My Top Three Podcast Picks- Summer 18

The rise of podcasts in the last few years has certainly got my attention so I thought I'd share with you my favourites so you can hopefully discover and be introduced to some gems of your own!

Radio 2's Confessions Podcast

Find it here

My younger self would be HORRIFIED to know that I'm now partial to a spot of Radio 2 and in particular, Simon & Jo's show segment on confessions. It literally has me in stitches so when I discovered there's a podcast dedicated solely to it, I was all ears!

If you haven't heard the Radio 2 confessions, it consists of people emailing in their embarrassing and hilarious confessions from years gone in the hope that they can seek forgiveness from the Parish of Radio 2, Simon Mayo being known as Father Simon and Jo as... (well I can't remember but that's irrelevant.)

From farts to fibs and so much more that are mortifying but magnificent all the same- this podcast will make you crease up, cry and cringe all at once and I guarantee it'll put a huge grin on your face. I listen to it on days when I need a good giggle to cheer me up or just in general when I want some hilarity. I recommend it to anyone and everyone that will listen!


The Wonderland Murders by Wondery

Find it here

After my friend and fellow Prosecco Sessions co-host Laura introduced me to the podcast "Dirty John" , it opened my eyes to a whole new world of podcast genre; in the form of story telling. Similar to audio books, I'm down for some crime episodes  that are based on real life cold cases which makes them all the more chilling to listen to.

The Wonderland Murders are all about four brutal murders, a dodgy night club owner and a down and out porn star. It's set in the 80s and from the first episode I was hooked- so much so I binged the entire thing in two days. If you like reading but don't have time to sit with a crime book thriller or perhaps just want something to listen to whilst you multi task then this podcast is for you. It's gripping, chilling and really addictive! The fact that the case has also never been solved sent a shiver down my spine on several occasions whilst I was listening.



Wobble

Find it here

If I remember rightly, I discovered this podcast in Apple podcasts under where it says something like "other podcasts you may be interested in." I'm SO glad I clicked on it because it's a brilliant podcast hosted by Jules Von Hep and Sarah Powell. They talk about what makes us wobble; both physically and mentally, how we view ourselves and discovering what it is that actually makes us wobble. It's such a reassuring podcast and refreshing too; knowing that there are other people out there who have their moments with mental health and their body confidence. For each episode the duo have special guests on who have inspired them and/or have words of wisdom when it comes to happiness and  they share their own experiences. It all relates back to the fact that it is okay not to be okay and I love it. A particular episode they really resonates with me is Episode 3 with Lauren Mahon where they discussed her experience with being diagnosed with breast cancer and she feels about her body now going forward as well as her incredible campaign Girl VS Cancer. The episode really opened my eyes to what is really important in life and the bigger picture; putting everything into perspective which was so inspiring. If you only listen to one episode from this podcast make it that one as I promise you, you'll come away feeling completely uplifted and if you're like me- slightly mind blown!

So those are my current three favourite podcasts to listen to right now. I've linked to each of them under each of the imagery but if you're using Apple podcasts they're very easy to find in the search feature.

My favourites change depending on my mood and also from what I discover so keep your eyes peeled for another post in the following few months for Autumn and see what I'm loving then!

Before I sign off, I have to of course mention now that I also have a podcast of my own called The Prosecco Sessions! I couldn't NOT mention it but I felt a bit biased putting it in as a favourite. So if you love chatting over a glass of fizz or two this one could be for you! There's more on how it was formed in this post and the link to it on Soundcloud is this.

What podcasts are you enjoying? I love to discover new ones, especially when they're recommended!

Autumn Favourites/ Haul

It has actually been a ridiculously long time since I've uploaded a video and probably the longest I've ever gone! As it's my favourite time of year, I thought I'd do an autumn favourites/ haul for you all.

I've been saving for a house the past year which is why there have been very little to zero hauls on my channel but it'll be worth it in the end right? The things I have been picking up though I adore and have been rather thrifty about. Perhaps I'll do a blog post on being thrify...

Anyway without further a-do, here is the video!

What are your favourites this autumn?

Spring Favourites

Spring beauty products are a whole new ball game in comparison to what we used over winter. Say hello to spring pinks and floral scents that'll pep us up and make us feel radiant.

