Brand Focus : Butter London

Brand Focus : Butter London

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Vibrancy and intensity are always summer 'thing' but this year companies are going crazy to compete for the best, unique range of summer perfect products. For some reason, the sun energizes me and gives me more confidence in my skin and my general being. I'm not sure exactly why that is but I'm sure that there is a scientific reason for it - everyone associates the sun with positivity after all...

Butter London is a brand I'm sure most of you have heard of - they are a company who are infamously known for their buttery, opaque nail polishes. Being rather slow in the grips of social media, I never really knew they sold other makeup products so when I got the opportunity to give some of their cosmetics a test, I was more than merrier to do so. Personally, I'm a huge fan of glossy, bright lips in the summer - moisture is key and I cannot stand matte lipsticks sinking into the crevices of my lips. NO THANK YOU. Instead, I opted for some very 'out there' liquid lipsticks that leave a glossy shine.

Fortunately, Butter London ever so kindly wrapped up two nail polishes to accompany my requested liquid lipsticks. I was thrilled to see varnishes that matched the seasonal colour scheme - bright oranges and yellows are incredibly eye-catching and on the nails, they can add extra warmth to a Summer's day outfit. The two shades I received were CHUFFED and CHEEKY CHOPS. Chuffed is a stunning orange glitter with golden flecks of glitter running throughout. The glitters would complement a gorgeous golden cheekbone highlight - matching nail colour to makeup can really help to enhance your favourite features. As this polish is a glitter, application requires two thin coats to achieve a full opaque coverage. Cheeky chops is bright yellow; it is slightly toned down which makes it more wearable for those not brave enough to rock a crazy fluorescent number. This shade achieves opaque perfection with a single light coat, leaving a glossy finish. Butter London nail varnishes contain vitamins that aid nail strength - something I definitely need with my poor stubby excuses for nails! They also provide a consistent, smooth layer on the nail.  

Liquid lipsticks are an evergrowing trend among the beauty lovers out there; I am a huge fan of this trend - who wouldn't want moisturized, opaque lips in the simple swipe of an applicator? The two shades I received are La Moss and Primrose Hill Picnic. La Moss is a burgundy, red-wine - the coverage lays between an opaque matte lipstick and a lipgloss with a formula rich in shea butter, creating a beautiful moisturized feel on the lips. Primrose Hill Picnic is a tropical pink - I'd say it is in between a fuschia and 'Barbie' pink. The underlying blue tones allow the product to compliment my cool skin tone, which is always a bonus on vibrant colours you are a bit tentative to wear in public. This shade would look insane on holiday - it reminds me all the tropical flowers you would see on a secluded, exotic island. You can tell I've got eternal holiday blues!!!

Don't forget to head over to Butter London to check out all their cosmetics range, as well are their very-loved varnishes. Let me know what you think of them.

Which lip colour is your favourite? Do you own any products from Butter London?

Lots of love

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This post is in collaboration with Butter London, however all opinions are honest and my own.

Flowers Bring Happiness ¦ Bloom & Wild

Flowers Bring Happiness ¦ Bloom & Wild

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I am a strong believer of 'small things matter' and 'it's the little things that count'. Without a doubt, things that we endure on a day to day basis can make me smile, things that do not cost like a simple gesture, a comment or spending time with someone. Flowers genuinely bring happiness to my life; they fill my room with positivity, nature's glow definitely has an emotional impact on my life. I know some people may think that's ridiculous but it is scientifically proven that nature, including flowers, can reduce anxiety, increase happiness, well-being and once received, creates an intimate connection with family and friends.

When I got in touch with Bloom and Wild, I was so excited to try out their unique flower delivering service. I had heard so much about them through social media and was extremely eager to receive my flowers - through my letterbox!

The Arrival 

Two days after packaging up my beautiful flowers, my Bloom and Wild delivery appeared swiftly through my letterbox. I honestly found their service so unique, as delivering flowers usually requires a huge box which can only be delivered when people are present. This unique 'letterbox' delivery worked incredible in my home; my parents are out working all day and my brother and I attend school so we don't have to mess around collecting extra parcels from the post office.

On opening the sleek, cardboard box, the flowers lay neatly wrapped in netting, a protective plastic cover and a decorative ribbon. I love when companies take the time to package their products in special ways; I believe it makes the customer feel special and happier. Also, along with some lovely voucher codes which I will share with you at the end, my stunning flowers were accompanied by some flower food and instructions. 

The Product 

Kindly, I was gifted with the beautiful 'Charlie' bouquet. This set can be sent for £20 to an address of a loved one, which I feel is a reasonable price for a stunning arrangement. 

My bouquet consisted of an brightly coloured array of alstroemerias with bright yellow craspedia; the craspedia are a form of daisy which progress to achieve a similar yellow tone to the other flowers. The Bloom and Wild team advise the craspedia to be a lovely keepsake - I will definitely dry and imprint these so I have a memory of this lovely opportunity. 

Within 24 hours of putting the budded flowers in water, along with the flower food, they are supposed to blossom. Honestly, I would say these bloomed within 12 hours - the flower food acted quickly and had a lasting effect. My mum told me she loves alstroemerias but tends not to buy them as they wither in a couple of days; however, the food clearly increased their life span as they only began wilting 3 and a half weeks after placing them in my vase.

Overall, I would totally recommend the Bloom and Wild service - from swift delivery to an everlasting natural beauty perched on my windowsill. In the future, I will most certainly turn to this flower service whether it be to thank someone, send a good luck, an additional birthday gift or treat my mum on mother's day.

