What's In My Beach Bag?

This season Boohoo decided that they wanted to put a summer spin on the classic 'what's in my bag?' post/tag (yes we've all written them/read them) and what better idea when the sun is shining than a 'what's in my beach bag?' version!
I live so close to the beach and being able to walk there in less than 10 minutes makes it so easy to pop down and enjoy the sunshine when we are lucky enough to have some so I know what I need to take with me each time without even having to think about it.
 This is also the same sort of bag I'd take down to the pool or beach with me on a holiday!

My 'beach bag/pool bag' contents are actually pretty different to my usual everyday handbag.... I mean I don't really need 15 lipsticks while I'm splashing around or sunbathing do I?!
So here's a little look for you all at what I like to take to the beach plus a couple of gorgeous summer bits from boohoo to complete my beach babe look!

When it comes to my beach bag contents... I'm pretty lazy and don't pack alot.
I need stuff that's going to make me 1. comfortable and 2. entertained, I can't just lie back and sunbathe like I used too as a teenager, I need to something to at least just read/listen too and with the beauty bits I keep it so basic!
I'm just going to go through the bits and bobs pictured above and then I can get onto the gorgeous duo I received from Boohoo's holiday shop.

Now a bikini, for me, is something that I have with me when I'm sunning myself on holiday (obvs), but at home in my small town I'm way too self-conscious too whip out a 2 piece and strut around on the sand, but obviously it IS a must-have in my standard beach bag, this dotty green number is from ASOS (and it was a bargain in the sale!)
Next is my number one thing I have to take to the beach with me and that's - reading material! Right now I'm reading Holly Madison's Down The Rabbit Hole.... and I am obsessed (seriously if you are a Holly/Playboy/Girls Next Door fan you HAVE to buy this!).
There's nothing better than escaping into a book whilst tanning on the beach and hours can pass and pass and I won't even get bored if I have a good book to get stuck into.
Hair bands are ALWAYS in my bag no matter where I am going, if it's hot you're going to want to get that hair up and out the way - taking back-up's in my bag is a no-brainer!

Next up.... anti-bac. Yes, this has got to come with me to the beach - sand, sea and everything in between ... it's not clean, so if I'm having a snack or heading to the nearest beach cafe I want to be able to clean my hands quickly - I'm a bit of a germophobe and I don't want bacteria all over my Mr. Whippy!

Lipbalm is another must! I'm not going to have a face full of make-up on but lip balm is great for a little tint of colour and keeping my lips hydrated - ones with SPF in are obviously alot better to rock whilst exposed in the sunshine don't forget!
SUNCREAM. I mean... that's just obvious.
Sunglasses - also another obvious one - easier to read my book, they protect my eyes from the sun, stop me squinting AND hide the fact I'm not wearing any make-up!
A hairbrush* has to be in the top 3 things I would take with me to the beach. Especially I'm heading to the sea or if it's windy, my hair can be a total nightmare so having a brush handy helps me keep it under control!
I always like to have my headphones with me - normally just for my phone. Whether it's music or, my new found love, podcasts, when I've had enough of reading it's fun to lie back and listen to my favs!

Last but not least - a towel! You can't forget your towel when heading to the beach.... that's why my beach bag's are always so big!

Bridget Border Print Playsuit* | Millie Ghillie Tie Gladiator Sandals*

Now....  beach fashion! Boohoo let me pick out 2 gorgeous bits from their holiday collection to help me create a lovely summer look and after a long, hard look and lots of umming and arring I decided on these two bits.

My favourite tings to wear to the beach or the pool are either a maxi dress or a playsuit - items that are comfortable, quick and easy to get on and off and when I saw this playsuit I feel in LOVE immediately!

I love cold shoulder detailing and this pattern is so so pretty! I got a size 12 and it fits really well - I'm even thinking I might wear this to the Bestival (when I manage to get myself a ticket!) so no doubt you are going to be seeing this alot more! (Plus I've just seen that it has gone into the sale so it's now only £15!!!)

The sandals I picked out are super cute, with the lace up front these are a lovely little pair of shoes to keep you looking on trend even with the plainest of outfits - I wore these out for lunch last week and got so many compliments on them, I was seriously glad I had given my feet a pamper because everyone was looking at them!

The fact they are white aswell makes them go with so much - these are easily going to be my most worn pair of sandals this summer I can feel it already!

