Finding Your Feet After Graduation

We all have these big plans for when we finally finish education, the thought off finally joining the working world and receiving those thick monthly pay cheques to treat ourselves. It's something that you'll find is talked about quite a bit in the build up to your graduation, but no one really tells you just how quick that last year comes around and personally, theres very little support from your uni. Its all well and good talking about it, but if you live somewhere that is highly populated and your ideal job comes around once in a blue moon, to then face 100 other people who's trained just as much as you have for this job, to secure something becomes more than just a chore.

1. Relax, and don't rush

I graduated back in July, and living in London can be tough as an actor and newly blogger. When you're looking for work in such a tough field and the right job hasn't come along yet then don't feel the need to rush. Things happen in their own way, and just because Bella who sat opposite you in class come straight out of education into their dream job, then it doesn't mean that its too late for you. Sometimes having a few months off to yourself so that you can figure out what you really want to do in life can be a blessing, so don't chuck it into being a negative. If you worked part time at a shop, or a restaurant, or wherever to help get that extra income in whilst studying then just stay at that job, keep the hours or ask for a few more just so you can cover the basics, and then just relax and be you for a bit. At the end of the day, you've spent your whole life studying, take these months to start something that you've been prolonging, and then before you know it you'll find your ideal job. Maybe its not your dream job, but its a stepping stone and that is ok. Don't trick yourself into thinking that you've only got a few years into being in the position where you want to be, or where else is left to go!

2. Don't just go for any job

This is a little tricky financially, but if you're in a position where your basics are covered then don't just apply for any job that comes on the market, or else you'll get stuck with enjoying the money and stability and everything that you've been working towards will feel less important... But you'll always have something missing, a hint of regret. If you need a job to help you pay your rent on time etc etc, then get a job that you'll find so boring that you'll always be wanting more. This will keep your heading ticking, you'll stay focused on whats really important and you'll constantly be looking for that job, constantly working towards that bigger picture.

3. Don't get lost, invest your time wisely

Whether its a workshop here, or a training day there, or maybe theres a motivational book, buy it! Anything thats going to look good on your CV but also motivates you to keep going then thats where your money should be going. A designer bag can wait, that coat that you saw last week? Really not important. Spend that money on something thats going to really benefit you. Now I know money doesn't grow on trees and this is where you have to be smart, don't just go for any old thing but focus on something that needs more work and go from there. Start to motivate yourself, don't just rely on others to do it for you.

These steps are very basic, but they're something that I lost along the way after graduating. I applied for job, after job, after job, and sometimes I didn't even properly read the job description. I just wanted to get out of working in hospitality and find a job that will pay for everything that I am currently saving towards. It's now nearly October and I have just been offered a job somewhere so perfect, that all of this time off has been worth it. I have never given up on what I want to do career wise, and putting in that time and effort really pays off. So don't you give up either, everyone can get there, its just whether you have the patience for it.

(I do apologise for the lack of colour and photography, my camera has broke so once I have a new one then I shall be updating all my posts!)

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Your Unique Self Is Greater Than Anything Else

This is one of those posts where I don't really know how to start or where its going to go, but its just something that I just need to speak about.

I will be the first one to admit that on my days off, or majority of the days actually, I'm foundation free with my comfy's on. My mind works in a weird way and for some bizarre reason, I just feel as though I can do a lot more and get so much more done if I haven't put a lot of effort into my look. But having said that, I'm not a complete scruff ball, so theres times where I wake up and I want to make myself look pretty and take time in putting an outfit together and brushing my hair.

I was off the grid a little last week as I decided to rearrange my whole room and try and get a lot done - one of those things that you start, and then instantly regret until its all finished. So on one of my days, I needed to do a few bits and bobs but I didn't have to rush my day, so I allowed myself to make more of an effort and actually enjoy all of the luxury items that I have the privilege of owning.

