a big thing for me. If a product doesn't smell good, I wouldn't and won't purchase it or use it. Coconut is one of my all-time favourite scents for products too so this is a winner.
I use this a few of times a week all over my body to prep my skin for fake tanning (or to get old fake tan off) and for only £2... yes £2 - it is WELL worth it!

2. St. Moriz Advanced Pro Formula Tanning Mousse*
All hail my all-time favourite tan.
St. Moriz has been in my life for years now and I totally swear by this brand. They were kind enough to send me a bottle of their new advanced pro formula to keep me going this month/Summer. This is the medium shade which I like to layer on for a few nights before I have an event, super easy to use I just use a mitt to apply all over before I go to bed and then wash it off in the morning. It gives a super natural and long-lasting colour (my mum even commented on it last week!) plus right now you can win a trip to Miami with St. Moriz's Baywatch comp right - here. (Totally non-spon... I just really love them)

3. Bondi Sands Everyday Tanning Milk
Gradual everyday tanners have been in our life since the early 00s when Dove & Johnson's bought out their famous moisturisers - which, if you didn't use, were pretty life changing. 
My high school years are a blur of me covered in this stuff thinking I was super sassy... but clearly not sassy enough to use real fake tan. I'm a big Bondi Sands fan and their products are up there with St. Moriz for me, I love the scent and the shade is always really natural looking. This is the perfect product for me to use to keep my skin moisturised plus keep my tan long-lasting and topped up.

4. Tropic Mineral Sun Protection*
Sun cream. The number one product everyone should be using in this weather. 
My skin, unfortunately, does have a slight problem with some sun creams. As I am a sufferer of the dreaded heat rash I can only use sun creams that are non-pore blocking which believe me... aren't that common!
I usually use Boots Soltan Sensitive cream which is a god send for me but when Tropic asked if I'd like to give their Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection and I read it wouldn't block pores I jumped at the chance!
I chose the 30SPF as 15 didn't feel enough for me and my sensitive skin and 50 felt unnecessary for me on the IOW! I've been loving this suncream and so far... no heat rash wahooo!

What are your favourite products to keep you increase your body confidence leading up to the Summer months?

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

10 Holy Grail Beauty Products

I'm often asked what my 'favourite' this or 'favourite' that is and alot of the time I don't have a definitive answer.

But there are a handful of products out there that I can easily class as my holy grail's. Products that, since finding, I haven't turned my back on, replaced with anything else or haven't yet found better.

I always love seeing everyones ultimate beauty favourites (as beauty blogger's I mean... it takes alot to become number 1 in someones eyes) so I thought I would share 10 of my beauty products that I just cannot be without!

SKINCARE

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

My number one, my favourite, my desert island choice. I love this stuff.

 I am yet to find a product better than this when it comes to make-up removal and I really do struggle to live without it. I mean, I'm sure most of you have tried this by now but if not I'll give you a quick low-down. Cleanse and Polish is a lovely creamy hot cloth cleanser which you pop straight onto your skin. You then remove it (along with all your make-up) with a wam muslin cloth. I usually use 2-3 pumps depending on how much make-up I'm wearing and I also feel fresh as a daisy afterwards! THE best.

Nivea Hydration Primer

My everyday base. Yes I use other make-up primers such as Porefessional and Baby Skin but this is always my first step when it comes to my make-up routine.

I'm not a fan of day creams or thick moisturises as they tendd to clog up my skin alot and I hate that feeling. This however is a lovely light moisturiser which really does waken my skin each morning, leaving it feel hydrated and smooth - I couldn't even tell you how many of these I've been through in the last 18 months or so.

MAKE-UP

MAC Lipsticks

Duh! What beauty bloggers DOESN'T love MAC lippys! My collection is ever-growing and I don't think I'll eve get bored of the colours I own already. The amount of choice is insane and the quality is just fabulous! Want to know my most worn shades? Then check out my post - here.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

This is my everyday foundation. The foundation I wear to work, for days out, even when I pop to the shops - I love the coverage and haven't switched back to another foundation in nearly 2 years now! I'm always recommending this stuff and even mix it with my MAC stusio sculpt for girls nights out.I wear the shade Vanilla most of the year.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

The ultimate holy grail. This is my favourite eyeshadow palette of all time and the one which I always go to as my fail safe. I've had this palette for nearly 3 years now and it has been one of the best Christmas presents I ever got (Thanks Mum & Dad!). and as you can see from the photo - it really does last and last so it is so worth the price.

Eylure False Eyelashes

The greatest and easiest to use eyelashes out there. I'm pretty useless when it comes to eyelashes but slowly but surely I've learnt the nack of how to pop these on with ease ..... even after a couple of vodkas! 101 and 107's are my ultimate favourties.

