Blush - cruelty free and affordable

Hi everyone

This might sound strange but I’ve always struggled with blush. There are so many different different colours to choose from how do you decide which one is right for you. After many a mistake (I’m sure I’ve got plenty more to make) I’ve decided the bright pinks are for me as I am naturally very pale and have freckles – I would refer to them as Barbie pinks that really bright colour but only with a tiny bit on. However this all changes if I have again in which case the bronze blushes suit me better.

So here are the ones I have been using recently. I have recently moved from buying individuals to buying palettes as seen as my skins tone changes they actually work out cheaper and I’m more likely to get a it right colour wise.

So let’s talk about the palette first, this is the Revoloution make up palette. It contains 8 different blushes and my favourite is the first row second from the right which I would class as the Barbie pink and then the first from the left on the top row for when I am tanned. They are very pigmented and go on very smoothly, they do not drag across the skin or look blotchy. They do go on quite lightly so it is good for if you want to start slow and build.

Another style of blush I have is this sort of pixelated one by Make Up Academy. It was just a bit of an experiment when I first brought it to see how this would come out as it is very different from others I have. It is kind of a highlighter mixed with blusher I would say and gives you a skin of glow with the purple pixel elements. I like this and it does go on well but I would proberley use as a highlighter and add blush additionally as it glows but maybe doesnt add the right sought of the blush element for me.

Finally there is my single blushes and as I said in the beginning we have the Barbie pink and then the tan blush versions. These are also Revolution single blushes. These are really good for topping up throughout the day or for travelling with.

So that is my collection, it’s not huge but it is enough for the moment. 

Next steps for me is to look at other textures of blusher as you may have noticed that mine are all powder varieties.

Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks for reading
AKL

Vegan chocolate and cranberry flapjack

Hi everyone

For me one of the most important things to ensure I keep on track with being a vegan is not depriving myself of a few treats. While being a vegan is a lifestyle choice not a diet or fad I do love my food so if I was to deprive myself I feel I would find it much harder to stay on track. I am a self confessed pudding fan and there is no doubt that I have a sweat tooth and while there are lots of vegan snacks out there I have found that not all of them quite hit the spot when it comes to indulgence. So here is my recipe for an (not too unhealthy) indulgent sweat treat.

You will need …..
Porridge oats (any you can find – cheap supermarket value ones do just as good)

Maple syrup – again any unbranded one is fine

Vegan butter – vitality, soya brands, flora dairy free

Dark chocolate -I use bourneville

Fruits – This is actually optional but I choose cranberries as it was around Christmas when I first started to make this but any berries are fine or vet banana or apple. Proberley a dryer fruit but any is fine.

Here’s what you do…..

Melt the butter in a bowl (microwave or pan) and pore over the oats. I used a lot of oats to fill a big pan full but you can make as much or as little as you like.

Melt the chocolate (in a bowl over a pan of boiling water) and pour over the oats and butter, add maple syrup to taste and mix them all together.

Now you can either add the fruit and mix or what I did was pour the oat mixture in to the pan and flatten down then add the fruit to the top to decorate. I also like to add extra melted chocolate to the top of make it crunchy and extra indulgent.

Pop this all in the fridge for a few hours to set and then slice pieces as required. I reccomend a cup of tea, pyjamas and a good film to really add to the taste and that’s it. Yum!

I would love to hear any receipts you have the more indulgent the better for me.

Thanks for reading

AKL

B. Beautiful – cruelty free from superdrug

Hi everyone

Now I’ve talked about some of these product before as I do tend to dip in and out of B. both skincare and make up but there are some products that I am a regular to and that is the B. Refreshed Essence Lotion and the B. Sensitive Miceller wipes.

The lotion I have been using a little while now and first tried it because I was looking for a product with hydrochloric acid in which is a really good anti aging element. This essence is designed to sit under your moisturiser and soothe the skin after cleansing. It smells really refreshing, pats into the skin really nicely and is gentle enough to use on blemished skin without any oily residue or irritation. It is normally around £6 which is actually still a good price as it normally last around 2 months using twice a day but I got it half price so I would reccomend keeping an eye on it for offers.

The wipes I use sparingly, my skin doesn’t react very well to wipes and I tend to come out in blemishes. I’m not sure if I don’t clean as well or if it drags or what the cause is but I tend to avoid wipes if I can. Having said that wipes are better than keeping my make up on so if ever I’m in that situation then these are the best wipes (I find) out there. They are very moist, drag less than a lot of wipes I’ve tried  and leave my skin feeling refreshed. They don’t dry out and smell fresh, no harsh chemical smell. Ive picked these up for £1 before so a real bargain.