What do you like to carry in your beach bag? Do you have any go-to beach outfits aswell? Do you like to keep it comfortable or do you still get glammed up for a stroll along the seafont or on the sand?

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This Week I'm Loving... #15

The Girl On The Train

Yes I am finally reading again! I took four books from my parents bookcase a few weeks ago, this being one of them! My Mum read it recently and said it was brilliant so I thought I would give it a go. So far, so good!

Hollyoaks

I know this is obviously something I watch every week but I'm loving the storylines at the moment! I can't wait for Mercedes to come back and for Kim to be revealed as a nutter haha!

Clearasil Rapid Action Treatment Cream

Unfortunately the last week or so I have had some friends join me on my face..... the big red ugly kind! This stuff is what I run too as soon as I have an unwanted zit - it works like a charm for me and has helped me vend these beasts off!

Sunshine (Finally!)

ENGLAND HAS HAD SUNSHINE! Yes it's true that big ball of fire in the sky does actually work. It's amazing how much it can change my mood and put a smile on my face!

 I went for a lovely walk along to seafront with my favourite songs playing in the week and it really lifted my spirits - it's the little things in life!

Ralph Lauren 5150 Sunglasses

With sun comes sunglasses, these are my total and utter favs at the moment - I did a blog post on them a few months ago! They are great for my face shape (aka a massive face!) and I think the pink detailing on the arms and inside.

Special K Porridge Pot

I love porridge and I love easy porridge. I have been having these for lunch everyday with a few almonds and raisins chucked in - they are great if you are on the go and so, so yummy!

Revenge

I know this was in my 'TWIL' post last week BUT I have still been watching it ... ALOT. I'm half way through season 2 already and am still loving Emily Thorne and her antics!

MAC Viva Glam Miley Lipstick

Most worn lip colour of the week has to go to Miley once again! I love this bright pink shade and have even been wearing it to work!

Writing

Like I said earlier in my "Me Project" post, one of my missions for this year is to write a book! I have now started to draft out my idea and expand my thoughts for it, hopefully soon I can get started on the proper writing - I'm excited for it.

Zoeva Luxe Cheek Brush

This has been my favourite brush for contouring for months now ..... and I'm not sure how it hasn't been mentioned on here yet! It's the perfect angled shape to use with my matte bronzer and highlighters to create great daily contour!

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection

Since getting my haircut I have been styling it alot more, which of course means alot more products and alot more protection! The 2 heat protectant's I was using have totally run out so after hunting through my haircare stash I found this beaut which I hadn't used in month! I'd forgotten how fab it was and how much I love the scent!

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Ralph Lauren 5150 : Sunglasses Shop

Now if you think that sunglasses are only for those summer months then you are seriously mistaken! 
That winter sun can be a totally blinding when it's out (it does happen I promise, it's not always doom and gloom), so having a good pair of sunglasses is definitely a priority of mine even if it's that advent calendar time of year!

Cat eye glasses have been storming the sunglasses scene this past year or so, with celebrity's and high street stores embracing the trend they have been everywhere!

Recently the SunglassesShop asked me if I would like to try one of their pairs of sunglasses, so of course I leaped at the chance!
 Like I said before, sunglasses are something I need all year round and I always like to have pair in my handbag..... just in case that cheeky little sun decides to pop it's head through the never-ending clouds!

These are the 5150 sunglasses from the fabulous Ralph Lauren in the shade - Tortoise Pink Plum and they are priced at £77.

I think sunglasses are one of the few things that I don't mind paying more than high-street prices for. Alot of sunglasses out there don't have the right amount of protection in the lenses and the fit can be a bit rubbish - so you always know when buying designer sunglasses they are going to be a higher quality!

I love the shape of these glasses, I'm a bit fussy when it comes to size as I feel like I have  huge head so need a fairly big frame to suit me and the shade of the lense is lovely too - I don't like it when they really see-through and you can see my beady eyes clearly!

Ralph Lauren 5150 Sunglasses*

Keep your eyes peeled on my instagram and twitter for more photos of these beauts - I wore them the other day and got some lovely compliments, I'm officially obsessed and praying for more sunshine this winter... I can't wait until next year to wear these more!

Make sure you check out SunglassesShop for a huge range of designer glasses at really reasonable prices - they could make the perfect Christmas present for someone.... your yourself!

