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