SPRING SKIN

So I've been wanting to do an updated skin care routine for a while but I wanted to make sure I was seeing the impact the products had before I gushed about them.  I've finally narrowed it down and I am definitely seeing the difference in my hormonal combination skin!  One product I've used now for well over a year is the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser which I swear by, I use it nearly every morning and night.  I also like to alternate with the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser which is AH-MAZING, you feel so clean and fresh after you use it!  Be careful though this cleanser is only to be used 2-3 times a week because of the high level of Glycolic Acid.

Another thing I'm loving is the new Drops of Youth Liquid Peel from The Body Shop that my friend introduced me to.  I use this now about 2-3 times a week after I've cleansed, it's a gentle exfoiliant and it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth!  For moisturiser I'm still loving my La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, it works so well for oily skin since it doesn't leave your face feeling clogged or greasy and it also leaves you with a smooth matte finish which I love.  For blemishes I have two secrect weapons that I've used for years now, the first one is an overnight treatment that I was actually prescribed by my GP in my teens.  It is the Acnecide Gel and I know it looks scary but it really works a treat, after all of your skin care is finished, pop some of this on the affected area and in the morning you'll notice a huge difference.  Secondly my saving grace is the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion this little puppy really does the trick, just apply it to your blemish and leave it until the morning and once again you'll notice a massive difference.

For face masks I have a few favourites, firstly it has to be the GLAMGLOW Supermud which I only tried at the start of the year but I must say I fell in love instantly.  You can actually see all the inpurities coming out of your skin it's amazing.  Next would have to be the Mario Badescu Drying Mask and the Healing & Soothing Mask these two were probably the first face masks I ever tried and I really like them.  Again these have to be used alternatly as the Drying Mask works to bring out inpurities and the Healthing & Soothing acts to even out and balance your skin.  And last but not least is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clay Mask, I'm a big fan of clay masks incase you haven't already noticed, I just feel like they react best to my oily skin to balance it out.  This is a great one, after every use my skin feels super matte and oil free yet still fresh and nourished.

And thats about it.  I always try and eat well and drink plenty of water to help the overall condition of my skin too, and these are the products that work best for me - tried & tested, most for years now.  So I hope you enjoyed reading and hopefully you can try out some new products for yourself!  Much love, speak soon - Shannon.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY EVERYONE!  I've been loving all the posts on Instagram and Facebook of all the baby gyals supporting one another.  It's so lovely to see, and it's something I've been feeling so strongly about recently.  I come from a family of very strong women and I am so proud of that.  I think that's why I love empowering other women, afterall we are stronger together!

It's how we handle our sh#t and deal with the curve balls that life throws our way that makes us strong!  Everyone has hardships in their lives, but it's about how you deal with that situation that empowers you.  Woman are magnificent.

So here's to you.  Strong women everywhere.  May we know them, may we be them and may we continue to raise them.  Much love - Shannon.

LIVING IN LEATHER

Hey guys, me again!  It's such a bleak and mundane Monday, especially here in Glasgow.  Trying to stay motivated is proving hard, and trying to get back into the gym is harder!  I've been more or less living in black to hide a multitude of over-indulging christmas sins.  Not that I'm complaining because black is one of my favourite colours *since it's the same colour as my soul - hehe just kidding!*  But I LIVE for my black Zara leather leggings, I have about four pairs that I just cannot seem to stop wearing.  I feel like January is one of those transitional months where you don't really know how to dress... and the weather in Scotland really does not help!

But I personally always think you can't go wrong with leather trousers or leggings.  No matter what you pair them with they will always look chic and edgy.  I like styling mine up with basic t-shirts and oversized coats or knits for a more casual look.  I'm also obsessed with my Zara booties, I think it's the shiny toe cap that gets me.

I also spent a small fortune over Christmas and New Year in Zara's Sale, and can you guess what colour I bought the most of?  YES YOU GOT IT - Black!  My favourite item is this reversible shearling coat, I got a size Medium for the oversized feels.  It was £99.99 reduced to £69.99 and I got mine from the Zara store on Buchanan Street.  So yes, be prepared to see a lot more of these trousers on instagram and here!  Hope you enjoyed reading, speak soon - Shannon.

LIFE UPDATE

Well hi!!!!  Happy & Healthy 2018 to you all.  I hope the past year was good to you.  My resolution this year is to make more of an effort with my blog and social media.  I've even been thinking about... *oh no don't say it* STARTING YOUTUBE *oh no she said it*.  Yes that's right, laugh all you want but I really want to try it!  Last year I started 2017 with no goals and no resolutions so that I wasn't setting myself up for a fail or beating myself up if I didn't achieve them.  However I then found myself having nothing to work towards?!  So, after some unfortunate news at the start of this year, I decided that I NEED to set myself goals and WORK to achieve them...  In the words of Kit DeLuca from Pretty Woman "You gotta have a goal, do you have a goal?"

Yes Kit I do!  And this is one of them.  I would really appriecate your feedback on what I could do to improve my blogging skills?  One thing I've done to kick the year off is a 5 year plan.  Something my parents have been urging me to do for years but that I never seen the benefit of, but...  After I done it I felt relief in writing it all down and actually seeing my goals written down infront of me.  SO I really reccomend a 5 year plan to anyone who feels unorganised and doesn't know where to start!  It's not only helpful but very theraputic!

So... yeah, I hope to be more consistent with content and hitting the blog up with not only more but BETTER imagery!  If you would like to see what I get upto day-to-day then give me a follow on social media which will be on my contact page and thanks for reading!  Speak to you guys soon, much love - Shannon.