48 Hours in Berlin

At the beginning of the month, my best friend and I took a trip to Berlin to explore the Christmas markets. We only stayed for 48 hours, which was an adventure in itself and has sparked my desire to do it more often. While it may not seem like much time, in a bustling city with plenty to see and do, careful planning made it possible to experience everything. I must say, if you're a fan of Christmas markets, nothing quite compares to the traditional German ones. I've visited a few in the UK before, but this experience truly surpasses them all.

In this post, I’ll take you through a quick overview of our two-day itinerary in Berlin. While we focused on the Christmas markets, I’ve also included some suggestions for things to do if you’re visiting outside the festive season. This is a very different style of post for me but hopefully many more to come! 

Winter Sun Preparation

                                          All being well, my friend and I will be heading off to Croatia on Saturday for some much needed R&R! Like everyone, we've had the most hectic year and she's even graduated during all the madness! As a treat and celebration, we decided to book a few days away during October half term and I for one can't wait. We've taken all the precautions, have everything ready and can't wait to hopefully catch some winter sun! As well as working this week, I've also been getting myself ready for the holiday and here are some of the standouts for me... 

Pre-Holiday Pamper

We booked a last minute family holiday and I am so excited! I need some sun, sea and sand in my life - and a much needed break. Before jetting off in a couple of weeks, there are a few things I need to do to prepare myself. It amazes me that women have so much to do/prepare before going away, but men - hardly anything! These are just a few things that I do to make myself look and feel good before Even stepping on the plane.                                            

Exploring Liverpool

''Liverpool people are famous for liking clothes and fashion; they are very social and lively people, and we know that they like clothes.'' Vivienne Westwood

Liverpool has to be my favourite city. After spending over three years here now, I don't have a bad word to say about it. During the day, you get the busy shoppers and work commuters. Then as the evening approaches, the city completely transforms - it becomes this buzzing night scene, full of all different kinds of people. I also have to add that people from Liverpool are some of the nicest I have met, some amazing friends are included in that too. In this post I am going to share with some amazing spots in the city that are well worth the visit, even if you're just going for the day - you have to go to at least one of these! 

Travel Skincare Essentials

Back in June I wrote a post all about the travel essentials that I always forget and me being me, will still probably forget them! Today, I thought I would share with you the skincare essentials that I just can't not take with me somewhere. These are full size version of products, and have their own little section in my suitcase. These are the skincare bits, that I take along with my makeup cleanser and lip balm. Small travel sets are so handy to keep in hand luggage, like this La Mer set.

                                                                 

Travel Essentials I Always Forget About

Whenever I go away, whether its a weekend away of a holiday there are always products that I forget. ALWAYS. These are the products, I end up buying at duty free, when in my chose destination or leave the house thinking 'I am sure there is something I have forgotten...'. They might not seem the most useful or necessary essentials to carry around but they are very multipurpose.

In-Flight Essentials

In less than a week I'll be on a plane out of here 🌴🌴The planning, preparation and packing or the three p's is well underway and excitement levels are sky high. Getting my hand luggage together the other day made me realise that I seem to take the same things with me every time I go away. Bit of a warning, I'm an over packer so this probably isn't even it - i'll be adding more things as  go along. 

5 essential tips for first time travellers

Travelling is a very exciting time and regardless of where you are going and who you are going with, you are bound to make some excellent memories along the way. If it is your first time travelling, it is only natural not to know what to expect, and inevitably, at the end of your trip you are bound to look back on things that you could have done differently. Below are five essential tips that anyone that is new to travelling should stick to. All of them have been designed to make your trip as stress free and enjoyable as possible. 

1) Take the right bag

Hand Luggage Essentials

Your hand luggage always depends on where you are going and for how long, no matter how many people you ask or how many posts you read about what to pack, you will still end up taking the 'non-essentials' and the essentials. This time around for a city break I have been very strict, only packing things what I need and nothing that I am unsure about. Here are those things, split into three categories: 

> Staying Hygienic 

A must when travelling my plane, train or even car is hand gel this will be your life saver when you have to use the loo or clean your hands after touching something. It comes in various scents but I opted with a plain one and under 100ml. The second thing is wipes these are great for freshening up on the go and to clean any mess, I went with Strawberry Laces scent as the soap version of this smells divine.  