I've recently gotten a lot more into liquid lipsticks. Their longevity and easy application makes them a true dream and a low maintenance lip. My top three of the moment are Revlon's Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor, Max Factor Lipfinity and Rimmel London Provocalips.  I went for a shocking pink shade called "I'll call you" from Rimmel for those days when you want a bold lip and not have to worry about touch ups. It comes with a "lock and shine" end too which gives a really lovely shine. The lipfinity shade is "always delicate" and comes with a second stage in a balm like texture that also gives amazing shine. This lipstick in particular has incredible longevity as having worn it to the dentist, it did. not. budge. The Revlon shade is seduction and is the perfect pinky nude with a velvet matte finish which feels lovely on the lips.

I've also been loving brows. No surprise there really and I've been testing out the Soap & Glory Archery 2 in 1 Brow crayon and setting gel. I really love the shape of the pencil end, giving a really great shape to my brows but I can't say I've used the brow gel a whole lot.

Onto lashes as lets face it, you're make up just isn't complete without them! I've been loving the Rimmel London Wonderfull Extreme Black mascara as it gives awesome volume to my lashes and doesn't clump either. It has argan oil in the formula too so I like to think I'm giving my lashes a little boost of nourishment each day!

And finally onto lotions and potions... I recently discovered the Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm which has worked wonders on my skin and in so many ways! This one pot wonder can be used to cleanse your make-up off, moisturise, condition hair and nails and so much more. My most recent use for it is to apply it to elbows and knees before fake tan to combat those tell tell dry tan areas. I am obsessed with this product, being my life saver for desperately dry skin and keeping my beauty regime in check and it's organic so even more kudos. Oh and did I say it's amazing? ha!

Keeping with floral scents I move from wild rose onto Néroli & Orchidée Body Milk from L'Occitane. This beautiful scent is spring in a bottle and makes me feel so fresh and cheery. As a body milk it's a light and thin consistency which is perfect for warmer days or when you don't want to feel like your smothered in think moisturiser. The scent lingers for hours and I adore it.I'll definitely be picking up the larger size next time.

So those are my spring favourites and I feel they're a bit late now that the weather is getting warmer. Is May still spring or the beginning of summer? Regardless I hope you enjoyed and if you've been using any of these products yourself, let me know your thoughts in the comments!

What having you been loving this spring?

Winter Favourites

Good day kind sirs, how are we all?

I was thinking of doing a post on my winter favourites but I much prefer waffling you via the medium of video so click below for a few of my favourite things. In winter. This year.

See you all on Fridaaaaay!

Autumn Favourites

It's that time of year again where the nights are drawing in, the blankets are out and the hot chocolate is back in demand (along with mulled wine but sssh), so it's only natural for your favourite products and clothing etc to switch up too. Gone are the lighter layers of make-up and clothing and back are moisture surging and welcoming warm layers along with some general random things too. Hello autumn favourites!

The tartan scarf

I know tartan may not be "in" this year but I still love this oversized scarf. Found at a lovely Christmas market last year, this scarf doubles up as a pashmina/ kimono style cover up too which has been great when the weather has been less chilly. All in all it's the perfect piece for comfort and to me it screams autumn winter.

The pearl and silver bracelet*

I recently went to The Handmade Fair at Hampton Court Palace (which you can read about here) and picked up this gorgeous sterling silver bracelet from Victorious Bee. It features a single semi-precious stone, celebrating a month from the year. Now if you know your birth stones you'll know that Pearl is the stone for June! My birthday is in fact in December but I chose it purely because it was pretty, simple and elegant. I've been wearing it non-stop as a piece of dainty loveliness.

The Silver Backpack

I've been loving this metallic back pack from New Look A LOT over the past few weeks. I featured it in my latest outfit post and my "Updated What's in my Bag?" video. It's so handy yet stylish at the same time, although Chris thinks I look like Dora the explorer in it. Men don't always get it do they? Anyhow it's been bloody marvellous to take with me on various adventures and to events, giving me free hands to hold a cocktail or point and shoot with my camera. I'd highly recommend a back pack like this being introduced to your wardrobe for style and practically and New Look do some fabulous ones.

