Working with brands - new bloggers beware

Working with brands is one of the most exciting things about blogging. It means that the effort you are putting in is being recognised and that is such an amazing feeling. For me personally working with brands is more about the content and less about the gifts (obviously everyone loves gifts but it's a small part) If you are receiving sneak peaks into new launches and discount codes this is so much more important for gaining a following.

There is however a sinister side to working with brands, especially for new bloggers who can easily get caught up in the excitement of it. I have been writing this blog for just over six months now and have already encountered a fair chunk of the dark side.

My Favourite Thing To Do

Walking my dog in a big open field is my absolute favourite past time. On first glances I might not strike you as a 'dog person' I am from Essex after all and more than partial to a diamonite or six, however since Ralph came into our lives nearly three years ago something switched ... my wardrobe. 

Make Up of the Month - January

I've wanted to start a series for a while, but was struggling to come up with something that would be easily achievable each month. (I don't want to start something only for it finish two months later) 

Every month there seems to be one make up look that wins my affections, so it only seems right to name this series Make Up of the month. 

Product Empties

I've been saving up my empty bottles to share with you all, aren't you lucky! 

LYDC New Collection - 10% off Discount Code

Every blogger should have a box bag!

LYDC have just launched their new collection, and as expected it is just about the most gorgeous thing to hit the internet. Without even getting started on how friggin cute the Pom Pom keyrings are (I am in a permanent state of heart shaped eyes emoji whenever I am near one) the collection is yet again stunning and practical, the perfect combination. 

How does your makeup stay on your face?

Recently I popped over to Edinburgh for a mini break with a couple of friends. While we were there one of them asked me an interesting question. "How does your makeup stay on your face?" 

Ok you want a bit of back ground info on why she said this...

We both got up and got ourselves ready at the same time in the morning. We spent the day getting lost in Edinburgh, eating, drinking and exploring the Christmas markets. By 5 o'clock my friend was makeup free however I still had my full face on. So I thought I would share with you the products that help me out a lot a little.

Radical Skincare Review

Just lately I have been winning lots of competitions, this is the best turn of luck ever because I just don't win things.... well, actually I guess now I do. 

Before Christmas I was fortunate enough to be chosen via Instagram to be sent a free Radical Skincare Cracker and I honestly couldn't have been more excited. If you haven't heard of Radical Skincare I would say it is time to get educated, the company was started by sisters Liz and Rachel, they are the daughters of Dr. Richard F. Edlich MD.PHD, world renowned Professor of Plastic Surgery you can read their story HERE 

Originally the sisters had no intention of selling their products to the public, however after the huge success they had experienced personally they felt compelled to share the secret. And now I get to try it too - yay!

First I tried the Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads. On first impression they reminded me of the nail varnish remover pads, you know the ones? The pads reduce crows feet by 50% in just 2 weeks and for someone on the wrong side of 25 this is music to my ears.

The Eye Revive Creme was my favourite. The scent reminded me of watermelons and that alone had me looking forward to using it each day. It is so hydrating and luxurious. Since using morning and night the darkness around my eyes has visibly reduced.

Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum is the only serum fighting all 16 signs of ageing, it is clinically proven to give results. As someone who suffers from adult acne this is definitely up my street as not only does it combat redness but break outs too.

As my skin is fairly oily the Anti-Ageing Restorative Moisture was the perfect consistency, light and hydrating. It is absorbed quickly and leaves your skin feeling smooth and nourished.

So you may have gathered that I really enjoyed using these products, have you tried any Radical skincare? What did you think?

All Primark Everythang...

...almost everything! 

If you know me you will know that I am a lover of Primark, however I do think there is a way to go about shopping in there. It is easy to get caught up in the 'this is only a tenner' mentality and end up walking out with a body con dress that you are never going to wear. (Yep I am talking from experience) 

This is my tip to a successful Primark shop, go in there with what you want in mind. You are almost certain to find a good dupe that you will actually wear, that is a true bargain. 

The black boots are actually from last year, to say I have worn them to death is an understatement. They have definitely become my go to shoes, and so far (touch wood) have been excellent quality especially as they only set me back about £15. I picked up the coat in the sale, down to £20. Actually I had my eye on it when it was first in but didn't really need it, so when I saw it had gone down in price I didn't want to be rude and not give it a home. 

Everyone knows that Primark denim is never going to be as good as your Topshop or River Island. But these slim fit boyfriend jeans are pretty comfy and as someone who is allowed to wear jeans to work a cheap alternative for everyday wear. The grey knitted jumper is new stock, I'm a big fan of the three quarter length sleeves, especially when you have a beautiful bracelet you want to show off. 

Here is the sneakily little non Primark part, but I really wanted to share my new Daisy Jewellery bracelet. I picked this one up in the sale, it is a Semi-Precious Sacral Chakra Bracelet: Sexuality. Physical Grace. Pleasure.

Let me know what you think of this outfit, are you a Primark lover? 

Neptune Jewellery - 20% Discount Code

You may remember a while ago I talked about how Instagram was fantastic for finding small unique brands that you otherwise wouldn't have known about? 

Well Neptune Jewellery has quickly become one of my favourites, all the pieces are so eye catching I guarantee people will be stopping you in the street and asking where they can get one. 

The beautiful people over at Neptune Jewellery HQ got in touch with me this morning and asked if I would like to offer my readers a 20% discount. I couldn't deprive you lovely people of such a wonderful thing now could I? 

So if you are looking to beat the January blues head over to Neptune Jewellery now and quote GEMMA20 at the checkout. This 20% discount will be live until the 31st of January. 

Happy Shopping :) 

2015 Fashion Picks

Every year there are a couple of items which become staple pieces in your wardrobe. 

2015 was the year of the ... 

...white converse. They aren't exactly cheap are they, converse? So I had been toiling with the idea of picking some up for a while. When the dainty girlie pair became available on ASOS I though rude not to really, and i've not looked back since. 

...pointed boots. I didn't realise how boots that are pointed, even flats, make an outfit feel so dressy. I have lived in these pointed flats and will continue to do so as 2016 begins. 

...suede biker. The colour of this jacket meant it went with every outfit, day to night. It is so easy to just throw on and I have been on most occasions.  

...sparkle socks. These are something I have only fallen in love with in December but decided they deserved a mention. I especially like a bare leg, boot, hint of sock look. 

...slogan tee. And in particular Brandy Melville. Alex introduced me to the shop when we was wandering down Carnaby Street and since then I have ventured there on a few occasions. I love the cute slogans and this one in particular has been my fave. 

...striped pattern. Mainly under a pinafore dress to be honest, because I want to be Zoella ... obvs :) 

...checked shirt. This is really just my all the time go to, but the River Island one above has been a firm favourite at the end of 2015.  

...holographic purse. It's no secret that I am a huge LYDC fan. I can not wait to see the Spring/Sumer 2016 line, but for now these purses have been an everyday what's in my bag for me. You can still get a 10% discount with the code GEMMA10

...pinafore dresses. I am definitely probably too old to be wearing pinafore dresses, but again i'm trying to be Zoella ain't I! I actually find them super flattering and have built up quite a collection over 2015. 

What was your favourite piece in 2015?