Next are newer products I’ve been trying and these are the B. Confident moisture gel and blemish serum. I was starting to get more blemishes so thought I would target my skin care more. At the start I really liked these products, the moisture gel is light weight and soaked very easily into the skin with no greasy residue. 

However I think for me there isn’t enough moisture so to use along with the serum was dying my skin out which is I surprise the idea to get rid of blemishes but I didn’t want the rest of my skin to dry out. It kind of left me with redder spots even though they did then clear up. Hope that make sense.

I would say the same about the serum as well, it did go on to my skin smoothly with little to no time to soak in. It lasted about 3 weeks with every day use even though the bottle appears quite small. 

I would maybe suggest using either the serum or the moisturiser even though they reccomend bot unless you have oily skin all over and not combination like mine. They were around £5 each and so still worth the money.



I am a big fan of B. Products and I will keep trying different ones out. Have you tried B, what are your favourite products from the range? 

Thanks for reading

AKL

My top 5 favourite asmr artists

Hi everyone

I’ve mentioned in a few posts something called ASMR (auto sensory meridian response). ASMR is the tingling sensation some people get on there skin normally on the scalp and the back of the neck and upper spine and it creates a state of relaxation. I started watching make up videos on You Tube and found them really relaxing and then from there some suggested make up video popped up and I found them so relaxing I watched more and more.

Here are my favourites that I watch all the time.

1. Whispers red – this is a lady called Emma. She has so many different types of video from make up, to tea making, chakras and quotes. She has a lovely relaxing voice and really is very dedicated to making videos. She was one of the first artists I watched.

2. Springbok – she is very sweat and has a real understanding of asmr. She experiences asmr herself and so really takes that into account. My favourite videos of hers are around Maslow hierarchy of needs and simple make up look.

3. Synchronicity _spirituality – she talks a lot about her past and also about anxiety and chakras. She has a really relaxing voice and seems to film in a really relaxing location. She has a couple near a crackling fire, amazing.

4. Gentle whispering – this has been a constant for me since finding asmr. She has such a relaxing voice and really mixes up her content. She has a very nice way of putting things and talking about make up and skincare. 

5. Fairy Char ASMR – I love her make up and hair videos, she has a very comfortable presence as I feel like she is very natural. She also seems like a very happy person which really comes a cross on camera.

Have you listened to ASMR? Who are you favourite artists. If you haven’t tried ASMR before I would reccomend watching one of these artist, a lot of them explain what it is also. Let me know what you think .

Thanks for reading

AKL

Free from at sainsburys

Hi everyone

I have been cutting out dairy from my diet for a while now and I’ve got to admit that there are times when cheese and chocolate call out to me. It’s not very often but when they do it’s really important that I am stocked up on vegan alternatives. Here are my most recent finds from Sainsbury’s.

We have the Freefrom soft cheese, this is an amazing alternative for meals that need that creamy, runny cheesy source. My favourite is melted on mushrooms but that is just the tip of the ice berg. It tastes just like Philadelphia, the texture is slightly less solid if that makes sense but it melts like a dream. It feel indulgent and creamy and so good I actually had to check the label a few time to make sure there was dairy.

Then I have the 2 cheese alternatives in the style of Feta and Wensleydale. I am very impressed, the feta style is salty and rich and the Wensleydale is creamy and goes perfectly with the sour cranberries. I’ve had them both on dishes such as roasted butternut squash and aubergine, salads and vegan burgers. They are really crumbly, the only thing I would say is that they are slightly more oily when they are melted as they are coconut oil based. My reccomendation is to cut down the time in the oven or if the food you are putting them on is already hot then don’t bother actually melting them just place on top and they will melt slight but not too much to loose there texture.

Last but not least is the chocolate iced desert, this really hits the spot. I had this with strawberrys to add to the flavour and there is no clue that this doesn’t contain any cream. I am not a massive fan of cold deserts strange but true but if you are looking for a ice cream alternative then this is it.

Have you tried any vegan cheeses. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks for reading

AKL

Cruelty free hair products for care and to stimulate hair growth

Hi everyone

I’m a bit naughty when it comes to my hair over the years I’ve been blonde, red, purple and various shades of brunette. I often dye my own hair which according to my hairdresser is a big no no. It will also come as no surprise that I am always straightening and curling my hair so in order to try and combat this I use a lot of hair care products. Here are my current favourites.

