Skincare Saviours: Rating Creamy Cleansers

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Skincare Savours - Naturally Radiant Vs Liz Earle
 
If you’ve read a few of my blog posts you will know I absolutely love a creamy hot cloth cleanser around the colder months. Not only does it is make my routine more luxurious but it keeps from parts of face getting dry and evens my complexion out. Recently I was looking for a cheap alternative to my trusty Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and found the Superdrug Natural Radiant brightening Hot Cloth cleansers which was virtually a quarter of the price as it was on sale. 


Recently it was my birthday and I got gifted my fave Liz and Earle Cleanse and Polish so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to review them both.

Naturally Radiant brightening Hot cloth cleanser 
Consistency: creamy 10/10
Scent: I would describe it as powder fresh 
Makeup Removal - 7/10 - would need a double cleanser for waterproof mascara. 
Does the exact same trick as the Liz Earle cleanse and polish. It lightly exfoliates and leaves a beautiful glow on the skin. The only thing I would say about this cleanser is that it leaves your skin feeling abit tight. 

Liz Earle cleanse and polish 
Consistency: 10/10 creamy af 
Scent: Herbal/Spa 
Make up removal: 8/10 again, double cleanse recommended. 
One of my fave cleansers, cannot fault the product, I enjoy it being in my morning and evening routine everyday. I would recommend this product to anyone. 

Cosy Gift Guide

Saturday, December 11, 2021


Looking for some Christmas present Inspiration, think no more... I have plugged together a list of a few things that are on my Christmas list this year and a gift guide that's very on brand...


DIY Suggestions 
If you don't want to break the bank but want a cute gift for a friend/family member, why not try and make a DIY set and get creative. Here are couple of ideas below. 

Hot Choc Set in a nice mug! (Add Hot Choc bombs, marshmallows and fluffy socks) 
DIY cake in a jar (You can buy these) but DIY, add all the dry ingredients to their fave bake, into a cute recycled jar and pop a nice tag to explain the rest! 
Cosy Night in Box - Add Fluffy Socks, Mug and Hot Choc B&M, Bubble bath, Candle (TkMaxx) and a good book/game/TV suggestions. Maybe for someone who loves a good cosy night in. Especially as January is just around the corner...

Perfect Cosy Gifts



5 steps to make your mornings better!

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

A morning routine should be unique to you. It took me ages to find a routine that worked for me and set me up for the day. Like anything I feel like it works because I just listen to my body and do what feels right. These are a few things I’ve implemented which have made my mornings, just that little bit better. 

Movement (be it yoga, a run or pilates video) 


I finish and get home from work very late so the only time I can fit working out is really only in the morning. Depending on how I’m feeling I will usually try and do a run/cycle or some sort of pilates video for the first 30 mins. This is because I find exercise as way to optimise my mood and usually get rid of any tension. If I’m stressed or anxious, running is my go to, to get rid of the adrenaline. If I have high energy, I might cycle and if I’m feeling low energy I can do a pilates workout of YouTube. I usually just listen to my body when I wake up and do what feels best. 


A Hot Shower 


I don’t know what is it about hot showers but they make me feel so good and relaxed. If I’ve just ran, probably a no go but usually a warm shower just makes me feel refreshed and clean. I never used to be a shower in the morning, kind of girl but now I’m a convert. 


Get ready in my dressing gown and light a candle 


2 simple things but I feel like it makes my routine a lot more glamorous. Genuinely makes me feel all luxurious when I’m doing my skincare and makeup. 


Products that make this routine


New Creamy Cleanser. I don’t know why a creamy cleanser makes a routine feel so luxurious and calming but I very much enjoy it. 


Vanilla Pumpkin Bodywash - BodyShop. This shower gel smells incredible and stays on your skin. It foams into a loofa and feels so good on your body. I always think it’s super special when I use it. 


Face

Breakdown of the Daily Makeup for Work:

Concealer - Lasting Perfection

NARS Sheer Glow

Powder fit me by Maybelline, 

eyebrow powder Benefit + Brow line brush - Zoeva

Better than sex mascara. 


