How I like to relax

We all love and need a bit of downtime in our lives. whether its going for a walk, pampering yourself or getting lost in a book, everyone has their own ways of relaxing and taking time out. I thought today that I would share the ways that I like to relax and the kind of things I like to do in my downtime. Most involve doing as little as I possibly can, I swear I'm not always this lazy!

My absolute favourite thing and my go to when I need to distress is a good pamper evening. I'm talking bath bombs, face masks, bubble bars and preferably chocolate. Not only does pampering myself relax me, it also makes me feel better about myself. Which is perfect when you're not feeling your best and need a pick me up. My skin always get worse when I'm stressing or tired so a bit of TLC is exactly what it needs. My favourite face mask and the one I'm currently using is the Lush Cup O' Coffee mask. My skin always feels fabulous after using this, I wrote a review for the mask here, go check it out! I also like to paint my nails, I don't know why but having my nails done makes me feel like I've got my shit together. Recently I have been using Avons Gel Shine polish in 'Mint to be' (how cute is that name!) It's a lovely spring time shade, not that the weather is very spring like at the moment!

Another way I like to get some downtime is by catching up on my favourite series. Currently I'm re watching Orange is the new black on Netflix in readiness for the new series. I'm trying to get through all 3 series in the next week so I'm all caught up, quite a challenge, even for me! There's something great about being able to switch off and immerse yourself in another world for a couple of hours. Sometimes I get a little to into it and start to talk about the characters like they're real people, its a bit weird seeing the OITNB cast all on social media glamed up, I'm used to seeing them in their prison gear and some look almost unrecognisable in real life. Anyway, I better stop before this post turns into me ranting on about OITNB! 

Listening to music is one of my favourite things to do. I love how it can change your mood and theres a song out there for whatever mood you're in. I always have headphones in, especially when I'm doing things I don't particularly enjoy, like washing up! It's also easy to do and doesn't really require any attention. Pair sitting a listening to music while relaxing in a nice bubble bath with a face mask and you've got my idea of relaxation. Just writing this is making me want to hop in the tub!

Let me know ways that you like to relax!

xxx

Avon SuperExtend Mascara Review

Avon isn't really a brand that I've ever really considered using. Probably because its not available to buy in stores (as far as I know) and it's not really talked about as much as it should be. My sister in law recently became an Avon representative and gave me a catalogue to have a look through. I've not shopped at Avon before and besides occasionally dipping into my mums makeup when I was younger, I don't think I've really ever tried any of their products. It's is the kind of brand that I always associated with mums and with a more mature audience, recently though I feel like they have been marketing towards a younger audience.

So I was surprised to find when flicking through the catalogue that there was actually quite a few products that I was interested in trying. As it happens the mascara I was currently using had pretty much completely dried up, heartbreaking I know. So I decided to steer away from the brands I usually go for and try something completely new. I know how to live guys. 

I went for the SuperExtend winged out mascara because I love the look of long winged out lashes. I love winged eyeliner as well but I just cannot get the hang of it, practice makes perfect I guess! Also one of my favourite mascaras is Maybelines The Falsies, I love the way this wings out my lashes so I was hoping for a similar effect from Avon SuperExtend mascara.

And I was not disappointed! This mascara is available in 2 shades, blackest black and brown/black. I went for blackest black because I like black mascara that is actually black and I don't like mascara that's a bit wishy-washy. Like I always say, go bold or go home! (I have never said that in my life) 

The product goes on well and isn't at all clumpy, its actually quite a thin liquid. The downside to this is it takes a bit of building to get thicker lashes but if you are lucky enough to be born with thick eye lashes then this wont be much of a problem. What this mascara is great at doing though is lengthening and as promised, it is pretty good at winging out my lashes. 

The wand is quite small with small bristles which means it is great for catching even your smaller lashes. I's also found it much easier to do my bottom lashes with this mascara compared to ones I've used in the past. Even if I didn't use this on my top lashes I would probably reach for this when it's time to do the bottom set. I like to keep my bottom lashes quite natural looking but since my lashes are blonde, I like to put something on there and this does the trick!

It lasts well and doesn't go flaky during the day and leave you with those super attractive black speckles under your eye. It's not waterproof but still has good staying power and isn't going to start streaming down your face the second your eye starts to water. 

The packaging, to me, looks a little more high-end and almost a bit more 'grown-up' than the mascaras I usually go for. Not that that's a big decider for me at least but still something to consider.

It can be quite subtle and great for everyday wear but also be built up to be a little more dramatic. This mascara wont be replacing my favourites but I'll definitely be using this in the future. 

xxx