Game of Thrones

Yes I know I'm extremely late on this band wagon but I'm not sure I even care. #sorrynotsorry 

If you haven't got your teeth into GoT you really should, it's bloody brilliant. I've just finished season 3 and I'm hooked. I've had a few friends say they've heard it's gory and it's put them off. Yes it has a bit of gore in it but as a major wimp over here, it's not that bad- honest! Dragons and things don't usually interest me but this has got me hooked!!

The Illume Zucchini bread candle

I've had this candle for almost a year now. It's lovely geo print is a firm fixture within the bedroom but I've been yearning to burn it and I finally cracked! The scent of zucchini bread is a bit of a strange one but rather refreshing, particularly in the kitchen and makes a change from a florally perfumed scent. It's burning really well too and the scent lingers even when the candle isn't lit which to me is a sign of a good candle! You can't beat the flicker of a candle flame on a cosy night when wrapped under blankets. It''s the perfect accompaniment for a relaxing night in (that and wine!)

Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic Moisturiser*

I've stepped a bit out of my comfort zone this season and tried a different moisturiser! Being a worshipper of the Body Shop's seaweed mattifying moisturiser this was a big thing for me but I was pleasantly surprised. Used as both a day and night moisturiser, the balance active formula is a lovely thin gel-cream consistency that sinks in easily to the skin, leaving a matte finish which is perfect for my oily complexion. It claims to be clinically proven to:

• Even skin tone
• Improve skin radiance
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Give a firmer appearance
• Smoothe uneven skin texture

I must admit I've noticed some of the redness in my skin die down a bit, meaning I haven't needed to use so much foundation or concealer which makes me a very happy lady!

The Rimmel Kate Moss 107

I don't think there's been an autumn favourites where I haven't mentioned this lipstick but time and time again it is the perfect shade for a autumn berry lip. I love wearing it with a touch of lip balm in the day for a more subtle look or building up to it's full intensity for a dramatic evening look. It's so wearable and makes for a great statement lip. Love!

The duster jacket

I'll be honest and tell you that when I first bought this I struggled to style it but after a light bulb moment  realised just how versatile it is! Duster jackets are perfect for transitioning seasons to layer up whilst giving a chic look. I've been loving this with long sleeved tunics and dresses to add a bit of structure to an outfit andI can see it being worn with faux fur trim and fitted knitwear as the months grow colder. 

So those are my current autumn favourites, which I'm sure will change in a matter of days as I'm due to go do a Primark shop- yippee! What are your current favourites this autumn?

Products marked with a * in this post have been gifted. This is not a sponsored post.

Summer Beauty Favourites

Hello hello hello! It’s that season again where I talk beauty favourites so lets start shall we?

Green people organic fruit scrub exfoliate

As summer is here an exfoliator is necessary to keep your skin looking fresh and smooth. I’ve been loving this organic one from Green People with its fresh citrus scent and gentle exfoliation. Its really effective at removing dead skin cells without completely stripping your face of its essential oils. Another big plus is that it’s organic and free from parabens, alcohol and other nasties so my skin is very happy!

This works Perfectlook skin miracle

As you can see this product has been used A LOT and I’ve got a lotta love for it. This instant tinted skin perfector hydrates and brightens your skin whilst giving you lots of vitamin goodies that your skin will thank you for. The tint gives you a subtle hint of a summer glow which is perfect for days when you don’t fancy heavy coverage. A touch of this and some bronzer is perfect for a summer no make-up make-up look!

Argan oil hydrating hair mask & Argan oil heat defence leave in spray

You may have seen my post on this hair mask earlier on in the summer. It really is the tits for giving you silky soft locks at a crazily cheap price of 99p! I was so impressed that I had to try the heat defence leave in spray too. It has that same lovely smell and does a great job of protecting my locks from being frazzled. Winner!

Body Shop Honey Bronze bronzing powder

No summer beauty favourites would be complete without a mention of some bronzer! This body shop honey bronzer is the perfect formula, being matte so no crazy shimmer going on bright sunny days (what are those again?) I also love the packaging and the design. I know it’s not an important factor but it is pretty. Ooh!

Body shop All-In-One Instablur

If you want a primer that’s value for money, keeping your make-up in place and makes your skin feel amazing- this is the one. I have been loving this for a good few months now and can safely say it does the job and bloody well too. With seriously oily skin that has a habit of letting my make-up slide off my face I was sceptical of the Instablur but it helps reduce shine whilst keeping my make-up firmly in place for a good 12 hours. At £14 I’d say it’s pretty damn reasonable and I’ll even say it’s as good as Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. Yup, I went there! 