Here's a £10 off voucher for those wanting to purchase a flower gift for someone in the near future - SCARLETT10 :)

What are your favourite types of flowers? Do flowers make you happy?

Lots of love

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This post is in collaboration with Bloom and Wild. However, all opinions are honest and my own.

Hair Care Saviours ¦ Richard Ward Chelsea Collection

Hair Care Saviours ¦ Richard Ward Chelsea Collection

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Being your lazy typical teenager, I've grown up completely neglecting my hair. Don't worry, I'm not saying that I don't wash it on a regular basis, I'm talking going that extra length to ensure that my hair remains healthy, smooth and shiny. Due to complete lack of care, my hair sometimes becomes coarse and dry only a day or two after washing my hair. This simply gave me a wake up call to try something different - something that was going to recover the damage and save my brunette locks.

Luckily, I've discovered Richard Ward's Keratin Restore Collection consisting of a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask treatment. I was super excited to try the hair mask specifically because 'surprise, surprise', I had never tried one before. Also, this range is part of the Chelsea Collection - Richard Ward is hairdresser to the beautiful Kate Middleton and some of the 'Made In Chelsea' cast. By hearing celebrities and hair stylists talk about these products, I knew I was in for a right treat...

Keratin Restore Shampoo & Conditioner (RRP £5.99)

Keratin is your hair's natural proteins; it binds to the roots of your hair and works to re-build natural fibres and protect your scalp. This hero hair ingredient strives to protect vital cells from damage and excess stress. Many scientists have claimed that by exposing you hair to more keratin than it naturally produces, you can increase the thickness, health and growth of your hair. Additionally, the chicory extract and yucca vera contained in the products cooperate to produce a lustrous finish - the chicory invigorates strength of the hair, reducing hair loss, and the yucca vera revives suppleness and natural shine. 

After replacing my old hair products to the side, it was time for the real test. Over the past two weeks, I have been using these products in my regular routine (the shampoo and conditioner every other day and the hair mask once a week). The texture of both is balmy and the formulation appears to lather quickly and easily. Both products complimented each other in trying to revive my dull locks; the shampoo leaving my hair feeling extremely clean and the conditioner adding to the restoration and shine of the finished look. The only minor downfall was that the scent wasn't as strong as I would have liked; a very soft fruity essence that didn't quite fulfill my needs. Oh well, as long as the product is working efficiently, eh? 

Keratin Rehab Conditioning Treatment (RRP £5.99)

Hair masks are always something I've wanted to give a go. All I ever see over social media, regarding hair care, is masks - there are always those on Pinterest creating their own mask using tonnes of exotic, qwerky ingredients to formulate a beautiful remedy or Vloggers expressing their profound love for coconut oil. Finally, I've been introduced to one and now I don't think I can stop. 

This conditioning treatment is enriched with vitamins and silk proteins to revitalize and rehydrate dry hair. My hair becomes super damaged from blow-drying so a conditioning treatment that aids restoration of dryness makes applying this hair mask a treat! This most certainly will become a part of my pamper evening routine which I get round to doing once every 1/2 weeks. The silk protein leaves my hair feeling voluminous, yet sleek, with no frizz after blow-drying - another issue I have to endure. Fifteen minutes after appliance, the mask didn't leave a greasy residue after washing it out - the formula was extremely silky so I was a almost certain it was going to give leave a greasy finish but boy, was I wrong! What a great first impression on hair masks this has given me :)

If you wish to try out some of Richard Ward's nourishing collections, visit the range online at Waitrose or in stores. 

Crobar Review ¦ Fitness

Crobar Review ¦ Fitness

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Today's post incorporates two of my New Year's resolutions - becoming healthier/fitter and trying new foods. I am honestly one of the fussiest people when it comes to food - if it looks gross, then I won't be eating it. However, I've been trying lots of new foods and have 90% liked those that I've eaten. 

Protein bars are something I've never really delved into before, despite wanting to know what they taste like and if they work effectively. I am in no way a fitness expert but believe protein bars to be either a healthy snack or a fitness stimulant prior to exercise, helping to gain muscle. Recently, I've discovered Crobar - a brand that has created an obscure protein bar (containing cricket flour!) in which is more economically friendly to the environment, as well as helping you to achieve your goals.

INGREDIENTS

PEANUT & CRICKET FLOUR - Peanuts, Sultanas, Dates, Sunflower Seeds and Cricket Flour (182 calories per 40g bar)

CACAO & CRICKET FLOUR - Cashews, Sunflowers Seeds, Sultanas, Dates, Chia Seeds, Cricket Flour, Cacao Powder, Goji Berries, Cacao Nibs and Natural Flavouring (183 calories per 40g bar)

As the bars are sourced from animal protein, they ensure all 9 essential amino acids enter the body. Also, iron levels are extremely high - surprisingly, crickets hold twice as much iron as spinach do! Moreover, Gathr Food's Crobars aid efficient use of animal feed, less water and air pollution, reduce food waste and enhance better animal welfare. 

TASTE

For myself, I would describe this to have an acquired taste - something in which I am not familiar with. Unfortunately, I cannot compare this to an alternative protein bar as I haven't ventured out to try out yet. The taste, personally, was quite bitter and I personally didn't enjoy them; however, if you love the taste of dates and sultanas you will probably be very pleased. 

Have you ever tried protein bars before? What do you think of them?

Lots of love