The Winter-Spring Transition

The funniest thing is the transition between Winter and Spring or Summer and Autumn. The one I find the most irritating is the one from Winter to Spring - ie. right now. Why buy jumpers when it's about to get warm? How many layers do you really need when you leave the house? Do you need your big coat or just a normal one? Two pairs of tights? The list goes on. So, these are my top things for this weird transition. Funnily enough most of it is grey/black. How spring-like.

Stripes, flat boots, cape cardigans that go perfect over long sleeved tops for layers, mom jeans (a nice change from skinny jeans) and a tartan scarf that adds a bit of colour. Nude lip, or a bold - I'm partial to a little bit of both, a rich body butter because the change in weather seems to just make my whole body super dry and finally a little lift for your roots. Simple and easy to layer up or dress down.

I find this time of year a little tricky. The sun never stays long enough to make a difference or warm you up, it rains a lot, there's sometimes a little snow storm and while it's getting lighter in the evenings, it's just miserable that it's pitch black at 5/5;30pm when really it's been kind-of-dark all day. I think the light and the sunshine has a strong influence on my work ethic as well. At this time of year my motivation seems to take a nose dive - not preferable when mocks are next week and exams are not actually that far away. 

Do you suffer from this too? A struggle with clothes and motivation. Girls, eh?

A BOOK: WITH A ONE WORD TITLE

Hello! My school has put up a list of different genres of books and set a challenge to read 24 books in a year. While I won't even be at my school when this challenge ends and it's not an impossible amount of books I thought it would be a nice thing to do to get out of my reading-comfort-zone. And of course to tell you guys about.

So, a book with a one word title happened to be a book that I bought on my Kindle just before I went back to school so I thought it would be a good one to start off with. Typhoon by Qaisra Shahraz is the story of three women living within a Pakistani village and the problems and trauma that they all face. One is caught in the arms of another woman's husband, one is the husbands wife and the other was raped in her youth. The story is set over just a week, with a reunion of characters some 20 years later, allowing you to see how their attitudes have changed and how the events described earlier have had an impact on them. The end of this book was a great shock to me as it finishes with a huge tragedy that I didn't anticipate until it happened. The women are all powerful, even in a time of such male dominance, especially in their religion and country. Although not exactly admirable throughout, the women all hold great burdens and while reading you are always made to feel sympathetic towards them.

Culturally, this book is really interesting because of the staggering contrast between how this small village deals with such problems and how they would be dealt with here. The book also incorporates the villages language into sentences, although you're always able to understand the meanings. If you've read The Kite Runner then it's not dissimilar to how Indian words are scattered throughout.

WISHLIST

Hello! Putting myself on a spending ban doesn't stop me from lusting over lots of new releases and things which are widely spoken about on the blogs I read. From the black things that I just think go with everything, to beauty bits that I simply just need in my life and the sports gear that I will definitely not be wearing to exercise - it's just pretty.

Topshop Bag - Topshop Shoes - L'Oreal True Match Foundation - Aesop Parsley Seed Mask - Maybelline Anti Aging Concealer - Missguided 'Active' Sport Bra - Love Magazine - Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection - Missguided 'Active' Sportsbra Crop Top 

#DrySkinProblems | Body & Skincare

Hello! I'm a real sufferer of dry skin, especially in the transition between months. However, this winter has been a cold one and I think going between warm and cold - and simply just the cold weather - has really been harsh on my skin. Not only is my face suffering, but my scalp and around my hairline as well as all over my body, especially my legs. There's a couple of products which have been easing the itching and discomfort of my dry skin and as this is a reoccurring problem for me, probably meaning my skin has actually just become dry, I thought I would share my words of wisdom. And my products.

It all starts in the shower for me. T-Gel by Neutrogena is an absolute life saver and works from the very first application. It reminds me of my childhood because my mum used to sometimes use it on me and on herself. The smell is on the verge of medicated but if you're applying other products afterwards it is pretty easily masked and not a problem. I actually kind of like it. It suggests you use it for 6 weeks and I use it 2 times a week - so every other wash. I also use E45's Shower Cream which is kind of like Nivea's in shower moisturizer or Lush's body conditioner. Both of these are products which I haven't tried but will probably try out when I run out of this. It's just extra moisture! In the shower I also use Neutrogena's Grapefruit Face Scrub. I find that when I'm not using a scrub that my face gets really irritated as though I need to be buffing away the top layer to keep my skin fresh and new. However, I do find a lot of face scrubs harsh and am guilty of over exfoliating sometimes. With this I just gently buff it around my face, especially on my forehead and around my hairline. It makes the dryness less visible and ensures I don't have flakey looking skin. Apologies about the use of the word flakey.