> Looking Fresh

After a long journey, the last thing you want to be worrying about is doing your entire face again and looking really glamorous. Because let's be honest, who can honestly be bothered. I am not someone who takes a entire kit full of skincare and makeup on the plane because there isn't any point. Instead I stick to a few essentials, a blemish stick* that is perfect to kill spots on the go, a pocket mirror to keep everything in check, a lip moisturiser to fight dry lips, some form of oil blotting to control your makeup and finally some relaxing treatment to keep you calm - this time I am opting with eye masks.* 

> Keeping Sane 

Rules and Regulations mean that you can't take certain things with you on flights, with other transports there isn't a problem so fill your bag with drinks, snacks and lots of sweets. But when flying you must always remember the rules, and to avoid any problems I tend to but things after I get through security. Apart from sweets which are must for me when on a plane, plasters in case of an emergency and some medicine for when you don't feel your best. 

Three simple categories make packing your hand luggage a lot easier, what are you essentials? 

*PR SAMPLES 

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City Break| Makeup Bag

BASE

I have been debating about this for months, what products do i take? something new or something that I am used to? In the end I have settled for the infallible duo because they are two products that I can trust and know that they will stay on me for the long days when we are out and in the evening as well. Also, taking along with me the CC Cream you will be seeing a first impressions in a few weeks, but this will be my second time using it and hoping for the best. Concealer and powder are the same as always because I can trust them and then a lip balm to keep my lips hydrated. 

> L'Oreal Infallible Primer and Foundation  //  £7.99

> Collection Concealer // £4.19

> Rimmel Stay Matte Powder // £3.99

Superdrug CC Cream //  £8.99

>Balmi Lip Balm // £4.99

EYES AND FACE 

My aim is to take products with me that are mutli purpose, and all of the palettes that you can see above do exactly that. They will be making my life easier and hassle free as it gives me more option without having to take separate things along. See more about the palettes I am taking here, There is a mascara in the On The Run palette but I am also taking along Roller Lash because its the perfect evening out mascara and looks amazing on my lashes, as does the rose gold blush for the evening time and it gives me another option if I get bored of the things in the palette. 

> Benefit Roller Lash // £19.50

> On the Run // £37.00

> Eyes Uncovered // £2.99

> Sleek Rose Gold Blush // £4.49

>MR Protection Palette // £6.00

LIPS

The toughest part of them all, having to whittle down my lip product selection to only a few because I don't want to be taking everything with me is very hard. My aim is to take these four only as they provide me with different looks, but knowing me on Thursday right before I fly I will end up putting more in or even buy some at duty free oops. Taking a red lip with me is essential, mainly for the evening and the Maybelline one doesn't budge and is easy to put on in a rush. Then we have a lip gloss and a neutral lip for everyday, both are quick to apply and smell good too. And finally a bright pink colour, perfect for morning and night and the formula of these are amazing, thinking I might just have to take another one because they are just that good! 

> Maybelline Colour Drama in Red Essentials // £4.99

> Tanya Burr in Chic // £6.99

> Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle //  £7.99

> Bourjois Rouge Edition in Ping Pong // £8.99

BRUSHES 

There isn't a chance that I am able to cut down the brushes I bring with me, I just have to have them all oops. Real Techqiues are my most trusted brand, along with me I am taking;
> Multi Task Brush (Part of the travel collection)
> Setting Brush
> Contour Brush
>Buffer Brush
As well as these I am taking a random blush brush I found one day, my EBAY MAC shadow brushes and the RT Miracle Complexion Sponge which is just AMAZING!

This is what I am taking in my suitcase, pretty simple and basic but everything that I trust and know will make life easier. The things coming with me in my hand luggage are a bit different, but there is a whole post coming on that soon! 

p.s don't forget to enter my giveaway  ENTER HERE

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The Travelling Outfit

 This week I go on my holiday and I can't wait! A lot needs to be done within the next few days but one thing I have got sorted is my 'travelling outfit'. I don't know about you, but I love planning outfits out and one of the ones I love planning is my journey home. I like to show off  that I have been away, and that the sun was wonderful. I'm weird ok. 

The outfit I will be wearing is my new jumpsuit from Asda (found in store), after searching everywhere for one I finally managed to find one and for a bargain of £8 down from £16! It was love at first sight, not too revealing, a nice and bold pattern as well as a string to tie near the base which helps keep my waist in check. The zip on the front just finishes off for me, and it a low v-neck which was the thing that drew me towards it, as others are more scooped neck. My shoes are still a problem, probably decide when I get there. 

With a patterned jumpsuit, I want to keep everything else pretty simple seen as though I will have to tag along my luggage. So in the simple theme, I will be wearing my Ethiopian opal and white topaz ring* from Gemporia at £24. I have only recently become a fan of dainty rings, and this one I can't stop wearing. The finish of it is beautiful, and Opal is something I would never think of buying but something about the size, and finish is just stunning. The white topaz detailing on the sides adds something different and brings together the ring as a whole. You can find a whole range of rings from Gemporia, each one is crafted for you and at reasonable prices so you can afford to treat yourself. Also, if you don't know your ring size like me then use their app/print out to find out - genius! 

I love how simple yet chic this outfit is, and feel so summery just thinking about it! What is your go to travelling outfit? 

 

POST IN COLLABORATION WITH GEMPORIA

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Palettes Perfect for Travelling

T-Minus 8 Days until I am on a plane out of this country and into sunny Germany! Packing makeup is one thing I find really frustrating because I never know how much to pack, or even what?! It usually ends up me having way more lipsticks than items all together, but that's why I am called a lip product addict right? One thing that I do have sussed out this year for travelling abroad is that palettes are a girl's best friend, they make it easier to take more things with you and take us less/sometimes more room. 

+Makeup Revolution 

 Protection Palette  This was a no brainer to put into my travel bag, the protection palette is the number one product for touch ups and on the go. This will be the one i keep in my hand luggage, mainly because of the big mirror and with me along on the trip so that I can keep tabs on my sweaty face. The bronze, highlighter and blush is also a combo that is suited to my skin tone, meaning I don't have to take these things separately. 

Collection Eyes Uncovered - This is a pretty new addition to the eye shadow family, but since Amelia Liana raved about the amazingness that is this cute little palette I just had to try it and at the size of my palm it is perfect for travelling! The options in this selection allow you to do day and night looks, even though the brush is bad, it saves me taking lots of blending brushes with me. They are also super pretty, meaning they will last me for a long time. 

+Urban Decay Cosmetics 

Urban Decay Naked 1 - I have been debating a lot whether or not to take this with me, but the Naked palette is one of the most versatile palettes out there. It allows you to create a whole book of looks, from a one shadow sweep for everyday to a smokey eye for the night time. I also know that they last a long time so on the longer days/nights it will last.

Urban Decay On the Run - Truthfully, I only wanted this back at Christmas for the purpose of this trip. I have used it before but now it is going to get its full use!!! The eye shadows, bronzer and blush give me more options for a day to basis and it includes a lip gloss, eyeliner and mascara making it even easier to use when I am away. 

What are your go to travel palettes??? 

p.s don't forget to enter my giveaway where you could be winning yourself one of the Collection palettes! ENTER HERE

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The Makeup Bag that Outranks all the Others

I am literally giggling inside over writing this post, never been so excited to write about a makeup bag!! I know what your thinking, mad women - she wants to talk all about a cosmetics bag but seriously if you love organising your toiletries/makeup then this is perfect for you and any lovers of organising basically. You will no doubt need to make a cheeky purchase as soon as possible.

Take a peek in inside my travel make-up bag ♥

Travelling. My love - whether it be up and around the country or around the world in a plane I love it. Today I will be showing you what products I am taking with me for a few days away with the family, so I am not taking a lot of things as I just want some make up that can make me look half decent and that I can take from day to night..let's get start on!

First up my face. I have to take my UD Naked Palette with me everywhere, it is such a staple item now that I own it and I can use it to change my look from day to night and the shadows are so versatile. 

Then I have a newer buy this is the Simple Kind to Skin BB Cream, and the reason that I am currently loving this so much is because it is designed for sensitive skin!! hallelujah!! A bb cream that won't break me out, and it has tiny shimmer particles to illuminate my skin for a fresh faced look. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Yes. I am taking two concealers, but there is need for them both..I use the Collection one for under my eyes and redness and then the silver one is the one from Witch which is for blemishes and works like a wonderful. Powder love in the winter is from The Body Shop and is such a soft texture and feels amazing on the face and is full coverage in my opinion so over the light coverage of the bb cream and my concealer I love the  coverage. 

Taking brushes that are useful for everything is the best plan when travelling, the gold one you can see is the 'dupe' that I own for better blend of the bb cream and to set my concealer. The pink 'actual' RT brush is their multi task brush which I can use for powder and everything else. 

As I am currently in lust over lip products I have to take options with me, first is MUA Power pout the perfect berry colour for the autumn time and the formula for these things are amazing. Then a Revlon lip butter for those lazy mornings and Peach Parfait is great for an everyday look. Party Proof in the white packaging came in my birch

box for this month and it a matte lipstick that I have fallen in love with, perfect for the night time. 

That is everything I fit in my Jack Wills make up bag, and boy oh boy I still have room for all those skincare essentials!

My Basic Travel Essentials ♥

Summer. It is officially here. And this is the time of year when everyone is getting ready to go on holiday, whether it means around the country you live in for weekend a ways or going abroad for some sun! Whatever it is you will be travelling! This is a another one of my series' where I will be showing you and sharing with you tips, tricks and ways to make your travelling times easier!

And one thing you always have to look after is your skin and body, especially if you are travelling by plane - as the humidity can affect your skin. Here are my travel sized essentials that I purchase every year as it makes it easier for me to carry everything! The beauty of these two packs that I am going to share with you, is that they are 'Hand Luggage Friendly' meaning that you can take them on the plane with you and feed your body and skin with goodness.

This is the Nivea kit that you can purchase.. it comes with;

* Pearl Deodorant - hands down, this is my favourite summer time deodorant. It feels very light on you and lasts all day!

* Pocket Size SPF30 Sunscreen - You have to protect your skin at all times from the sun, this small sized bottle makes it easier and more handbag friendly to carry around.

* Lip Balm with SPF30 - We all never realise that our lips can also get harmed from the sun, and this lip balm is the best to help any sun damage from happening on your lips.

* Facial Cleansing Wipes - These wipes are great to remove make up and if you want to just freshen up, not only do they smell amazing but they do amazing things to your face.

* Shower Cream - When you are by the pool at the seaside or even at the hotel/ any accommodation it is always best to carry around and bring your own soap as it is then something you are used to, you don't have to worry about allergies ect.

* Hand Cream - I do love my soap and glory, however it is expensive. This Nivea hand cream is the next best thing! It smells good enough to eat and nourishes your hands so much they are left feeling super soft and silky.

This Simple kit is more for your face, it includes products that can be used day and night and are great for those like me; who have sensitive skin.

*Cleansing Wipes- Just like the Nivea ones, these are superb at removing any trace of make up and aren't harsh to your skin in any way.

* Facial Wash Gel - This gel is great for first thing in the morning, it helps your skin get ready for the day and helps your skin to recover from the night before.

* Moisturiser - Whether you are having a sunny holiday abroad or a holiday in another city in your country, you should ALWAYS moisturise you face and body. It is so important and I can't stress to you enough how important it is - like seriously.

*Facial Toner - A toner is great to use every morning and night as part of your skin care routine, it helps get rid of dirt and feeds your skin.