As its that time of year where we are rinsing out the last little bit of Summer but still loving the introduction to Autumn, I decided to wear something that I felt warm and comfortable in, but still enjoying not having to cover every inch of my body. The sun was out so I just went with a simple black loose playsuit, with a plain long sleeved top underneath and little heeled boots. I drove to IKEA - because as we all know, theres never an IKEA thats walking distance - parked up, and started to walk towards their building. Before I had even walked through the doors, I noticed the person walking in my direction roll their eyes in a way to say 'dressed up much?'. And then since then, it was like a domino effect. I don't know if this one person, had made me feel so insecure to just take note of every time someone looked in my direction, even if they're just looking at the wardrobe next to me, but it was horrible. I just wanted to get in there, grab what I needed and run the hell away.

Everything was covered apart from my legs, which is no different then when they go out in shorts or a skirt or even a dress. It wasn't raining, it was weather appropriate and it was something that expressed who I am as a person. So why people feel the need to judge or make a comment through facial expressions I will never know, and I don't think they will ever know either. Its something everyone needs to remember, and its the reason that I wanted to write this. You wear something that you feel comfortable in and on that day if you want to wear leggings, or joggers or a sweater than thats your choice. But the person next to you who's wearing a dress, or showing a bit of skin, is also wearing something that they've decided makes them feel comfortable in, and even better, makes them feel amazing! We're all going down our own paths and each day is going to be different than the person who lives opposite you. Who you are as a person and what you do or what you wear, expresses that. So I would hate if anybody changed who they were or what they love to do because of a reaction of somebody else, we're all individuals. Ignore the people who make you feel different and embrace the fact that you're standing out from the crowd because of the fact that you are being yourself, just this small difference is what makes you unique!

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Hit The Hay With Lush Sleepy

I am either hit or miss when it comes to bed time, as in I either hit the pillow and I'm a goner, or it takes a lot of tossing and turning to even come close to shutting my eyes. Of course I have a evening ritual - I will be posting this very soon - and although it can be so relaxing, it can also be lost as soon as I get under the sheets. We can't help but over think when those lights turn off and all you have is your overactive mind... What do I need to complete tomorrow? Whats the weather going to be like? Did I check my emails before bed? Did I turn the oven off? Ooh, what shall I have for dinner? Is there really gold at the end of the rainbow? So after numerous weeks - even months - of this bad habit of welcoming the new day before falling asleep, I decided to purchase this little pot of heaven. And if there isn't really any gold at the end of the rainbow, then this definitely is there waiting for you instead.

This Sleepy Body Lotion by Lush smells absolutely amazing and the texture is so creamy which is heaven when applied. Now it might sound a little odd, but it is infused with oatmeal and lavender flowers. Together they create a beautiful relaxing scent which makes bedtime that little bit more rewarding, plus the colour of it is so pretty! The instructions advise you to cover it over your entire body, but knowing me the pot will be gone within a couple of weeks, so I just apply it to my chest, arms and neck as these are the places which I will benefit from it the most. Then you just simply crawl under the covers, become slightly obsessed with the smell of your arms for a couple of minutes and fall fast asleep!

Not only do I love the fact that it is Vegan, but it is also made from 100% recycled plastic which makes me feel so much more satisfied with this product.

Whats you favourite evening essential to help you sleep?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

The Ultimate Benefit Brow In 5 Steps

There's no denying that over the years your eyebrow game has to be on top form. I remember when the craze first started and at this point, I had never touched my eyebrows with any sort of makeup before in my life, so I was so overwhelmed with all of these different products you can get to help perfect those little beauties. Although getting ready in the morning isn't as quick as what it used to be 5 years ago, I just don't want to even think about what I would look like at an event eyebrow-less. I have tried numerous brands but I just love my little Benefit collection and with 5 easy steps to create a strong brow, whats not to love!

1. Clean Those Beauties

Yes, clean! Theres nothing worse than trying to create a masterpiece if you can't start with a blank canvas. I always have a little cotton bud near me when applying make up because I can be so dopey, which comes in handy when cleaning my eyebrows. All you need is a little bit of makeup remover on the end of your cotton bud and softly wipe over your eyebrows, picking up any product that might have clung to those hairs. It doesn't matter if you accidentally wipe away some of your foundation around your brows, as you can either carefully cover or, highlight!