After the shower I focus on my face straight away. I have started using my toner only around my nose and on my chin as these are the only places where I feel needs it and can handle it. My dryer skin doesn't cope with toner very well. I then apply La Roche Posay's Toleraine Ultra which is super rich and moisturizing. It sinks in so fast and is great under make up to make sure it doesn't start to look dry of cakey throughout the day (- despite what I said in my review!) Sometimes if I have let it all sink in and some areas are still feeling dry I'll add a little extra or mix it in with my foundation. I do actually find that with my dryer skin, using tinted moisturizers like the Garnier Miracle Cream is great, especially when it's cold and windy outside! On my lips I always use Nuxe Reve de Miel!

Finally to take off my make up I use La Roche Posay's Physiological Cleansing Gel followed by a little of Neutrogena's Cream Grapefruit Face Wash. I find this just ensures that my face is clean - esentially double cleansing - but without stripping my skin as I have incorporated in a creamier face wash. I do have my eye on the Body Shop's Cleansing Balm as I feel my skin would really benefit from a balm to keep it moisturized. I'll use the same moisturizer at night and sometimes I'll put on some of The Body Shop's Vitamin E Serum in Oil. When my skin first went really dry this is what I turned to and it really worked but my skin has just got increasingly more dry, expecially in this freezing cold weather!!!

Let me know what you do for your skin in winter for a little extra TLC!

Boy Talk | Bulldog Skincare

Hello! Something a little different for you all today. I thought that as Valentines Day is coming up that some of you may be stuck for a gift for your boyfriends. If so, this little review from my boyfriend (18) and my brother (15) might give you an idea. Or your boyfriend, brother or dad may be struggling to find a skincare brand which they like or just don't know where to start so here are their thoughts on Bulldog Skincare.

Bulldog Original Face Wash

Boyfriend: The face wash has cleared up my skin but it does make it a little dry so maybe I should try out the sensitive version although I have extreme combo skin. Before I was using one that was too harsh for my skin but this one isn't as bad and I've enjoyed using it a lot more. I've even already bought another bottle. I've been using it in conjunction with Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub too which I feel has also helped to clear up my skin.

Brother: After I use this my skin feels clean so it definitely works to cleanse. My skin doesn't feel tight or much different to how my skin normally feels after I use it and I don't feel like I urgently need to put on my moisturizer afterwards but I have normal-oily skin. The face wash definitely cleared up my skin but it hasn't completely got rid of any spots or blemishes that I have. At first I noticed a lot of difference but then it is just constant. My skin is now less angry.

Bulldog Original Aftershave Balm

Boyfriend: This is really good and afterwards I don't get any kind of shaving rash. You also don't have to use much at all so the bottle will last me a really long time. I'm really glad that I got this from Hannah's mum for Christmas as I hadn't tried it before and I think all of the Bulldog products are really good.

Brother: This made my skin feel really smooth after I put it on once I had shaved. I think that I could probably get away with using the moisturizer instead of this so I probably won't buy this again once it's run out. Also I don't get too much irritation after I shave.

Bulldog Original Moisturizer

Brother: I use the moisturizer every day, normally at night and it keeps my skin moisturized. It doesn't break me out at all but it takes a while to sink in and once it has sunk in it's still slightly greasy which is also why I choose to use this at night. I do like it though and it keeps my skin well moisturized.

Bulldog Original Eye Roll-On

Boyfriend: When I was using my harsher face wash this stung a little and I do get dry eyes which can cause them to be sensitive. However with the Bulldog face wash my skin isn't as dry which means it doesn't sting. It definitely also depuffs my eyes. I probably wouldn't buy this again as my hypoallergenic eye moisturizer from Boots seems to be more effective for me.

Hope you guys liked this. I assure you there will be more of these as I loved doing something a little bit different and getting other people involved in my blog!