Coconut oil is the holy grail of the last few years, I have been using this Superdrug one for a little while now. It is a solid pot of coconut oil that is designed to melt between your hands when you rub it and then goes in to the hair in oil form. It’s little messy but very good for your hair and can also be used as a serum on wet hair before blow drying. The coconut oil with Argon is a new addition and works in the same way but I actually prefer as it melt quicker.

Next is an old faithful, the hair therapy with Argon oil and the hair therapy with coconut oil. These are perfect for hair care on dry hair as a treatment and also as a heat protector and serum on wet hair. It is a bit less messy than the coconut oil in solid form and easier to go on but is slightly more expensive. When I use this I feel like my hair is much more manageable and shiny. I need to be more disciplined to do this or often but when I do use it I find it so worthwhile.

I also use this on the roots of my hair and massage this in for 15/20 minutes before I get in the shower. This stimulates the roots of the hair for growth. I have found over the last couple of years that my hair is thinner than it used to be so this is a really good step in my routine.

So that’s my go to hair care products, they feel much more luxurious than the price. What’s are your go to products? How often do you use treatments on your hair?

Thanks for reading

AKL

Before and after primers and finishers – cruelty free

Hi everyone

Primers and finishing sprays is something I have started using quite recently but I am slowly building a collection. I never go without primers and use them even if I’m not putting make up on over my moisturiser to protect my face. There are a few brands which I particularly like and here they are.

Starting with Make Up Academy I have the moisturising primer and the fixing mist. The primer is a really new addition to my collection and I choose it for 2 reasons, one because it is moisturising and as I use face powder just about every day I worry about drying my skin out and secondly because it contains tea tree oil which is really good for blemishes. It’s a slightly strange consistency compared with other primers it is a bit like a moisturiser and does need to be shaken before opening each time as if not it gets a bit watery (I think that’s the tea tree). It does go on the skin nicely though it’s very smooth and leave a really plumped texture ready for make up.

The mist I have been using a very long time, I really like this. It doesn’t smell chemically and sinks in quickly and evenly. It doesn’t make the skin feel tight or restricted and I do think it helps keep my make up on longer and in place.

This is my favourite set, the Barry M primers in Original, Correcting and Brightening. I started off with the original and then moved to a combination of the Correcting and Brightening depending on what my skins looks like. My favourite is Correcting one as you can see as it soaks in really well, doesn’t smell chemically and creates a great base for my foundation. It also last really well and at under £5 is a real bargain.

The last 2 I find really interesting, I’ve never tried a spray base for primer. First impressions are that I feel like the coverage isn’t as good as a primer I rub in but actually does the job. It makes my skins feel very refreshed. 

The oil control spray I’ve been using a little while and I again like this, I work quite long hours and don’t always get to top up my make up so this is really good at keeping the oils at bay and my make up on for a long day.

So here is my collection, what primers and finishers do you use? Do you prefer sprays or creams/lotions?

Thanks for reading

AKL

Cruelty free brows – my go to products

Hi everyone

I haven’t really jumped on the brow band wagon since it started. I appreciate good brows and I can really notice when people have made an effort but I think I’m a little unsure how to recreate this on myself. So I thought it would talk about some of the products I am using to help.

I have very thinly styled brows having grown up in the 90s where the thin arched brow was the fashion (or so I thought at the time). However naturally I have very messy brows they have just never been allowed to express themselves 🙂

So let’s get into the products…

My first and go to product is the pencil, this is a really really old and overused Rimmel (not cruelty free) pencil that should proberley be classed as vintage by now (yuck). I’m not sure of the colour or how long I’ve had it but a classic example of how you should not keep make up too long. So you can see now why I need to move with the times.

So let’s move on to the Barry M brow kit. I actually think this is a good starter for someone who hasn’t used a powder and wax on there brows before. It contains a dark brown powder, a wax and then a lighter powder to act as a highlighter. It also comes with a little brush but I prefer my angled brush next to the pencil in the pictur, it’s easier to handle.

For this I start off with very light strokes using the dark powder at the start of my brows (near the nose) and do upward strokes till I have filled in all the gaps. Then I draw a line underneath and over the top of my current natural shape (natural as it can be after a number of years plucking). Then I fill the middle till I’ve covered all the gaps, I’m not sure if anyone else does this but then I use a big pluffy face power brush to brush away any excess.