2. Condition

You prime your face before applying foundation, so why not prime the area that requires a lot of time to perfect? The Benefit Conditioning Primer is enriched with Keratin and Soy Protein which helps you to nail your brow game. You can create fuller and healthier looking brows in just one twist, and it also helps to stop them from looking wild. The gel formula allows your brow to stay in shape which makes life so much more easier when shaping, as the shape is pretty much there already!

3. Get That Killer Shape

Even with a pencil, I always need to have an eyebrow brush to blend and then brush through. I have recently just bought this Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil as I had heard so many great reviews from it. I usually go for quite a thin pencil but this one is a little thicker, covering a lot more once you've nailed that shape, and its waterproof! Which is perfect for when those dark clouds start to form. Theres no worrying about this product drying up or becoming blunt, the only thing you have to focus on is keeping within those lines! Once you've created an out line, I always push the product up starting inwards to help blend, you want them to look as natural as possible which means no harsh lines! Once everything is blended and you're happy with the outcome, use the brush on the end of the brow pencil (or your own) to just brush them into shape.

4. Set With Volume

I adore Benefit Gimme Brow, It just adds the extra oomph and kills the feeling of anything missing. This eyebrow gel has a volumising micro-fibre enriched formula which defines, tints and creates the illusion of thicker brows. Perfect! It also sets those little wandering hairs into place, and with it being long-wearing, you don't have to worry about them for the rest of the day. On those busy days where make up requires time that you don't have, I just apply this product and go! 

5. Highlight

I count my blessings everyday that highlighter exists, its so pretty and brightens up your face on even the darkest of days! I simply apply the Benefit High Brow Highlighter to my brown bone and the arch of my brow and blend, sharpening up my brows making them look clean and crisp with a glow effect.

After looking at the Benefit eyebrow counter for hours wanting to buy the whole shebang, these have to be my all time favourites, and definitely an essential! These simple steps are so easy, but make a huge difference to your routine.

Whats your favourite brow products?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

MissPap Wishlist

I have seen so many gorgeous little numbers recently and each one seem to be coming from Miss Pap. It's one of my favourite online shopping site but I have been slacking massively lately when it comes to buying new clothes, mainly because I have never seen my bank look so empty. So today I thought I would torture myself and get together a little list of all of my MissPap favourites!

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette

Usually, a new Urban Decay Naked Palette means a special trip to HoF just to purchase it, so I don't know why I'm so late to jump on the bandwagon with this one. I have had so many special occasions recently and with the weather shinning away like it has been, I couldn't resist finally adding this one to the collection.

The colours are everything that I could ever ask for in a palette right now as I just can't help but reach for the red-brown/ burnt oranges at the moment when it comes to my eyes. You dress depending on the weather, which includes your make-up. But although we are slowly waving goodbye to summer, these colours will definitely be a staple in the following months to come.

Firstly, I have to point out how Urban Decay kills it every time. I love eyeshadow palettes that can cater for both day and night, whilst still being able to mix things up and create different looks and with this range, with 12 beautiful colours to pick from, this definitely does just that.

Its got a perfect combination of matte and shimmery tones to create the look that you're going for, and the pigmentation of this product will never disappoint. Just one swipe of your desired shade and it will add such power to your eyes, blending so easily and creating the perfect crease. And when its packaged so beautifully and theres thought and detail not just in the colours but the completed look, whats not to love?!

We are all still learning and getting to know ourselves, and one thing that I have learned is that my eyes just don't suit bold, electric eye shadow. I think its something to do with the shape of my eyes, maybe they're too round, I dunno, but it just doesn't suit me at all and I just look ridiculous. Which is kind of heart breaking as I follow so many MUA's and they're absolutely on fire at the moment with what they're creating when it comes to your eyes. But because this product is so pigmented - no complaints - its best to start off with only a little on your brush and then to build, especially when it comes to more of the red tones.

When reviewing, I don't try and find a fault but I want to be as honest as I can and if there is something that I personally find could have been better, I would say it but... I actually can't fault this product. It stays on throughout all of my antics and day to day activities if I have to get all dressy, and it gives me such a leeway of what sort of colour to focus on, whether it is the red or if its more of the brownish tones. Either way, this is definitely my go to eyeshadow right now and I can't wait to play around with it more for when the Autumn arrives.