(makeup reel on my Instagram) 



Hot Coffee + good podcast/playlist on my way 


Usually towards the end of the week a coffee is needed as soon as I get out the door. To my fellow coffee drinkers, you know how good the first sip is… 

I also love the use my commute to write blog posts and create reels for Instagram (@cozycapsule_) or listen a good podcast/playlist to get me in the mood. 

15 Things to do this December

Thursday, December 2, 2021

December is my fave month of the year and it literally makes me so happy to finally be amongst all the Christmas cheer and happy faces as we come to end of another crazy year. Not only is December filled with lots of festive activities but my birthday is at the start which was makes it all so much better. Here are 15 things to do to make the most out of this glorious month.... 




Go visit your local city (mine is London) and look at all the Christmas lights

Watch all your favourite Christmas movies with yummy hot chocs. 

Enjoy having a delicious chocolate every day to feed your inner child. 

Get drunk and have a good laugh with your colleagues at your Christmas work parties.

Go to Winter Wonderland and visit all the Christmas markets

Enjoy family fun when putting up your Christmas Tree

Wrap up warm and go and visit some fun, festive light shows. 

Enjoy gallons of mulled wine, pigs in blankets, mince pies and hot chestnuts. 

Attempt to make yummy Christmas cookies for loved ones and Santa, of course!

Stick on the festive tunes and drive round looking at all the wonderfully bright festive houses. 

Wrap up all your presents for loved ones whilst watching a Christmas movie

Visit a Drive Thru Cinema and enjoy some festive snacks along with it

Eat loads of cosy roast dinners and embrace your food baby. 

Cozy up in your reading nook and get in a magical Christmas novel. 

Enjoy all the festive menus at your local Cafes. 

Zara Wish List

Monday, November 29, 2021

I have been absolutely loving Zara recently and with my birthday around the corner (hint, hint, friends and family) I have curated a little wish list of the items I am gawking over this season. 



Leather Trousers - £29.99


These trousers I already brought them in khaki (was a bit impatient for this one) and am obsessed. I recently uploaded an IG reel with a try on of these. They hug in all the right places, except being a bit long as I’m small and curvy. 


I love them so much, I’m asking for them in black.


Straight Leg Leather trousers - £29.99


However, I found these lower rise black trousers which are more of a straight skinny fit. This is also super flattering and I love how these are a bit shorter on the leg. In the try on clips in the reel, I wore an XS but it was an absolute squeeze, so I would wear a small. 


Seamless Top - £14.99


Cannot go wrong with the Zara basics. For the price, the quality is unmatched. I have been loving the brown seamless top but I did size up to a medium to allow for a long crop. 


Halter Neck Body Suit - £14.99


The bodysuits are great and I love the neckline on these. I think they are really flattering and it’s a touch that I can go bra less with a lot of coverage and support. 



Long Coat - £199


I have been looking for a winter coat for ages now and I love this one from Zara. Although it kinda reminds me of solider coats for some reason, it looks very sophisticated on.  


City bag - £19.99


I’ve been looking for a new work bag. I feel like this encapsulates chic and sophisticated and “I have my shit together” all in one bag. 



3 body-posi activities to do - to start your body posi/neutral journey

Saturday, November 20, 2021

If you follow me on IG you’ll know I’m reading “Just Eat It”, I felt inspired by the book to create 3 activities to do that can help with body neutrality/positivity and just make you feel better about yourself which we all need from time to time. 


Have a good old wardrobe and bathroom product clear out 

  • let’s throw away all the clothes that don’t feel comfortable (i have done a whole post - here) 
  • let’s rediscover all our old pamper products to give our bodies a good moisturise and massage

Write a letter to yourself and body 
Write a letter for everything you are genuinely thankful your body does. It could be anything from breathing, laughing to digesting your pizza you ate for dinner. Our bodies do a lot for us, this will help change your mindset from aesthetic to appreciation. I also wrote a list of things I loved, this could be the fact you like drinking tea or you love exploring. Away from your body, this will remind you that there is more to life that how your legs look. Plus gives you abit of inspiration when your in a funk



Social media clear out 

Especially in this day and age, it’s important that we curate a social feed that’ll make you happy and feel accepted. Don’t feel bad to hiding someone’s page if it makes you feel anxious for the time being. Things may change and it may not bother you in the future so you re-follow them but it’s so important to surround yourself with positive messaging. 

Homemade Chilli Recipe

Friday, November 12, 2021

 Here is a delicious cosy staple for the cold winter months. 



Ingredients

 

1 courgette 

2 carrots 

1 large red onion 

2 cloves of garlic 

500 g lean mince beef 

1 can of chopped tomatoes 

1 can of kidney beans in chilli sauce 

1 tsp of worchester sauce 

1 tbsp of soy sauce 

1 tsp of oregano (optional) 

1 packet of El Paso chilli con carne mix 

Olive oil

Salt and pepper 


Method 

  1. Chop all your veg 
  2. Fry it all off in some olive oil and season with salt, pepper and oregano 
  3. Place in a bowl to a side and add the beef mince to the same pan. 
  4. Brown of the beef and add the worchester and soy sauce. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  5. Add your veg back in and give this a good stir. 
  6. Add the chilli con carne mix with the appropriate amount of water (noted on the packet) 
  7. Add your cans of tomatoes and kidney beans 
  8. Let it simmer for 20 mins, stirring every so often. 
  9. Enjoy! 


This can be frozen and defrosted at a later date. A cheap, hearty dish to keep you warm and doesn’t break the bank. It’s also very versatile, any veg would work that maybe are going out of date. Head over to my Instagram to watch the video that goes along side it!

Small Biz Series: Gifts for yourself or someone else who has anxiety.

Sunday, November 7, 2021

I have been recently been struggling with my mental health at work. Just feeling abit overwhelmed and anxious at times which is always normal when your job role changes or you start a new job. I thought it would be helpful to run through a few pieces of stationery from some small businesses which I think would help get my head a little clearer.


The Shit List - Sighh 


I thought this idea on a notepad. It’s kinda like an idea I was taught in CBT, where you write out everything that’s troubling you in an overwhelming period and then on the other side, you breathe and find a way to solve the issue in order to let go. 


Power Hour Note Pad - Sighh


I also loved the idea of this notepad. Especially for those days where you sit on the sofa all day, thinking about everything you need to do but don’t end up doing them… or maybe helpful for productivity at work. 


The “Be Kind To Yourself” Pin - Juniper Moon


I love the idea of constantly reminding yourself to be kind to you. Having a cute pin on your bag or a makeup bag, may be a daily reminder to not beat yourself as life’s too short to be mean to yourself and we all deserve better. 


“Worry Angel” Bracelet - Letterbox Love 


I feel like this would a perfect gift to a friend or yourself for those who have gone through a troubling time. Just as a reminder that no matter what your mind to saying, everything is okay. 

Winter Cleansers: Kiss, Marry & Avoid

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

 I thought I would go through and rate/categorise if you will, a few cleansers and why I would choose them to be my winter cleanser of choice. Starting with the avoid as we’ll end with some positives…

Click on the product name for a direct link to purchase it, if it sounds like a bit of you! 


Avoid 

Simple - Moisturising Facial Wash -£2.49 

Nothing against this cleanser, the formula is incredibly light and foams well. As it’s a light and foamy cleanser, I think it’s best suited for a refreshing cleanse on a summers morning. 


Shag 

Glossier - Milky Cleanser - £15

I do love this cleanser as it’s weird gel like consistency removes make up well and it’s moisturising on the skin. I absolutely love the scent of this cleanser, it’s lightly rosy and just leaves the skin feeling clean and supple. 

Lush - 9 to 5 - Discontinued (Lush pls bring it back) 

Another winter fave, but sadly discontinued product, which I hope they bring back. This is very simple and moisturising for a cleanser. I love lush products because they are made with natural ingredients and very soft on the skin.


Marry 

Liz Earle - Cleanse & Polish - £15.50

This is a thick and creamy cleansers and once applied, you remove with a hot muslin cloth. It really gets into the pores and removes makeup well. The muslim cloth also creates a light exfoliation on the skin. Trust me, this adds a cosy cleansing experience with the hot cloth which is definitely needed every winter morning/evening. I cannot wait to re-purchase my cleanse and polish for the winter months. 

