Up, up and away...

Just a short note to let you know that I won't have any posts for about two weeks as I am jetting off on my honeymoon! 

I am very excited but disappointed to write this at the same time since I have recently, just about, got back into regular blogging, and even though I planned to schedule some posts, time managed to get away from me. I know once I get on the plane I won't feel that guilty though, I'm really looking forward to the break and the chance to relive the newly wed feeling, all the whole creating some lovely memories. 

We will be visiting Thailand, spending four days in Bangkok (mostly shopping I hope) and another six days in Koh Samui enjoying some rest and relaxation. 

I have lots of interesting posts drafted for when I return, including finally sharing my wedding day beauty looks and some tips for brides to be. 

Hope you are all well and enjoying the summer, I hear it is beautiful in the UK right now. Speak to you soon! 

What's in my holiday makeup bag

If I have to find a positive thing about packing a holiday makeup bag I would say that it forces you to for however long you are away to to give some real love to just a few products. At least that is the intention this time round.

I've packed one of every essential and good or bad that is what I will be wearing on my face for the next seven days.

Discovering Beauty in Istanbul

Later this morning I am heading east for 10 days in Istanbul. I've never visited the city before so I'm looking forward to seeing all the sights as well as seeing the link between east and west. I will have my laptop with me but if you don't hear from me much over the next 10 days that is why.

At the moment I'm feeling completely overwhelmed with packing and trying to organise myself. I hate having to limit my wardrobe especially when I'm not too sure how the weather is going to be.

Make-up wise I was really stuck, I know more than likely I'll end up doing neutral looks but rather than limit myself I decided the Victoria Secret palette was the best option. I might even try to come up with 10 looks in 10 days, so watch this space! I also checked in a few extra blushes and lipsticks....just in case.

For skin care I decided to keep things simple and take products that can be used day and night. Most of them are new so, fingers crossed, I won't have any adverse reaction and I'll have good things to say about them when I return. The Dirty works wash bag I received from #LiveBloggers has been really handy since it fits a lot more than I expected and I’ve been able to cram in lots of little goodies to test while I am away.

If you have any tips on make-up, clothes and, if you have been to Istanbul before, what to see in the city, I would really appreciate the advice!

What I took on holiday….

I have returned from Cyprus somewhat rested and a little tanned even after I spent all the time in the shade!

I thought I would start off with sharing the makeup I decided to take with me. I tried to stick to essentials and not go overboard with the packing, even then there are still a few things I didn’t end up using. The temperature averaged mid-30s (celsius) so I knew that makeup in the day wasn’t going to be an option, I did manage a few eye looks in the evening which I will share in another post.

Face: 

Bella Pierre mineral foundation - used 5+ times

Bourgeois mineral radiance - used 4 times

Witch concealer stick - used 5+ times

Garnier BB Cream - used daily

Garnier eye concealer - used 4 times

Bare minerals night treatment - used nightly
ELF brow kit (shown above) - used 5+ times

Eyes:

Sleek Mediterranean palette - used 3 times 

Urban Decay double ended eyeliner - used 3 times 

Sleek luminaire - used once

Urban decay primer potion - used 3 times

Benefit coralista blush (not sure why I put this with the eye photo!) - used 5+ times

Lips:

Sleek pout polish - Monte Carlo - used 5+ times  

Sleek pout polish - Bonaire - used once

L’Oreal Glam Shine - used once

Brushes:

Bella Pierre foundation and blush brush

ELF blush brush

Avon shadow brush

Smashbox shadow brush

Sonia Kashuk crease and angled brush

I assume a few of your spotted the BB cream added in the collection which I was gifted just before my holiday after gazing at in Superdrug on a few occasions. It ended up being one of my holiday essentials, a full review will be posted soon! 

I found myself going back to the same items so there were a few products I didn’t use. The Garnier eye roll on which I use daily normally made my eyes water, I assume because of the heat and possibly the mix of sunscreen underneath so I could only use it in the evenings. 

I’m quite impressed with my light packing, how much makeup do you normally take?