So it's been a while since I've blogged, but I've been having somewhat of a writers block. However, today I bought something that I instantly felt the need to write about.

I've been looking at the B. Makeup and Skin Care range for a while now, and I am eager to try out their Sweet Popping Candy Highlighting Serum as I think not only the packaging but the product itself are beautiful. However, I've recently been more into my skincare and I've been needing a new day cream/moisturiser as mine doesn't seem to make the cut anymore. I decided to try the B. Ready Day Cream, and I am in love. The packaging is beautiful, I almost didn't want to touch the cream and ruin it with my clumsy hands. It's very minimal yet still pretty.

The cream is a thin consistency, and doesn't smell too bad (always a bonus) as well as being non-greasy. I tried some out on my nose as that is the driest area of my face, and already it is soft with no dead skin (ew). On the box, it says to use this in your 20s and 30s to "help enhance skin's youthful appearance", which nearly made me put it back down until I had the horrifying moment of realising that I am twenty next March. Early bird catches the worm I suppose. As I am so "young", I need to use the Skin Phase 1 products, and I assume as you get older, you would use the 2nd and 3rd skin phase products.

And if you already thought that this cream was too good, it's cruelty free and suitable for you vegetarians and vegans, bonus!

I'm definitely considering trying the night cream, as well as the eye cream, something that I need anyway to make myself look more awake, so watch this space for more reviews to come soon as I have just ordered them!

(I took these photos on my phone, so apologies for the quality)

Thanks for reading,

Layla x

Today the weather has been absolutely gorgeous, so naturally, I wore all black (nice one Layla). I went to the Wyre Forest which is near me, and took some photos with my friend for my project, and I figured while I had my camera out, I might as well do an OOTD. I haven't posted in a while because I've had sooo much coursework to do, but now I have about a months gap to blog away before it's exam season (boo), so I better get cracking!

I love this outfit, this top was the best £2.99 I ever spent!

Mesh Top: Ebay
Vest (underneath): Primark
Shorts (underneath): Internacionale (Similar here)
Tights: Amazon
Shoes: Converse
Bracelets: Assortment, mostly made by me except the silver chain, I managed to find a best friend's version, although mine says "daughter" from Claire's
Chokers: Buddha (the coin I got from a local market, but similar here) Tattoo

Peace and luvv

Layla x

So today is my 19th birthday, and I decided I'd share 19 Things I've learnt before turning 19.

1) It's okay if you fall out with your parents. It may seem like the end of the world, but it's not

2) Just because he says he loves you, doesn't mean you should stay with him

3) Read as much as you can, in whatever spare time you have

4) Stay in your pyjamas all day if you want

5) He feels the same way. Don't doubt it

6) Some days aren't as good as others, and it may feel like getting out of bed is a huge effort, but do it. Don't waste too many days

7) Maybe things don't work first time round. But not everyone has to go to uni at 18

8) Even if you feel like you aren't good at what you love, keep at it. It's rare to find a hobby that could become a career

9) Take as many baths as you want

10) Drinking isn't always the answer, but you'll have a hell of a lot of stories to tell

11) Don't let anxiety take over. You may feel sick before you do anything, but you'll regret not doing it

12) Treasure the summers. These are some of the best memories you'll have

13) But also treasure Christmases with your family

14) Study. It's hard to concentrate, but it pays off so much

15) Listen to as much music as possible. Find as many cool bands as you can, broaden your knowledge

16) Write down your favourite songs and lyrics

17) The right guy comes along, it's just about being patient

18) Let go of caring about what others think. Be yourself and the right people will love you

19) Stop stressing about "getting older". Relax. Breathe. Live a little

Layla x

So last year, in a not so bright moment, I decided to bleach my hair. At the time, my hair was orange, and afterwards it was a horrible half white half yellow, and a good chunk of my hair had either fallen out or snapped off. I had to get a lot of my hair cut off to just below my chin and a year later, I'm still not allowed to use permanent dyes on my hair. So when I dyed my hair a bit darker, I knew I was taking a risk, as I can never stick to one colour. And now that time has come where I want to dye my hair back to my beloved bright red, yet I can't do that on my hair that is just too dark. I'll admit, a lot of the dye from before (a mix of a dark and bright purple, that turned almost black) has lightened to a darkish red, but this is still too dark. So after searching the web to find ways of removing dye without bleach, I came across a method of mixing bicarbonate of soda and anti dandruff shampoo together to make a more "natural" lightener. Here is what you will need:

I mixed a bit of the Head & Shoulders with the bicarbonate of soda in the bowl then applied to my hair like I would with normal shampoo (I had to mix some more up though because I didn't make enough)

BUT PLEASE BE AWARE THIS MAY DRY YOUR HAIR OUT. There were so many reviews saying that it can dry your hair out, but it seemed pretty obvious to me (maybe from past experience)
Obviously anything removing colour, no matter how strong the bleach is may dry your hair out. To stop this from happening, I used some of the Herbal Essences Bee Strong conditioner and intensive repair mask after using the mixture.

I also used some Moroccan argan oil and combed it through my hair while it was still damp.

My hair is slightly lighter, but not by much. However, I'm going to try this once a week until I see a visible enough result, and hopefully my hair will lighten enough for me to go back to bright red again

Layla x

Alien Crop Top: https://www.etsy.com/listing/222375886/green-glitter-alien-ufo-galaxy?ref=hp_mod_rf

Nike Top: https://www.etsy.com/listing/217182732/unique-acid-wash-nike-crop-top-festival?ref=fp_item&aref=31359483415

Ring: http://www.regalrose.co.uk/collections/sale/products/kali-onyx-silver-ring

Mesh Top: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271534011307?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=570364191663&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Skirt: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141353514283?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=440552539533&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Dress: https://www.prettylittlething.com/izzy-black-thin-strap-jersey-midi-dress.html

Layla x

So today I went to the Tate Modern in London on a trip with college to see a photography exhibition, but I also had a look around the free galleries too The museum itself is like a tardis. It looked quite small from the front, but it actually has 6 floors, including galleries, several shops, a members lounge and a cafe.

Sometimes I never really understand modern art, and sometimes I love it, it just depends on what the piece is. But the Tate shows many talented artists, and I even saw a proper Picasso painting (I got quite excited because I actually knew who he was).

The photography exhibition was called Conflict Time Photography, and was about the time after conflict and the long term effects that still impact people today. Unfortunately no photos were allowed in the exhibition as it was private, but I do have some of the rest of the museum. (And yeah I took selfies in the art)

Layla x

So today I had one of my usual no makeup Monday's, which is great to give my skin a rest, but for some reason, today it made me realise just how red and dark under my eyes really are. Even with my usual concealer and foundation, it's still pretty obvious just how tired I am. So after doing a bit of research, I decided to buy L'Oreal's Lumi Magique Highlighting Pen/Concealer as it is apparently one of the best high street concealers. Originally I was going to buy the concealer that matches my foundation, with is the True Match Foundation by Rimmel London. However, upon reading reviews, I found out that it comes out cakey and doesn't give great coverage. But with the L'Oreal concealer, I couldn't find many reviews that slated it.

I went for shade #2 in medium, as shade #1 in ivory seemed a little too light for my skin tone. I had really high hopes for this concealer, especially as it could double as a highlighter, and who can resist a 2 in 1? And I wasn't disappointed by this. It covered my dark circles amazingly, it was almost like they didn't exist, which is a first for me in 3 years. It also makes a great highlighter when I applied it in the usual places (cheekbones, chin, nose and cupids bow), yet it wasn't an overpowering highlighter which I quite dislike on me.

The packaging is incredibly pretty in a rose gold, and the brush is quite soft on the face. The bottom twists to release the liquid into the brush. To begin with it took a while to get the product to come out, but be careful as a little of this can go a long way, so don't twist it too fast!
Overall, I'm very pleased with this, and it is worth way beyond it's £8.49 price. I have a feeling that it's going to take a while before I change concealer again.

Thanks for reading,

Layla x