Whats your favourite eyeshadow? Have you tried the Urban Decay Heat Palette yet?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Hello September | My Challenge

Do you ever get to the end of Summer until you realise that you should have kicked started your healthy eating a hell of a lot sooner? Those clouds are soon to be staying for good and winter jackets will soon be your signature look. Yet, I already want to make sure that I am body confident for Summer'18. Im tired of going months and years wishing and wanting something that I attempt for a day and then go straight back into my pot of ice cream in the evening. I know how I want to look, I know how to get there and what to focus on and cut out, yet its so hard to stick to it when I'm easily tempted but all the wrong foods.

That is why I am welcoming September with so much drive and motivation to finally start this journey that I was meant to start years ago. I get to the point in which I start to see changes in my body and then I begin slacking because I think that I can 'afford' too, and that it won't make much of a change because il just 'burn it straight off'. Yet I say this far too often, and within a few weeks I still see changes, just not the changes that I want to see.

I strongly believe that everyone can achieve their goals if they truly go for it and do everything in their power to make it happen, and the reason behind this challenge is to not only be a healthier/ fitter version of myself, but to also put me on track to achieving the bigger picture. So I'm kick starting this September with a challenge to myself. For some reason I can't seem to go a whole week without looking back and thinking 'yeah I was good, apart from Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday'. So this September, to help get me into the swing of changing my lifestyle, I am only going to eat one unhealthy item a week and see how I feel both physically and mentally at the end of the month.

I can be highly competitive at times, so one way to make me stick to something is to set myself goals as I am even more determined to prove something to myself, and of course it makes me feel so satisfied. So set yourself a goal, give yourself a certain amount of 'Treat Cards' for the month and follow my recent post Tips To Get You Started.

If you're starting this journey too, or if you've already started a similar one then please share and comment your advice/ recipes/ what to do/ what not to do etc etc and lets help one another!

I'm already looking forward to seeing my progress, are you?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Elemis Absolute Eye Serum

I have spoken highly of this product multiple times on my post about Dark Circles and 6 Essentials for the cold up and coming months, so I felt as though it deserved its own little post. I can’t even keep track of all the eye creams that I have used over the years, it’s honestly been that many, and as I suffer with that dreaded Dark Circle curse I always try and hunt down those that are suppose to ‘cure’ or ‘help’ with them.

I read so much content and I research for days about eye creams until I have pretty much found every single review on the internet. I narrow them down one by one until I've come to some sort of conclusion on make my final decision. So you can imagine my hesitation when I went ahead and bought a product that I had done zero research on.

During my mooch around Heathrow, I was initially hunting down another Elemis product, the Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm which is specifically designed to brighten and reduce the appearance of dark circles.  I had carried out my usual research on this product and I was happy with the reviews, so I was pretty much power walking when I saw the Elemis sign. But when I was approached by the very kind expert who worked there, everything changed.

I was pretty adamant on what I wanted, as this was specifically designed to target dark circles and brighten the eye area, but when I explained my situation I was told that the Elemis Absolute Eye Serum was much more suitable. I don't know how I haven't come across this product before as this is also designed for battling those unwanted shadows, but I just can't go a day without using it now. Im the first to admit that my water intake is very poor, and probably one of the factors causing the prominent darkness, so I needed something to help hydrate. Not only does this do the job,  but it also minimises time and dark circles! 

Its super easy to apply as you only need the tiniest bit which means that it lasts a long time... Bonus! I simply just put two drops on the back of my hand, morning and night, and from there I just lightly pat around my eye area. It's quite easy to over apply and just put layers on but you really don't need to, and applying too much will only cause the product to be heavy on your eyes which will weigh them down. I've also noticed that when I use this product at night, I wake up looking a whole lot fresher. Yay!

If you suffer from dark circles or the heat is causing you to have restless nights, don't forget to up your game on all of the little stuff as well as applying eye cream. Drink more water, exercise and try and find a solution to help you sleep a little easier. I know its hard as opening your window is letting all of that muggy heat in and you probably don't fancy investing in a fan when its forecasted to start raining soon, boo. But even ditching your duvet or switching to silk sheets can help. All of these factors do start to add up which causes them to be far too prominent for anyones liking. 

Have you found an eye cream that you swear by?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor