Untitled #4

Untitled #4 by mzza-x featuring Karen Millen

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x by mzza-x featuring ankle strap shoes

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x by mzza-x featuring a crocodile leather purse

Coconut Lane

I was recently contacted by the lovely people at coconut lane (first of all how cute is that brand name), anyone that knows me knows I'm a sucker for silver jewellery so will understand why I may have released a "YAAAAAAAAAAAAS!" from my mouth when browsing their website.

My first pick were these beyond adorable elephant stud earrings (can we just all take a moment to appreciate the cuteness) I already have an elephant choker and necklace because I am a little obsessed with elephants, so I thought why not add some earrings to my collection? Lets be real, it would have been rude not to. (p.s. these are now in the sale for £8!!!! Yes you read that right- bargaaaaaaaaain)

I love adding simple necklaces to my outfits to add a lil some-something and I also thought this two layer moon and star necklace was just too cute to not order. The beauty of this necklace is that it makes you appear to be one of them mega cool fashion bloggers that layers their necklaces for that boho I am so trend look at me vibe, when in fact its just one necklace, but nobody needs to know you're not actually. right?

 The delivery from coconut lane was also mega quick which is fab because there's nothing I detest more than waiting  like 293349038348 years for my orders.

For 20% off your order at www.coconut-lane.com use code 'clairefrances20'

Late To The Hype

My lack of posts since being at uni has been horrendous, but I am determined to get back on the blogging ball from now. 

If you have even looked at a blog in the last, I don't know six months perhaps you will be more than familiar with these products and the blogger buzz surrounding them; L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation and Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water I had somehow not given into the hype, well until recently that is and I would like to say after trying these products I am disappointed that I didn't cave in and buy them before.

First of all please excuse how dirty my tube is, I think it shows its well loved. Mine is in the shade Porcelain 10; which I believe is the lightest shade and is the perfect match for my snowman like complexion. The coverage of this foundation is UNREAAAAL so may find it on the heavier side, but for me I am a fan as it lasts all day and I don't see the need for concealer with this foundation as it covers any redness around my nose and darkness under my eyes. I apply it with my damp beauty blender and it gives a nice skin like finish with no greasy shiny face syndrome after a good buffing in. There is also no need for powder with this foundation, I once made that mistake and was left looking cakier than a bakery. It also hasn't broken me out which means it gets a yaaaaaaaaaass from me.

Can we all just appreciate how cute this little mini is? Perfect for travelling or trying out like me. Before this the only micellar water I had tried was Bioderma, which I loved, but is definitely a lot pricier than this. This is without a doubt the most effective way to remove make-up it gives the effect of a cleanser in the time of a make-up wipe and has become a staple of my lazy uni student lifestyle. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated also, I find some cleansers can often leave the skin feeling as if the life has been sucked out of it. Another thing I have found with this is that it doesn't leave your face looking red after use, as I have sensitive skin I am often left looking strawberry faced, but not with this product. The only way I was disappointed by this slightly is it fails in the removal of waterproof mascara, other than that I love it and will definitely purchase the full size next time.

Have you tried either of these products? (lets be real you probably have) What did you think of them?

Freeman Facial Charcoal & Black Sugar Polish Mask

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been busy preparing for, moving to and settling in to university, but I am now back and will be posting regularly once again. 

Today I will be writing about this mask that caught my eye the other day in Tesco. I am intrigued by anything containing charcoal, as I know its a popular ingredient in a lot of Asian skincare.

I am not fond of this kinda packaging as you can only use it once so creates product waste, but is ideal for trialing products- I guess. The packaging says this sachet contains 2-4 applications, I would disagree. I am not sure if I have a large facial surface (aka a big head) or the packaging is just being generous, there was more than enough for one application with some product remaining, but I am not sure I am convinced it would be enough for another whole application.

The consistency of this mask is more like a scrub than a mask so is rather odd, but I think this is because you're meant to massage it into your face later on in the application process, as it contains black sugar which acts as an exfoliant. I like the fact the scent of this product is neutral so is suited to all genders. This product has very simple claims "helps absorb oil and impurities without over-drying" which is definitely something I agree it does as it left my face feeling hydrated, yet extremely clean. It also states it "helps exfoliate away dulling skin cells for softness and clarity" which I would also agree it does as my face was left looking soft and subtly glowing. It claims it is suitable for all skin types, this I cannot either confirm or deny as I obviously only have one skin type which is dry, but I can safely say unlike some exfoliating masks this did not dry my skin out at all.

This product left my face feeling firmer, smoother and added a slight glow to my skin which was much needed as my skin was looking really rather dull after the lack of sleep during freshers week.  I would definitely recommend picking up and trying whilst in Tesco as its only £1.49 and if you do like this product a larger size in packaging less waste friendly is available on Amazon.

Food Post Friday- Breakfast

I am a MASSIVE foodie so I decided I needed more food on my blog, I decided what better way to do so than to start a collection of food posts? 

Breakfast is without a doubt my favourite meal so I thought I would share my favourite breakfasts.

 Cracker breads with mashed avocado topped with chipped plum tomatoes and a green smoothie on the side (pineapple, banana, spinach and wheat-grass)

Monday

This was my first attempt at a boiled egg and I have to say it was rather successful. I went with cracker breads rather than actual bread for soldiers because bread bloats me ridiculous amounts and I did not want to start my day in bloated troll mode. I had a side of plum tomatoes just because I love them and why not eh?

Possibly the quickest most simple yet still filling and delicious breakfast- Wholegrain rice crackers, topped with peanut butter served with apple because apple and peanut butter is a wonderful combination in my opinion.

What is your favourite breakfast? Also if you enjoyed looking at pictures of my breakfast (which you probably did not) be sure to follow me on instagram  @clairefrancesxo