Then I use the wax to set the shape, I use only a very tiny bit so that they don’t look too set as for work or in the day I just want my brows to look almost like I haven’t done anything to them. If I am on a night out and generally have more make up on I’ll add more powder and wax. 

Finally I have my new Revolution brand brow product which as you can see is far more advance than my other products. I have only used this on nights out so far as it feels a bit too much for day to day. So in this pack we have 4 different powders all varying different browns a couple of then greyer than my normal colour I tend to use the second one down in the second column for the left. Then at the bottom there are 2 different colour waxes. I use the one in the first column as the other wax is a little too dark for me. 

On the right are the highlighters and strobe creams. The top 2 are the highlighters and while they are designed to go under the brow bone I quite like the top one as a eyeshadow. The bottom 2 are the strobe creams and again look great as eye shadows but the problems is that they tend to crease on me but great colours.

What are your go to brow products and styles?

Thanks for reading

AKL

Lips – cruelty free

Hi everyone

Lips really do finish a look but I have to admit that I do often miss them out in favour of just a balm or Vaseline. On nights out I usually turn to glosses rather than lipsticks but I thought I would share with you some of my cruelty free collection.

Let’s start with my newest finds – the Revolution nude collection. There are 3 different types a very pale nude, a slightly darker nude and what I would call a brown nude. I thought that I would go for the lightest colour to suit me best but it really washed me out, the darkest colour actually suits me best. I really like these glosses they go on really smoothly and feel really moisturising. First impressions are that they need reapplying quite often but they are so reasonable that it’s worth it.

Next I have a brighter orange lip butter from Collection. I’ve never tried lip butters before but I will be buying more as they are so creamy. This goes on really easily and I love this colour it’s so vibrant. When I do wear bright colours I prefer oranges to reds on my lips.

Next I am back to nudes and I have my favourite Marks and Spencer gloss. I got this in a gift pack and it has lasted so well. It doesn’t really have a colour it’s like a pearly shine. It actually last quite well also. I also have the Make Up Academy lipstick in nude with matching lip liner. I have used this a few times but I have to be really careful that my lips aren’t dry at all otherwise it kind of shows up all the flaws and stick to any dry skin (it sounds disgusting but it’s true).

Last but not lest my every day go to balms. I have the Marks and Spencer balm in red strawberry. It has a slight colour to it but nothing that would notice about. Lastly I have Lush in Rose Lollipop I love this one it is so creamy and soft. It has a lovely smell also.

So that’s my collection, what’s your preference for lips, is it glosses, balm or lip sticks?

Thanks for reading.

AKL

Vegan breakfast

Hi everyone 

So if you have been following my blog or instagram (AKLBeauty) you may have noticed that I am a vegan (or at late I am trying to). I love breakfast and thankfully it is one of the easiest meals to go vegan with and it’s not just fruit and smoothies you can indulge as well. 

One of my favourite breakfasts is Avacardo on toast but over the holidays I have expanded this a bit further. Here is my indulgent but still vegan breakfast recipe. 

Here are the items you will need….

Mushrooms – any shape/size you have in

Avacardo – ready to eat (if you can squeeze them but not break the skin then you get a good idea that they are ready to eat)

A lime or lemon (which ever you prefer)

Vegan butter – I use the Pure range, but there is also vitality, Sainsbury’s own brands and many more

Vegan soft cheese – I have tried both this violate one and also Sainsbury’s own and they  are both great choices.

Morrisons hash browns – Morrisons are vegan but any vegan has browns are great.

 Here is what you do….

Place the hash browns in the oven for 15/20 minutes – I like mine to be brown around the edges

While the hash browns are cooking slice the Avacardo down the middle and squeeze the end till the middle come out (if you see what I mean) and then mash with a squeeze of your lemon or lime to taste 

Once the hash browns are nearly cooked place the butter and sliced mushrooms in a plan on medium heat and fry until soft then add your soft cheese to taste (I like lots so that it creates like a source)

Toast your bread and add butter if you like then top with your avacardo

Place it all on a plate or bowl (I like to keep my bits separate) and enjoy.

It’s very yummy and the mushrooms are so creamy that they feel really luxurious. Sometimes during the holidays or at weekends you just need an extra bit of yummyness and this is my version of that.

What is your favourite vegan breakfast? How d you make it that little bit special?

Thanks for reading

AKL