BODY

Mitchum Deodorant

The greatest deodrant ever made? I think so. I've used this since I was a teenager and have dared to try anything else since! I've got so many of my friends using this too - no sweating, no smelling.... it's amazeballs.

St. Moriz Fake Tanning Mousse

I've tried a good few fake tanners in my time but I always seem to go back to St, Moriz, for the price the quality is insane - just as good as the more expensive brands, This is the tan I always send people too, plus they have so many different products and shades to choose from aswell so there is something for everyone. (I've only just started to brave using the 'dark' shade!)

ESSENTIALS

Bath & Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gels

Well.... I couldn't live without these could I?! The amount I have gone through in the last 3 years is kind of embarrassing! Obviously I can't get them here in the UK so each time I have been in the US I have tried to fully stock up! (especially as they are so cheap, I think they are like 5 for $5 - bargain!) The scents to choose from are incredible, I akways have one lurking around in my handbag!

Tangle Teezer

Last but not least, my Tangle Teezer. Well.... one of the three that I own... yes 3! I hardly ever use a proper hairbrush anymore, only these. I feel like my hair is so much stronger from swapping over to these plus I don't loose as much hair whilst tugging and pulling like before! A total must.

Like this post? Follow A Yellow Brick Blog on  Bloglovin so you never miss a thing!

I'm Loving... #23

As I decided not to put up a monthly favourites this month because I felt like it was alot of the same stuff I'd previously posted, I thought I'd just carry on with my "I'm loving" posts here and there!

MTV Ex On The Beach

Oh my good god, how on earth have I never watched this show before? It is literally so bad it's good! I cannot believe how some of these people talk, it is outrageous and I can't help but find it hilarious! Cami and Kirk's entrance argument has to be the highlight so far - could not stop laughing! 

Travalo Milano

I spoke about this last week on here. This brand new Travalo is bloomin' marvellous - the new design is slick, luxorious and the new spray action is incredible- read more about it here.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer

I stumbled back across this the other day when doing my eye make-up and searching through my primer draw! I only have the mini size as I got in in the Benefit advent calendar last year! This is brilliant and has been my go-to primer when doing a full face of make-up, I think I'm going to have to invest in a full-size!

theBalm Nude'Tude Palette

Even though I own countless palettes I always seem to float between the original Naked palette and this little beauty! theBalm is one of best new brands I've stumbled across since I started blogging and their products are securely placed into my daily routine, this is a fab investment!

WAGs on E!

Yes...... I have been drawn in to yet another trashy American reality show about nobody's. But... I just love them okay! This is all about US WAGs, I'm loving the glam and drama so much already, it's on E! on Tuesdays, check it out!

Little Mix - Hair

My favourite song at the moment! I loveeeee Little Mix and cannot wait for their album to be released later this year.

St. Moriz Fake Tan Mousse - Dark

With Bestival starting (today) I have been desperately trying to glam myself up a little after a summer of working indoors! This is my go-to tan and I'm hoping I'll have a slight glow (that isn't white based) for the weekend!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer

This has been my number one concealer for the past few months, with the amount of early morning shifts I've had recently I've had to have something half decent to cover those big bad bags under my eyes! This works a charm, so so good for the price tag!

UnReal

Another TV show I have been obsessed with is UnReal.  On Lifetime this is a show about the behind of scenes of a show called 'Everlasting' (basically The Bachelor) and it shows the producers manipulating the cast and all the drama that unfolds, it has just finished it's first season but if you get the chance to watch it I highly recommend. It really makes you wonder what really happens on these real 'reality' TV dating shows.......

Mac Lipliner - Whirl

This has got to be my favourite lip liner that I own. I pair it with Velvet Teddy for that awesome KJ look, soooo worth the money  as I know it's going to last months and months. This is a must for the perfect nude lip.

What have YOU been loving recently?

Like this post? Follow A Yellow Brick Blog on  Bloglovin so you never miss a thing!

6 Products That Give Me An Instant Confidence Boost

As a normal 25 year old female I am overcome more or less daily by my insecurities, but I mean.... we could have a whole other post about that... today I just want chat about a few particular products that make me feel better about myself. Easy peasy instant confidence boosters... because who isn't interested in those?!

Yes, there are a few things out there that in my mind 'up' my glam game and give me that confidence that I'm otherwise lacking. 
From fake lashes to tanning lotions here are my favourite things to make me feel a bit better about myself :)

1. Fake Eyelashes
I can't actually remember the last time I went on a 'night out' without a pair of fake eyelashes on. I think I've been wearing them ever since I went to Ibiza in 2009.
For me, these are a MUST when heading out the door on a girls night out, I have THE shortest, stumpiest lashes and really small eyes so without them I don't ever feel like my make-up is finished or anywhere near as good as it could be.
Favourites :  Eylure Eylure Eylure- I love 101's and 107's ALOT and I do struggle to use other brands I'm not going to lie! I really want to try out Fleur De Force's new range aswell - maybe even the individual ones as I've heard they can stay on all weekend which would be amazing for Festivals and trips away!

2. Highlighters
The world (and my face) would be a sad sad place without a good highlighter! I think I have a slight obsession, I don't think I will ever own enough. Ever since buying the makebelieve skin lmizer as a teen I have be striving to find products that give me that dewy glow that all the celebs rock with ease!
Favourites : theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, Seventeen Skin Wow!, Rimmel London Good To Glow, Benefit High Beam & Victoria's Secret Illuminating Powder.

3. Tan Tan Tan
Not only do these products stop me from looking like a pale whale they also help to tone the look of the skin - a good tan can make you look a whole lot skinnier you know, I just wish I had more time (and patience) to use it more!
Favourites : Anything St. Moriz.

4. Razors
What feels better than freshly smooth legs? Seriously though - smooth, soft legs are the best - a major confidence boost in just a few swipes!
Favourites : Venus Sensitive Embrace

5. Instagram
Yes I'm saying it and you may think it's obnoxious and vain but in all seriousness - a good filter and a bit of editing can make me feel better about myself and I know a lot of you girls feel the same.... so don't act like I'm being fake and self-centered haha - you all love a good selfie!
Follow me @ Kirstielouises

6. Blonde Toners
Last but not least.... this is a big one for me when it comes to confidence.
 I am blonde, but I'm not a natural blonde, so I am always paranoid about what shade my hair colour is looking. 
My hairdresser is amazing and everytime I had my hair coloured I fall in love but after about 6/8 weeks I can see my colour fading and becoming dull - and sometimes even.... yellowish #booo! BUT there are products that can fix this and I have become a slave to them!
Toning shampoos are totally and utterly fabulous and after getting over my initial fear of using them (I was paranoid I would have purple hair if I left it on for longer than about 45 seonds) I have realised how much they can help and if I feel like a pick me up this is one of the first products I reach for!
Favourites : Pro:Voke Touch Of Silver Twice A Week Brightening Shampoo & Intensive Treatment Conditioner.

What are your favourite confidence boosters?

Get your own confidence boosters :

Like this post? Follow A Yellow Brick Blog on  Bloglovin so you never miss a thing!

This Week I'm Loving... #13

Kendra On Top

I am so so happy this has been picked up by ITVbe! I love Kendra and have done since watch GOTPBM back in the day and when I was in the US last year I saw this season being advertised and was dying to watch. There's only been 1 episode so far so if you want to start watching go and do it now - it's on itvplayer which is a lifesaver for me as I normally go to bed at 10ish on a Monday night due to work! 

Rimmel Good To Glow Highlighter

Another new product from Rimmel now - I've brought, what seems, quite a few lately! I have been using this highlighter non-stop since picking it up and am planning to do a blog post all about it very soon so keep your eyes peeled!

St. Moriz Dark Mousse

I can be quite a wimp when it comes to tanning - I'm always paranoid I'm going to look horrendous! I've used St. Moriz for years and earlier this week I used the Dark mousse tan. The results were awesome - I love this stuff!

Pretty Little Liars Season 5 Finale

Well if you follow me on twitter/facebook/know me you will know just how excited I was for the last episode of Season 5 this week! I literally got up and watched it at 6am - what is wrong with me? I even switched off the internet on my phone so I couldn't go online and see any spoilers! I know lots of people are frustrated by it all but I just love it and cannot wait for season 6! We STILL have no many unanswered questions!!

Couch to 5km App

My best friend and I started this this week, It's an app from the NHS which helps you to go from coach potato to running a 5k with ease! You do 3 runs a week and it builds you up slowly, so for instance the first ones you run for 1 minute and then walk for 90 seconds and repeat! At the moment I'm finding it easier but I'm sure as time goes on I'll be struggling! 

The Chop

I finally did it! I got my locks chopped off! Eeek! It's definitley going to take a while to get used too! If you want to see I've uploaded a few pictures to my instagram.

New Look Black Platform Heels

It came to my attention recently that I had literally chucked like alla of my heels away (I know... who am I?!) so I ordered these from New Look online. They are plain black so I know they will be perfect for many an outfit and after wearing them on a night out I can confirm they are super comfy!

MAC Lipliner - Whirl

The most awesome shade to go with Velvet Teddy - I love this beauty.

New Dressing Gown

Finally we have my new dressing gown! I actually got this from the Teen section on New Look's website. I always look on there as the sizes actually come up really big! This was ONLY £5 in the sale and it is sooooo soft, I love it!

Like this post? Follow A Yellow Brick Blog on  Bloglovin so you never miss a thing!

