Wednesday 23 April 2014

REVIEW | Stila all over shimmer luminizer pink shimmer








With summer quickly creeping upon us and spring under way, a good illuminator is definitely needed to give us that gorgeous fresh dewy look. I was given the Stila all over shimmer Luminizer in pink shimmer from my gorgeous chummy over at liparazziblog.com.

All Over Shimmer is a creamy, skin-enhancing luminizer that gives the skin a fresh, radiant glow. Soft focus pigments help diminish skin imperfections and minimize the appearance of fine lines and sun spots.

This luxurious formula can also be mixed into face lotion or your favorite Stila foundation for a touch of brightened radiance.

Normally I prefer a cream illuminator as I have found in the past applying a liquid one over a foundation or a powder bronzer can cause a mess.  However, I have had no such problem with this little beauty.

I put some on the back of my hand and either use a light brush or my finger tips to apply sparingly above my cheek bones.

I like the container and brush, it makes for no spills or waste.  It gives a lovly glow and is suitable for pale skin. The product is a cold tone, something to be aware of if you prefer warmer tones.

Have you tried this Stila shimmer? What luminators do you use?

Tuesday 22 April 2014

30 Day Shred | 10 day update level 1 Results

Pheweee level 1 of Gillian Michael's 30 day shred done! 

I have really enjoyed having an exercise and a focus over the last week or so. As mentioned in my 5 day Update, there were days when I could not be bothered and was left wondering why am I doing this? However, the thing that kept me going was the results I had already seen. I could physically see the difference and that really spurred me on.

I had 3 days off during my first level, which is absolutely fine.  You can have 1 or 2 days off per week. And I definitely needed them.

Sooo, here are my 30 days shred level 1 results

Hopefully you can tell which is before and after :-) For the avoidance of doubt, left is BEFORE and right is AFTER.  My muscles are tighter, I feel fitter, more confident and there is definitely less to pinch around my sides and stomach.  I have also noticed my jeans are looser around the bottom and hip.

Onwards and upwards, level 2 here I come!!!

Have you tried the 30 day shred?

Saturday 12 April 2014

30 Day Shred Update | Day 5

I am so excited to tell you all about my first 5 days on the 30 day shred!!  

If you follow along with twitter or instagram you might have seen that I am undertaking the 30 Day Shred by Gillian Michaels. Gillian is the lady tasked with getting the contestants on the biggest loser in to shape.  I am off to Vegas in 3 weeks and want to have a rockin' bikini bod.

Day 1
I was pretty excited to get started.  I am not gonna lie it was a tough work out, but definitely do able. I didn't feel like I wanted to stop or coudn't carry on, perhaps because I was so motivated. I would say the hardest part were the push-ups... ouch!

Day 2
Feeling a little sore, especially under my arms. Still I am ploughing on, thinking of that bikini body!

Day 3
Today was a struggle, I really didn't want to work out at all. In fact I got pretty angry during the exercises, fortunately those punches came in handy! Feeling: sore.

Day 4
So tired today. Noticed I have been wanting to eat more, and had a few cheeky sweet snacks.  Telling myself it is ok because I am working out... hmmm not sure this is going to work, maybe I will put on weight instead of toning up!

Day 5
I had the 5th day off. Not because I actually wanted to but because I couldn't fit the work out in to my day.  Which is fine because you are suppose to have 1 or 2 days off per week. So my 5th workout was on day 6.  Gillian says it will get easier but honestly I was sweating the most so far today, could be because I am pushing myself more, but apart from being able to get through the first set of push ups a little better it is still tough.

I think the results I can see so far are incredible. I had no idea that working out just 20 minutes a day for 5 days could make such a huge difference.  Overall I am feeling great. So proud of myself for getting this far! 5 workouts done 25 more to go!!

What do you think of my results so far ladies? Have you tried the 30 day shred?

Thursday 10 April 2014

Review | Vita Liberata Illuminating Skin Finish Latte



Today I am reviewing the Vita Liberata Illuminating skin finish in Latte* £29.95.  Vita Liberata is an Organic self tan and skincare brand. I am a huge fan of their better known pHenominal 2-3 week tan which I reviewed here but I haven't tried any of thir other products, until now.

