Yearly Archives: 2015

Recent Beauty Discoveries

01st July 2015
I always seem to be one step behind when it comes to trying out new beauty products, hence why I could never be a beauty blogger. It’s always good to branch out a little though so I thought I’d share my thoughts on some new (to me, at least) bits and pieces that I’m enjoying right now.
First up comes the L.A.B.2 Get in Shape Brow and Eyeliner Brush* (available here). I’m usually faithful to my Real Techniques brushes for everything makeup application but I’m pretty sure I prefer this over their brow brush for a precision application. I haven’t tried it out as an eyeliner brush so I can’t comment on that, but my brows look neater than ever after filling them in with powder using this- on a side note, brow grooming makeup recommendations welcome!
On the whole I’m pretty lucky with my skin but a helping hand never goes a miss so I was excited to try this Complexion Perfecting Hydrator* from Proactiv (RRP £27.99). I’ve been using this morning and night, before applying my makeup and again once I’ve taken it off. This is a lovely light lotion that adds a much needed burst of moisture in to my skin as well as evening out my skin tone and adding some much needed lustre back in to it. It’s pricey, in my eyes, but totally worth it as a tiny bit goes a long way and it’s one of the only products I’ve found to make a visible difference.
I’m not usually one to talk about feminine hygiene butI wanted to give this soothe and smooth shave gel from SASS* a mention for being a product that actually does what it says on the tin (tube!) I won’t go in to detail but is there anything worse than being uncomfortable “down there” post hair removal? I think not- and this product means you can wave goodbye to that little issue.
We won’t go in to how long ago it was when I last replaced my hair brush, I actually blushed a bit when I sat and worked it out. In my defence, I don’t often use a brush as my hair is curly and knotty when wet, and then straightened in to oblivion but tangle free these days. I have, however replaced my trust Denman with The Wet Brush* (available here) which has reduced those tangles to nothing and made my hair so much sleeker. I didn’t think it was possible for a hair brush to really make such a difference, but it has and it doesn’t cost the earth.
Last but by no means least comes my current favourite bath/shower product from treaclemoon *- the super summery limited edition iced strawberry dream. An absolute bargain at £2.99 (RRP, currently on offer at £1.99 in Tesco) this is the scent of summer in a bottle. Unlike some scented products it doesn’t make my sensitive skin flare up and given that a bowl of strawberries and cream is one of my favourite summer snacks using this first thing in the morning sets me up for a grand day ahead. The brand are currently working with the charity BulliesOut so keep your eyes peeled for that collaboration- even more reason to stock up on their gorgeous products if you ask me!
What products have you been loving lately?

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*some products in this post have been gifted to me for review, in line with my full disclosure policy*

Posted in beauty, review

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(Insta)life recap: 6

30th June 2015
Half way through the year already? I almost refuse to believe it…it’ll be Christmas again before we know it (sorry, just putting it out there!).

Anyway, here’s some of what I got up to in June, which was a quite month by all accounts, as told by my instagram (@daisychaindream if you wanted to follow me).

Mae’s latest play thing
One of those “I know I shouldn’t but…” type purchases
Banana necklace of joy
The most apt Father’s day card ever.
Glitter jelly!
Decking out Ben’s car.
Experiments in Hello Kitty cake making.
From where I stand, and where Mae lies.
Banana frubes are the best thing ever.
Always where I want to be.
Making friends.
Big hair don’t care!
Naked Hello Kitty
New stationary loves.
Oops.
Such a ham.
Guilty.
Eating home baked cat treats- I went there!
Remember when these weren’t just a USA thing?
Baking dinosaur cakes with my BFF.
Adding to my Tsum Tsum collection.
Tastes like childhood!
As ever you can over over the images or click on them for a description. Link to your instagram posts below, or leave me your username so I can take a gander at what you’ve been up to as well.

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Posted in instagram, life, life stuff

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Lee Renee’s fabulous fruity jewellery and giveaway!

29th June 2015

It’s been a while since I introduced a new jewellery brand on the blog and so it’s with great pleasure I can share with you the master of delicious delicates, Lee Renee. Lee contacted me a couple of weeks ago asking if she could send me a piece of her work to keep, and generously she also offered up a piece for one of my readers to win, too!

Before I get on to that though, here’s a bit about Lee Renee (taken from her website)
“British jewellery designer Lee Renée has already built a strong name in the fine-fashion jewellery sector thanks to her signature blend of delicate, exacting and narrative-driven pieces that are easy to wear and tell powerful, distinctive stories. Lee’s work regularly graces the fashion pages and Vogue magazine voted her into their list of jewellery designers to watch for 2015.

Lee launched her brand in July 2012 after spending 3 years retraining as a silversmith under some of St. Martin’s and Hatton Garden’s finest – the heart of London’s jewellery quarter – and Lee is also a member of the British Jeweller’s Association (BJA). Before that she’d been working in the creative world of advertising for many years but always knew that jewellery design was her first love. After this life transition her middle name Renée – meaning rebirth – took on a new significance so she decided to use it in her brand name.

Lee is inspired by childhood memories, ancient civilisations, the weird and the wonderful, the dark and the avant-garde. She believes jewellery should engage the senses and doesn’t have to feel too serious or grown-up, but should inject some colour and excitement into your styling whilst also being built to last and with you for a very long time, that’s why she makes quality investment pieces that will give you lots of joy and a lifetime of wears – who said fashion has to be frivolous?!