To see videos check out A Yellow Brick Vlog on YouTube

My Winter Essentials : Fake Tanning

Sad (or exciting) as it is, Winter is nearly upon us! The clocks have gone back marking the official end to British summertime and our wardrobe's are slowly changing from flip-flops and shorts to jumpers and coats!

BUT just because summer is gone doesn't me can can't still be fabulous and glamorous. Winter is one of my favourite times for beauty, warm tones, seriously amounts of shimmer and glitter plus the perfect time to use that trusty old fake tan!

Over the next month or two on the lead up to Christmas and the New Year I have decided to start a new small series of posts on here named "My Winter Essentials" I'll be sharing the products and items I can't live without and maybe a few cheeky wishlists too!

First up today I'm going to be talking about Fake Tan - the stuff that keeps us looking slightly healthy and un-casper like through the dark and cold months before Spring arrives again!

In my time (we'll say the last 5 years) I have been through my fair share of different tanning products to change my dodgy pale complexion to a half decent bronzed glow but there is always one that sticks out to me and one that I have always recommended to friends and family alike and that is St Moriz.

Now I first stumbled across this brand when doing a bit of bargain hunting on Fragrance Direct back in 2010! I purchased a couple of bottles on a whim as they were only £2.99 and back then there was noway I could really afford to splash out on things like St. Tropez and Fake Bake.

I remember it arriving and being slightly dubious and applying it initially but once I had a mitt in hand I thought I'd give the mousse a go and if it went wrong I'd just wear jeans and long sleeves!

But it never really did go wrong, I so pleased with the results, it was so easy to apply and the results were just what I was looking for.

That was with the Medium shade and I have ALWAYS used the medium shade until recently when the awesome people at St. Moriz contacted me!

St. Moriz Instant Shimmer, Dark Mousse & Applicator Mitt*

 Dark shades of fake tan have always made me a little nervous. Naturally I'm pretty pale (having a red headed mother will do that for ya!) so I've always stuck to the middle of the road medium tones which I knew I could always build up if I wanted to make it darker.

After years of this though I have now felt more confident to try out things a little more bold. So when St. Moriz sent me one of their 'dark' mousses I was excited to give it a go! I haven't been back from Florida long so it was also good to use to try and keep the slight tan I got there!

The mousse has always been my favourite product, alongside the mitt provided this is, for me, the easiest way to tan my body and gives the best results!

The dark shade left me with a great natural bronzed look, perfect for a night out with my girls!

 The instant shimmer isn't something I would use as much just as the weather here isn't always great I would be nervous of t running if I was to get caught in the rain! 
It works great though to give the legs a subtle shimmer and dewy shine - much better than my usual dull wobbly calves, shins and thighs! 

Tanning is the best way to get your body looking slimmer and more toned without actually having to do anything plus you can even get your limbs and abs looking naturally defined and strong with a bit of contouring if you feel brave enough. 

A Few Fake Tanning Top Tips from Myself & St. Moriz

• Always exfoliate before tanning, Getting rid of those nasty dead skin cells will help your tan sit better on your skin, avoid patchness and also make sure it lasts longer!
• Moisturise your skin! Keep it hydrated and soft - another way to prevent patchiness across yourself and to help prolong your tan!

• Always shave at least 24 hours before tanning - there's nothing worse than getting a saving rash from tanning!
• Start from your feet and working your way upwards! It's the best way to get an even tan when doing it yourself. It helps you avoid those creasing marks from bending over!
• Always use a mitt - a mitt is a tan's best friend, especially when using a mousse! It helps you blend it evenly and also saves your hands from getting in a horrible stained mess!
• Tan in front of a mirror if you can! You can always see then if you have missed anywhere or if anywhere needs more blending!
• Don't tan on carpet - it's not the easiest things to get out but if you have no choice when either stand on a towel or even do it when stood in the bath or shower!
• Pop your mitt on the end of a wooden spoon! If you struggle to get those hard to reach places on your back an don't have a helpful sole around who could do it for you then just grab a wooden spoon and attach your mitt to it! Easy peasy!
• Wear loose clothing to bed! 9 times out of 10 your going to fake tan over night so you can let it develop while you sleep - make sure you wear loose clothing that way it hopefully won't interfer with your masterpiece tanning job too much!

St. Moriz is by far the best value for money tan I have ever used! Their products range from just £4.99 and the results truly are as good as higher end products which I've tried!
 The mousse is a product that I will repurchase again and again and for less than £5 I urge you all to give it a go!
 You can find St. Moriz is soooo many places now Boots, Asda, Feel Unique, Tesco naming just a few so there's got to be some near you wherever you live :)

Have you tried any St. Moriz products?

What's your favourite fake tan?

What are your Winter Essentials?

Like this post? Follow A Yellow Brick Blog on  Bloglovin so you never miss a thing!



To see videos check out A Yellow Brick Vlog on YouTube