Feline Flick

Hello! I have always been a fan of the felt tip liners which allow you to draw on a flick without the pully-ness of a pencil eyeliner or the faff of liquid or gel. For me, it's just easier in the morning and it looks just as good as all the others in half the time (once you get the hang of it!)

In the past I've used the Eyeko liner that Alexa Chung always raves about but I found over eye shadow it really dried it out and made it unusable. I've also used ones from various brands in the past such as MUA but found they just weren't as pigmented as they could be so I've used Rimmel's Exaggerate liquid liner a lot in the past although I find it just a little bit watery and harder to control. 

Soap & Glory's Supercat liner has the really easy-to-use felt tip which I love that isn't dried out by using it over eye shadow or powders. It's really black and the nib is hard enough that you can get a really thin and defined line which I really love at the very ends of mine, even if I thicken them up in the middle. It is wet enough to get through that and if you wanted you could smudge it out a little on application if you're quick. After that it does set and stays in place all day but it is by no means a waterproof formula and when I tried this on the back of my hand it smudged right off when I washed them the first time. Unless you have really watery eyes or wipe your eyes a lot you'll be okay though and it does stay in place all day. 

If you are searching for a new liner or just getting into it then this is a really brilliant one to try. If you're starting out with it then this one gives you the most control and is more like a pencil but it flows more easily across the lid - I wouldn't jump in with gel or liquid when you're practicing!

Let me know what your favourite eyeliner is to do a feline flick with!

MAGAZINES

Hello! I don't know about you, but I feel like Company Magazine made a mistake going digital. Every month I desperately looked forward to going into the shops and picking up a new copy and I miss having a physical magazine to read, or one at all as I don't buy the digital version. I've been an avid reader of Company since I can remember and when I was moving house back in February I threw away years worth of issues, including ones before they redesigned. To fill the void that is now left I have been looking at magazines which could be a replacement and perhaps a little more specific to my current interests.

1. i-D. I first heard of i-D when I went to a university open day and they had it in their little shop on campus so I jotted it down and looked it up when I got home and I've been searching for it in a shop ever since. i-D has built itself a reputation for reinventing and inspiring fashion for all those involved in fashion culture and has included people from many creative backgrounds such as Tom Ford, Madonna and Kate Moss - all giving a cheeky wink. A years subscription includes 6 issues at about £27 which is incredibly good value and extremely tempting... 

2. LOVE. Love magazine is a twice-a-year magazine that aims to inspire designers, artists and just anyone looking for visual inspiration in fashion or design. Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevigne and Miley Cyrus have all been featured within the magazine and they look to feature up and coming music developments, art and fashion. A mystic ball for the creative world if you like.

3. The Creative Review. The Creative Review is just like any other 'Review' - it displays the latest projects, people and inspiration for a specific field. In this case, it's all things creative (as the title would suggest) but if you take a look and are particularly interested in Economics, English or any other subject then there is a review for almost anything. It's actually a great way to read further in your subjects if you're at school and lots of departments at my school are subscribed so that you can read essays and just broaden your knowledge. Great for your personal statement if you're thinking about applying to university this year (eek!) or next year or just for your exams. Or even just personal interest!

4. boat. A travel and culture publication. Boat magazine presents its reader with a new city each issue, showing you how inspiring a city can be and really getting right into the cracks of the city. London, Los Angeles, Athens and Lima have all been focused on so far. Great if you're an avid traveler looking for some iinspirationon where to go next. It contains pictures, interviews, personal profiles and artwork from each place, giving you an honest and bare view on a city every issue. Even the covers are inspiring. 

5. Violet. A publication focusing on leaders, authors, entrepreneurs and all-round inspiring and amazing women including Alexa Chung and Brit Marling. Alyson Swan, creator of Violet, aims to inspire and motivate women to create their own career and success through her inspiring interviews and editorials so that women can get to know women who can inspire them. 

6. In Bloom. A publication for youths with curious and creative minds. It captures fresh talents in music, fashion, literature, art and photography while also giving an industry insight to all. 

I hope that some of these catch your eye and maybe you might pick up a copy if you spot one in a shop next. You can order single issues from a couple of magazine websites which make it easy for you to find smaller and more independent magazines. I hope I've given you a little bit of reading-inspo. Happy reading! 

Let me know if you've read any of these magazines before or if you have any other suggestions along the same lines!