The illuminating skin finish comes in 5 shades, with Latte being the darkest.  It is markated as a BB bronzing cream.  I love the idea of this product and I would say it does what it is suppose to.

But lets talk about the packaging for a moment, it is so pretty and very practical. I love how it has a pump, no squashing or squeezing a tube = no mess.

This particular shade on my skin is dark so I use it as an instant wash off tan which adds a gorgeous glow to arms and legs while concealing imperfections.



It is best used with a mitt as it dries quite quickly and becomes fairly unblendable. Another way to combat this is to mix the skin finish was a moisturiser. 

Is is a necessity? No. Is it nice? Yes, I really love this illuminator and the fact that it has an spf 25 is an added bonus.

I do think £29.95 is fairly expensive but saying that it is organic so you tend to pay a bit more for a product that contains no nasties. 

Have you tried any Vita Liberata products? 

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Wednesday 9 April 2014

How you can have ice cream for breakfast...

Who doesn't want ice cream for breakfast? This is the most delicious yummy kind of ice cream there is and the good news... it is healthy, nutritious and you can eat A LOT of it.. and have it for BREAKFAST!! Life.made.

So how do I do it and what's in this healthy ice cream? I hear you cry. Well do not fear here is the answer to all your questions....



Doesn't it look so good? Well let me tell you it tasted even better!

Ingredients
2 bananas
40g vanilla protein powder (I use Vegan protein by Arbonne)
50ml Almong milk
50-100ml cold water



Method
1. Cut your bananas up and freeze them over night in a container or jiffy bag
2. place bananas and the rest of the ingredients in your blender
3. Blend until smooth
4. Add a sprinkle of ground almonds or cinamon on top

And that is it ladies and gents. So simple, so delicious at only 372 Calories!!



What do you think, do you fancy ice cream for breakfast?

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Monday 7 April 2014

30 Day Shred


Hi all,  
As some of you may know if you follow along with twitter, I am off to Las Vegas in 4 weeks woohoo!! With this in mind, I want to look my best at the pool (picture Beyonce's booty). Plus I have been thinking for a while that I want to do some exercise and tone up but I find it really difficult if I don't have something structured and a goal to reach. So I looked high and low for a workout dvd and found Gillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, it seemed to have the results that I was looking for.

So I am going to do it,  30 days of working out (with 1 or 2 days off per week). I figured if I can manage the 30 day detox I can manage this. The dvd is in 3 levels, with each level being a 20 minute work out session and you do each level for 10 days.

I have to say I am really excited about seeing the results and feeling great in my bikni :-)

Wish me luck...

Thursday 3 April 2014

Fancy a Nosey?


How about a little peek in to my life? I post a lot of pictures on instagram (AshlyLondon) but here is some for those that aren't addicted to social media like myself!

#NOTD
I got myself a gel system for doing nails. For years I have spent an absurd amount getting gel polish done when I could have been doing it myself. The whole kit cost around £40 including polishes. Let me know if you'd like to know where I got everything from and how I do it.

Legs Eleven
With the weather getting ever so slightly warmer, kind of. I have whipped out the fake tan (Reviews here) and got my pins looking lovely and bronzed. May be a while before anybody actually sees them but oh well!

Shake it up
With a holiday/work trip to Vegas planned in 5 weeks I am doing my best to get in ship shape.  This means lots of lovely yummy fruit smoothies.  This one has frozen strawberries, banana, water and Vegan protein.

Donna Ida
After I left work at Donna Ida in Chelsea I had an incentive voucher still to spend so I popped online and picked out a few pairs of summer jeans. Current Elliott ankle skinny in Borough Destroy and Ida Ivy Skinny in Glaciar. Can't wait till they arrive, I hope they fit!!

#TBT
Throw back Thursday! This is me and my daddy, I think we look so similar here.  I found this pic when I was going through some old stuff.  It made me realise how happy and grateful I am for my family and that I get to see them everyday.

What have you been up to lately?

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