So these are the products I'm loving for the summer months and feel really benefit skin and hair in the hotter weather! What are you loving?

Spring Favourites

I genuinely can't remember the last time I did a favourites video so it's definitely been a while! I've picked up a nice little collection of things that I'm loving this spring from beauty to fashion and it's all in the video below. I hope you enjoy!

AW14 Favourite Products

It's that time of year again where your summer make-up gets firmly pushed to the back of the drawer and the autumnal bits come out! Here are a few products I've been loving this season.

VO5 Smoothly does it Shampoo & Conditioner

I thought I'd try the VO5 hair range after a lot of hype about them and opted for the smoothly does it range as my hair is pretty curly and wild. I wondered if it'd help tame the mane and I can safely say it does a marvellous job. It smooths out the frizz and makes your locks much more manageable as well as soft and silky. It also smells great too!

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick 107

This was in last years autumn favourites and yet again its back in my make-up bag. You can't beat a berry or deep red colour when it comes to this time of year and this really is the perfect shade. It creates a beautiful vampy evening look or can be toned down by dabbing on a small amount with lip balm. It just screams autumn winter.

MUA Undress me too palette

I did a whole post on why I love this Urban Decay Naked dupe (here) and had kind of forgotten about it after getting my hands on the Naked 3 palette but it really is a gorgeous palette for autumn winter. A mix of shimmers and mattes, it's the perfect palette to create any type of look from day to night and it's super cheap too!

The Body Shop Coconut Lip Butter

After being seriously  NO anti lip balms for a long time (it's a long story) I've found myself drawn to this little beauty. It smells amazing as all The Body Shop scents do and really feels moisturising and soft on your lips. Great for the colder months.

No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation

Again I have done a huuuge review of this foundation (here) as I really do think No7 are in their element when it comes to colour matching and skin types for foundation. In winter matte foundations look better than a dewy finish and this is perfect for the job. My oily skin stays matte for hours and gives a great even base for your make-up. I really ought to get some more as you can see from the photo I'm almost out!!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl eyeliner 005 nude

This is a new product in my make-up bag and a good one at that. If you're looking for a bright, wide eyed and awake look this really does the trick in the waterline and it's waterproof so it stays all day! A much more subtle shade than a white too which is much more flattering and natural.

So those are my favourites for this time of year, what are yours?

My Summer Beauty Favourites

MAC Bronzing Powder 

Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter 

No7 Instant Radiance Concealer

Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Waterproof Mascara  

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation 

No7 blusher 

No7 BB Lips

I don't usually do beauty favourites but I couldn't go without telling you all about these awesome products I've been loving over summer so far! There's a few No7 products in there and the products pretty much make up my current beauty routine day to day.

MAC Bronzing Powder

This bronzer is the perfect shade for my tanned skin and gives a really healthy glow. I've been applying this to the areas that the sun would hit i.e the top of my forehead, down my nose, chin and also to sculpt around my cheekbones, temples and onto my neck to match it to my face and body. It really helps to give dimension to my face.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

The studio fix fluid foundation from MAC is oil free and mattifying to my oily skin which is great for longevity and staying power. I bought it in the shade NW25 which is pretty dark on my face but matches up to my body. I don't know why but my face is always a lot paler than my body and looks a bit bizarre! This shade matches well to my tanned skin tone and contains SPF 15 which is handy. 

Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter 

This has quickly become my go to lipstick and I'm almost out of it- nooo! In Peach Parfait it is the perfect summer shade with subtle gold shimmer running through it to give your lips glossy luscious appeal. It's also very buidable. I like to dab it on lightly for a day look or apply a couple of times for a highly pigmented glossy evening look. Think I'll be wearing this for my wedding squeeee! :-D

No7 Instant Radiance Concealer

I only picked this up last week but already it has become a firm favourite. I've been looking for an under eye concealer to cover my dark circles and this does exactly what it says on the tin by giving instant radiance! I'd previously been using collection lasting perfection concealer but found it to be too heavy and cakey under the eyes. This is a lighter consistency yet still pigmented and banishes those dark areas with ease whilst keeping my under eye area fresh and awake.

