JULY FAVOURITES / 2017

Happy first monthly favourites blog post of 2017. Stress and anxiety was a key theme these last few months, specifically because I had the awful and utterly victimising examinations that I was essentially forced to partake. However, I have discovered amazing new music, a few twisted new television series and of course new beauty products that have found a nice spot in my collection. And yes, this is quite a long post, but I could not resist sharing my obsessions with you, plus this is really everything I have been in love with since the start of the year. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti - Fatigue Foundation in 'Vanilla': I have never been a huge fan of foundation, purely because I do not enjoy the feeling left on my skin. However, I recently was gifted this foundation from Bourjois, and it came at the perfect time because as much as I love winter, my skin does not. From dry skin to break outs appearing left, right and centre, this foundation has enhanced my confidence. This foundation has medium coverage that is build-able. It gives my skin a slight glow and makes me look radiant - I believe this is because it contains a vitamin mix that hydrates the skin. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a foundation that does not feel like foundation.

Too Faced Sweethearts Bronzer: I love bronzed skin, especially because it transforms my face and makes me look somewhat alive. This baked luminous bronzer is a duo with a highlight and bronzer shade which makes the skin appear a lot healthier when you swirl your brush in its beautiful heart glory. It is a very lovely, smooth formula that is not patchy or dirty looking. This product contains little specks of gold shimmer which makes you look like a beach goddess and shines in the sunlight. 

NYX liquid lipstick in 'Sandstorm': I love the look of matte lips but for some odd curse that I am unfortunate to have, they always look dry on me and draw out every line on my lips! However, this one is not as drying as the others. The formula glides on like a dream and seals comfortably on the lips. It is very opaque and does not flake off throughout the day. I have a few of these shades but this pretty nude has to be my favourite.

LUSH Enchanting Eye Cream: I have been loving this eye cream! It smoothes and brightens the under eye area so you can appear a lot healthier. The under eye area is very delicate so it is always nice to use a natural product, like this one, that contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. It is never too late to start using an eye cream, no matter how old or young you are - it really makes a difference!

LUSH Mask of Magnanimity: As previously mentioned above, stress levels were pretty high these last few months and as a result, my skin did not appreciate it. Evidently, stress can cause weird hormonal changes and thus result in breakouts which absolutely suck. Luckily, as recommended from Mark Ferris, I tried out this new mask from LUSH and I love it. It is a little underwhelming at first because it draws out every impurity in your skin, however, you will begin to notice your skin clearing up after a few times of using this mask. It not only relieves acne/blemishes, but exfoliates the skin. Essentially, this mask with leave you with clean, clear, soft and hydrating skin.

Music
The Night We Met by Lord Huron
Slow Hands by Niall Horan
Bad Liar by Selena Gomez
Mama by Jonas Blue and William Singe
Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye and Kimbra
Kiwi by Harry Styles

Television Shows & Movies

Stranger Things: I am incredibly late on this bandwagon but I am obsessed with this series.  I cannot really describe it without giving away too much. It is set in 1983 and is about a twelve year old boy who goes missing, leading to an investigation where the boys friends, family and police discover an experimental lab with supernatural forces. The cast is so talented, particularly Millie Bobby Brown. I cannot wait for season two!

Riverdale: This show is insane but I adore it. It is set in a small town, Riverdale, that is filled with every day people but as the show progresses, the darkness becomes prominent and we get to see the characters for who they are after the murder of Jason Blossom. This series is based off of Archie Comics so there is a lot of twisted drama and unusual romances. This show is quite difficult to describe but trust me when I say that you will be addicted - I have gotten all my friends watching it! 

The Intern: Hilarious and bittersweet. I loved this film! It is about an elder, Ben Whittaker (played by Robert De Niro) who applies for a senior internship for a fashion company, founded by Jules Ostin (played by Anne Hathaway). Basically, we see this beautiful friendship grow between Ben and Jules that made me shed a few tears. Just go and watch it now. 

The Devil Wears Prada: Another hilarious, dramatic but an old classic film with the amazing Anne Hathaway. I have actually never seen this movie before for some strange reason. If you did not already know, it is about a girl called Andrea who lands a job for a fashion magazine, run by the one and only Miranda Priestly (played by legend Meryl Streep). We get to see the struggles Andrea goes through because of all the hustling demands and expectations she is given from Miranda. It is a really fun film if you love a bit of drama and comedy. 

La La Land: If you have not seen this movie, you are missing out on a beautiful, musical fantasy with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. This is my absolute favourite movie at the moment. It is about a jazz fanatic and an aspiring actress who fall in love but experience a lot of difficulty through building their futures. It is not only an epic love story but also is filled with singing and dancing that will warm your heart.

Beauty and The Beast (2017): This was hands down the highlight of my year thus far. It is an incredible film full of sweet singing, romance and talking dishes. There is nothing that warms my heart more than reliving a Disney childhood classic. I loved every second of it, particularly enjoyed the face of Luke Evans and presence of Dan Stevens behind the beast. 

13 Reasons Why: This show is so important and made me feel so many emotions. Without giving too much away, the show is essentially about a girl, Hannah Baker who is bullied and is heavily impacted by it as she commits suicide. She records thirteen tapes of the reasons explaining why she did it and who were the individuals that influenced her do so. It is very touching and so real and honest. 

Bates Motel: I just started watching this and I am so obsessed. It is about a lady called Norma Bates who buys a motel with her highly attached son Norman. Their close relationship lead Norman to a twisted state. - A little complex to explain but it is a very dark and disturbingly brilliant show that for anyone oddly interested in the psychotic life of a serial killer, you will enjoy it. 

I hope you have had an amazing first half of twenty-seventeen, if not, it will get better! just keep pushing through.

Love always,
Sara xo