Everything is skilfully handmade by Lee and her team of Hatton Garden’s master craftspeople in London. We hope you have as much fun wearing them as we do making and creating them for you.”

Jewellery c/o Lee Renee | Top: H&M (current stock) | Skirt: New Look (here) | Shoes c/o Quiz

I’ve never seen a banana necklace before so when this little beauty dropped through my door I just knew it had to stay with me, it’s such a quirky piece with amazing attention to detail, I’ve been wearing it non-stop!

Fear not though as I’m giving away the equally intricate and stunning mini pineapple necklace to one of you lucky lot, all you need to do is follow the really simple rafflecopter below!

Whilst your at it, do check out the Lee Renee jewellery website, there are some truly fantastic pieces available, I’ve already earmarked the shine ring as a future purchase among many others.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends 6/7/2015 and is open to UK entrants only.

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Posted in giveaway, jewellery, outfits

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#madeinsummer with Quiz Clothing

26th June 2015
I love a good challenge, and as festival season rolls around I was contacted by Quiz Clothing about a new campaign they were running called #madeinsummer. The challenge? To take an event from the busy Summer calendar and style up the perfect outfit. The REAL challenge? Picking an event, for someone who doesn’t do much outside of working and blogging I was failing at the first hurdle. Thankfully Quiz were happy to help and picked out the Radio 1 weekend in Ibiza.

Items c/o Quiz Clothing

Having only been to a handful of festivals in my lifetime and never any outside of this country it was a case of going in blind when picking my outfit. I knew I wanted something pretty yet practical for the hot weather and all of the dance action which is where this playsuit comes in. It’s so pretty yet has dignity saving qualities that a mini dress doesn’t. It’s also a bit less revealing that a pair of hot pants and a bikini top- that wasn’t going to happen on the blog, challenge or not!

To keep the sun off my neck (let’s just imagine I’m in Ibiza for this post) I went for a floppy sun hat, essential for 30 degree plus heat- a sunburnt and peeling face is never a good look! Footwear wise I was tempted to go for some cool wedge sandals but in the end common sense prevailed and I opted for some pretty flats which are actually comfortable enough to dance all day and all night in, blister free.

What sort out outfit would you have picked for a beach bum, sun lovers festival? All in all I think I got it about right- all I need now is the plane ticket!

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Posted in challenge, life stuff, outfits

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Swimwear Trends for 2015*

25th June 2015
It’s that time of year where we start to crave a holiday. If you’re lucky enough to have already booked your next getaway, you’ve probably already turned your attention to swimwear.
From bikinis to swimsuits, there’s so many styles, designs and prints to choose from. To help you select the best option for your shape, we’ve enlisted the help of Danielle Kisby from leading lingerie and swimwear retailer, Bras Galore. She’ll provide her expert opinion on this season’s hottest trends.
Fringing
Popular in the 80s and 90s, fringing has re-emerged in time for summer 2015. Shorter fringed bikinis are great for adding subtle detail to your swimsuit, while longer styles can create a more dramatic look.
Speaking of the trend, Danielle said: “Channelling boho chic, fringing is one of my favourite trends this season. It’s great for minimising the appearance of a larger bust, as well as disguising those pesky cellulite-prone areas on the hips. A fringed bikini is the perfect alternative to heavily printed swimwear. Choose a plain option to remain subtly stylish.”
High-waisted
Favourites with everyone from curvalicious Beyoncé to athletic Taylor Swift, high-waisted bikinis are a popular choice this season. Offering more coverage than your typical string bikini yet oozing sexiness, the style is reminiscent of 1950s pin-up girls.
“A 1950s-style bikini is perfect for showing off those va va voom curves!” says Danielle. “The high-waisted bottoms are great for highlighting an hourglass figure, and are incredibly flattering across problem stomach areas.
“If you are blessed with a larger bust, choose a bra- or halterneck-style bikini top. These are much more preferable to flimsy string designs, which can offer little support. Ditsy prints like polka dots are an absolute must for this style. You can wear them year after year!”
Sporty
Sports luxe has been a huge trend for a few seasons now, but it seems 2015 is the year it really starts to dominate the swimwear market. Sports bra-inspired high-neck tops complete with mesh detailing are big news, as are bright block colours with contrasting black trims.
Danielle says: “A sports inspired bikini is perfect for lazy days in the sun and splashing around in the pool. However, the shape isn’t for everyone. While they are incredibly flattering for athletic and boyish shapes, the high-neck cut can make ladies with a bigger bust look top heavy.
“If you do have larger breasts and you are considering this style, I’d advise choosing one with mesh detailing to reduce the coverage over your bust. That way, you can have the best of both worlds.”
Plunge swimsuit
If you’re looking for something a little sexier, choose a swimsuit with a deep plunge neck. While you may think you’re covering up in a bathing suit, the plunge neck is sure to grab attention.
Danielle comments: “Plunge swimsuits are great as they can be worn by women of any size. Suits that offer little support around the bust are best suited to women will smaller busts. If you have larger breasts, choose a style that offers additional support to prevent squashing and provide an extra lift.
“Because the plunge adds detail to the swimsuit, choose a classic Ibiza-ready colour like black, white or red. Team with a floppy sunhat for ultimate glamour.”
Which styles will you be hitting the beach in this summer?

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Posted in fashion, swimwear

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