No7 Coral Flush Blusher

My mum actually bought this recently then decided it was the wrong colour so it landed in my lap and I am sooo glad! This colour is just perfect with a tan! It gives a warm coral  glow to your cheeks which comes through well with a dark tan whilst being subtle at the same time. A little bit goes a long way and gives a lovely healthy glow which I think is needed with a tan so you don't look mucky and brown. D'you know what I mean? Yeah.

Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Waterproof Mascara 

I've been a bit dubious of waterproof mascaras in the past due to the formula never being as good as the non-waterproof version..until now.. The consistency of this mascara means it glides on with ease and adds amazing volume and length to your lashes. It gives a real open doe-eyed effect that really emphasis your eyes. And it is oh so water proof which means I shall definitely be wearing this on my wedding day as I'm pretty much destined to sob! Happy tears of course!

No7 BB Lips

I love this No7 BB lips formula in the shade "blink pink" which is such a cute name! It contains UV protection and SPF 15 so it's great to pop on for a day out in the sun and leaves your lips feeling nourished with a healthy pink glow. I need to get the full size one now I've tried the sample but it really is pretty! Kind of between a lip gloss and  lip butter and simply divine. 

I hope you've enjoyed this post, I just need to work on photographing beauty products as it's not my strong point! Any tips and tricks would be much appreciated ^_^. Don't forget to check out the video below!

Kat

xxx

My winter beauty favourites

Hello lovelies, it's nearly Christmas! And tomorrow is my birthday- woohoo!! I cannot wait! This may well be my last post before Christmas now and with the weather being rather chilly (even in Cyprus), I thought I'd do a post on my favourite winter beauty products.

I've been loving quite a few clarins products of late. It's not something I'd usually buy due to the more high end price tag but I thought I'd indulge myself a bit. The beauty flash balm has been a life saver over the festive period for parties, keeping my make up in place for hours and giving a nice glow to my skin. It glides on easily and a little bit goes a long way to create the perfect base for my foundation. I used this a few weeks ago for an all day makeup and it lasted over twelve hours!! Very impressed. I also picked up the hand and nail cream which has a lovely creamy citrus type scent to it (I guess that's the best way to describe it?) and leaves my hands feeling replenished and soft. The cream sinks into really easily and doesn't leave my hands slimy or greasy.

I've also come back to my no7 skin illuminator. It's a great highlighter- not too shimmery and gives a lovely healthy glow for the dull days. The only thing that did annoy me with this was the brush in the end as is got clogged up regularly so I chopped it off and apply it to the back of my hand before applying to me face.

I've also gotten into moisturising my face of a night time as the cold air and heating is very drying on my skin and it's been looking quite dehydrated. This bodyshop seaweed clarifying night treatment is great for hydration as well as keeping my oily skin mattified. It's really refreshing too!

Now onto my favourite product by this works. After Lisa Eldridge's high recommendation on this product I took the plunge and bought it. This perfect look skin miracle is a very light tinted moisturiser packed full of skin goodies such as vitamin e and c and hyaluronic acid and really brightens the skin. It's got a lovely tinted formula which makes the skin look slightly tanned. This has been a godsend to mix with my foundation for less of heavy coverage and a sunkissed look as well as nourishing my skin.

Aaaand back to clarins! This palette has been sat at the back of my makeup collection for a loooong time- I'd totally forgotten it had existed but I'm so glad i rediscovered it! The rose gold eyeshadow is the perfect day colour and is really complimenting my skin colour after the Cyprus sun. I love the blush for giving shape and colour to my face too and again looks great with a tan! Happy days! The packaging is also gorgeous, so glad I treated myself to this, it really is beautiful.

And finally a lip colour which is very popular (with most bloggers to be honest!) the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in shade 107. I bought this colour last year and I'm still mad for it. It's a lovely consistency as it's not too creamy nor drying on the lips and has a fair amount of staying power as well as being an on trend colour. I also think it compliments my skin tone when I'm paler and also when I'm tanned, horrah..

So those are my winter beauty favourites! I hope you guys like them and let me know what you're loving at the moment. And if I don't do another post before- have a Merry Christmas!

Kat

Xxx