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SAVE YOUR SKIN - ARK Skin Protector Primer

It is HOT isn't it? The UK is getting it good this summer and although I am at work alot of the time as soon as I get the chance I love to hit the beach, get out and get some good old fashioned Vitamin D. Now there are a few things I do like to moan about with this hot weather and I don't mean the lack of deodorant and crap tattoos on display from some people.
I HATE melting and smudged make-up and worst of all - sunburn.
Queue  - ARK skincare. 

I am one of those idiots that everytime I go out into the sun I magical "forget" that I do catch the sun quickly and tend to burn before I tan.
The worst place to get burnt I think is your face, any sunburn feels horrible but your face just feels down right awful and not only that but you are prematurely ageing your skin, tut tut! 

ARK are an amazing age aware skincare company who focus on everyone at every age  - your fabulous teens, when you're old and grey and all that is inbetween!
Normally I think to myself  "I'm only 23 I don't need that yet" but... time is ticking people, if I don't look after myself now when will I?

The product I've tried from them is the ARK anti-ageing skin protector primer with SPF30. 

As soon as I received the product I was impressed, wrapped and packaged so beautifully you can tell someone put alot of time into making it look nice (Thank you Charlie!).
 That is something I like about certain companies - they are willing to put an effort into the appearance of your parcel even though you may just rip it open when you get it.

When you first pump the product out it literally looks like full-blown suncream which had me a bit skeptical.

 I was worried I would be a major shiny face (not a good look) BUT it turns out once it's being rubbed in it quickly turns clear and suddenly - it feels like a primer. 

All you need is just ONE pump, I find that is more than plenty to cover your face and neck areas easily and evenly.

I am really loving this product, I've been using it for about a week now and really love the feel it has. 
The scent is amazing, with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Jojoba being just a few of the ingredients what do you expect eh?! Plus, not only does it protect my skin with its SPF30, it is a fantastic base for my make-up!
The SPF 30 for me is an amazing factor with this product, knowing my face is fully protected before I've even put my make-up on makes me feel alot better about being out in the sun for most of the day and it feels so much nicer than a thick and creamy suncream.

The product is a little pricey at £36 for a 30ml bottle, yes, but for an amazing primer and a protective cream I think it is worth it (it's about £20-£30 for a decent higher end primer now anyway!) and using only one pump a day will insure that it will last months.

The finish it has is just perfect for me and I would happily wear it with or without make-up. It makes a perfect base for my foundation but it also leaves my skin feeling smooth and with a slight glow (that isn't shiny) about it even if I go make-up less.

Check out the primer and all of ARK's other products they have to offer HERE. 
Love ARK? Want to get involved with the ARK angels?
Check this out -  http://sueardley.arkskincare.com/



(***Disclaimer : This prodyct was kindly sent to me by the lovely people at ARK skincare.  All thoughts, opinions and ideas are always my own and I would never include an item or product on A Yellow Brick Blog that I didn't truly believe in.)

30 Day Snap #5 - Scrunchies in the Sunshine

I am loving all the 90s trends that are coming back in, when I was a teenager all I could think was ewww I will never wear that again - I was so so wrong! From the fashion in Clueless to the trends in Save By The Bell, I am in love!
 So this week I decided to buy some new hair scrunchies (yes! scrunchies!) - I'm loving high ponytails at the moment too, especially as my hair will actually go up now after it's little growth spurt! So here's just a little photo of my hair today, this one is just a little one - pink polka dot with a bow, a super quick and messy style but that's all I needed!

Catch up here, Days - 1, 2, 3, 4.

30 Day Snap #1 - The Yacht Race

So here it is, numero uno of the 30 day snap! I saw this on Louise, Sprinkle Of Glitter,  blog (huge fan of her by the way - one of my favourite youtubers)..... and I thought I would join in on the action as it looks really fun and is a nice diary type way for me to remember what I have been upto this month!

With it being such a lovely day here in the south and my friend and I having a few hours spare we thought we would get our shades on and go on a bike ride along the seafront where we live! 
It was so nice to get out in the sunshine and at the same time burn some calories AND have a good old girly catch-up!
 I took this photo when we stopped to turn around, it is of the yacht race which is being held where I live today! (if you are from the UK you can probably guess where that is!) 

All these posts are going to be really short and sweet and could go up at anytime of day everyday, so check back tomorrow for the next photo!