Update: Where the F have you been?

So we're half way through the year and I've managed (yet again) to take a 'short' break from the blogsphere BUT this time around I'm actually reporting back with news. And lots of it. So lets get caught up; I haven't blogged since March but am now aiming to really get back on track, be consistent and maybe even schedule posts and plan things... (there's a first time for everything ok). In my last 'update' post way back in February I explained how I had completely revamped my blog, made fresh new instagrams and twitter accounts so everything blog wise was kept serperate from my personal stuff, that I still worked full time in fashion retail and had also qualified as a Makeup Artist late last year. WELL scrap the instagram and twitter, that didn't work. It got waaaay too confusing and I just found it was a chore to post and interact over 3 different IG accounts alone! All my updated social media can be found on the main page of my blog and also under the Contact tab.

What else has changed; my biggest and probably my most thrilling bit of news is that I made the spontaneous decision to quit my job. Yeah you read that right. My mental health had deteriorated so much due to constant issues in my workplace so I, with a mortgage, 2 cars and a very needy and spoilt dog to pay for, just quit. Luckily I have a very understanding and supportive husband who deals with my sh*t on the daily and backed me throughout my mini life crisis/breakdown/being twenty six and unemployed/complete and utter meltdown. After taking some time out to recover and focus on my health, and with my qualification under my belt I just decided to start my business from scratch and see where it takes me. Yeah sure I could go and get another dead end job that 'pays the bills' but where's the fun in that? I'm so fortunate and thankful for the opportunities that have came my way in life so far and I can't wait to discover more of my journey and where my career could take me.

As far as my bucket list goes I've been ticking a fair few things off since we last spoke. I've started a YouTube channel and even completed my first ever 10K run (bring on the half marathon next year... maybe). 

If I've learnt something so far this year it's that LIFE IS SHORT. Take control of it and make sure you're living each day to the fullest. Yeah we're always going to have bad days where you don't even dress yourself and that's ok. Onwards and upwards from here on out. If it excites you and scares you at the same time, it might be a good thing to try.

Peace and love

J x

DR. BOTANICALS ADVANCED PURIFYING OVERNIGHT MASQUE (+ DISCOUNT CODE!)

As March is National Bed Month it would be rude not to share with you what I've been reaching for every evening before I hit the hay. A little while ago I reviewed Dr. Botanicals Moroccan Rose Facial Oil, which was fab, so I was super eager to try this as soon as it arrived at my door after the success I had with the last product I had reviewed from this brand, and as expected, it did not disappoint. Dr. Botanicals Advanced Purifying Overnight Masque* is described as an intensive night time mask which soothes, lifts and regenerates skin while you sleep. So how does it work; the active ingredients are papaya, rich in minerals as well as Vitamin C which regenerates cells and boosts skin radiance for younger-looking skin. Jojoba Oil to enhance skins natural suppleness and elasticity. And Sweet Almond Oil which is renowned for its soothing, moisturising and softening properties. It contains essential fatty acids such as Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E; all essential for healthy skin.

I'd never actually tried an overnight mask before until getting to trial this lil beauty so I was concerned that it might feel a little heavy on my skin, but not at all. It has a creamy gel-like formula and applies really smoothly. It took just a couple of minutes to absorb the majority of product, and I woke up every morning with super soft and refreshed feeling skin. A little certainly goes a long way, and it has a fresh, almost citrusy scent. As someone who struggles with dehydrated and dull skin, this is working its magic and I can't wait to see even more results with continued use. A massive plus point for me is that vegan certified Dr. Botanicals products are made only of natural ingredients. The range is based 100% in natural ingredients, all paraben and harmful preservative free and is never tested on animals.

Throughout the month of March you can purchase the Purifying Overnight Masque at the hugely discounted price of only £19.99 when you use code BORNTOBLOG at the checkout (normally £79). Discount code valid until 31st March 2017.  You can also check out the other products Dr. Botanicals are focusing on during National Bed Month here.

It genuinely makes me so happy when I receive a product that I thoroughly enjoy using AND see results from. Do you use an overnight mask? Will you be trying Dr. Botanicals this National Bed Month?

GYM BAG BEAUTY

I'm personally not a fan of wearing makeup to the gym - I'm a sweaty, unattractive mess when I workout, and I continuously rub my face so there really isn't any point. But I understand that not everyone likes going to the gym with no makeup on at all, and it's always good to take some beauty essentials with you when you're off to workout. A no brainer and total essential is of course, deodorant. I always carry my Garnier Mineral Ultra Dry Anti-Perspirant with me, it's soft to touch and quick drying. And no white marks! Face wipes are always handy to have with you for a quick freshen up, and if you do wear makeup to the gym then they're fab for quick wipe-aways or touch ups. Of course any brand will do really but my personal fave has to be Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes. If you prefer a micellar water to remove your makeup or cleanse, just take some cotton pads with you and you're good to go!

Dry shampoo is a must have in your gym bag, if you don't have time for a real rinse after your workout then the next best thing is sweet smelling hair. As I've mentioned before on here, I always reach for the ever iconic Batiste because it never fails me. I'm currently using their Floral and Flirty Blush fragranced dry shampoo and I adore the scent! Whilst we're on the subject of hair, I always make sure I've got my hair brush with me. Again this is a bit of a no brainer, and something I carry with me all the time - you just never know when you're going to need it (or when your friends are going to borrow it!). Naturally I always reach for my Tangle Teaser, but I've really been loving this wee travel sized guy from New Look recently.

If you do plan on showering at the gym then make sure you've got a good body wash with you. I love using a moisturising body wash after working out just to replenish my skin and add some hydration back in. Aveeno Body Wash has a nourishing formula that helps lock in moisture. I love how soft and smooth this makes my skin feel, I definitely need to make an effort to try more from Aveeno. A BB cream or tinted moisturiser are great additions to your gym bag, especially if you're heading to work, or out to run errands afterwards. My favourite tinted moisturisers are from No.7 and Laura Mercier. It adds that little bit of colour back into your skin, or covers up a whole lot of redness in my case. Or y'know just helps you look a little more alive! Lastly, what I couldn't leave the house without - hair grips and hair ties, hand cream, headphones, lip balm and not forgetting, water!

What are your gym bag beauty essentials?