Emma Hardy - Moringa Cleansing Balm - £47

This cleanser is so expensive but if it’s within your budget, I would definitely give it a try. It’s 100 and 10% worth all your money and it lasts forever. (Well I made mine last forever). It melts your makeup off your face and once mixed with water, changes from a luxurious balmy oil to a milky consistency. I know Christmas is coming up and would recommend this if you want a treat. Smells incredible and will definitely make those darker morning and evening skincare routines a lot better.





5 sustainable swaps to try!

Saturday, October 16, 2021

If you read my post on educating yourself around sustainability, see this is as part two. If not, please give it a read, first. Here are a list of things to start buying, swapping out things that are unsustainable. 


Cotton Pads SWAP for Re-usable Cotton Pads


A simple swap that will save you money in the long run. Re-usable pads to exactly the same trick as the cotton pads you just need to pop them in the wash instead of throwing them away. If you take care of them, they will last you a long time. 


Coffee cup from Starbucks for Reusable Keep Cup 


How about a pumpkin spice in a re-usable keep cup to save the planet. Usually cafes will give you a discount aswell so there is another plus! It’s a simple thing to carry around and coffee cups aren’t generally recyclable because of the film that covers in the inside of cup. One of my fave brands is Frank Green. I used to have one of their re-usable keep cups and you can pop the lid to stop it leaking out. The plastic was also biodegradable.


Start shopping in eco friendly collections and investing in your clothes 


I want to do a post separately on sustainable fashion but here are a few of my fave brands that do good recycled clothing items.

Primark 

H&M - the denim is really good! 

Tala - sustainable workout clothing. 


Swap plastic water bottles for a chilli bottle. 


Chilli bottles or insulated metal bottles are not that expensive and genuinely worth investing in. We are all constantly throwing away plastic so do your part and get a cute reusable bottle to fill on the go. 


Try swap one meal with meat in, to a veggie meal.


Unfortunately burgers are one of our leading causes of climate change. Not burgers personally but cows and the whole creation process. Simply swapping a meal or doing a meatless Monday will save us an incredible amount of water, land, CO2 and an animal or two. It may also be fun to get creative in the kitchen and make some delicious plant based meals. 


Even though these are simple swaps, if everyone changes something small, it’ll lead to big change. So I motivate you to try doing one of these swaps for Mother Earth. 

 

Speaking up about mental health in the workplace

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

 I wanted to speak up about this as this is something that has happened to me recently and if I can motivate just one person to speak up about their mental health from this, I will be happy. 

We spend most of our lives working so it’s really important that it doesn’t take over and affect us mentally. 

 

Something I am quite literally terrified over is opening about mental health so if you feel the same, you are not alone. 


My first tip would be to know how you would like to communicate it. Who or what is affecting you? Is it your manager or something at work? This will answer the question of who should I speak to about this.

After we have that covered, how would you like to communicate this? Are you someone who likes to talk and would rather vocalise your concerns or would it come out better in an email. I really like writing (hence having a blog) and find that a good way to communicate my concerns but everyone is different. If it makes you feel better, maybe send a draft to a friend or family member and see what they think as second opinion can always help. 


Once you’ve spoke to someone about it, you’ll feel so much better. A good manager/company should be there to support you 24/7 so if they aren’t and you are still unhappy, maybe it’s time you started looking elsewhere as you definitely deserve better. 

How to educate yourself on sustainability and climate change!

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Sustainability is becoming more and more important, which is great considering the absolute state us humans left it in. If you are new to Sustainability, I thought a little post on where to start, may be helpful! My awareness came from a talk I was lucky enough to experience at work. Sustainability is part of my role in my day job. Since listening to this talk, I have further explored the topic because it interested me a lot. I have listed my fave books and a few documentaries I recommend watching to gain a better understanding on sustainability.


Books:

No one is ever too small to make a change - Greta Thunberg 

Minimal how to simplify your life and live sustainability - Madeline Olivia 

(Plenty more, these are just ones I've read) 


Training:

AdGreen - I was trained through my work as I am part of their “green team” but it would benefit my job due to the nature of the industry I am in. Maybe this will inspire you to talk to your boss about making a team that focuses on some sustainable initiatives. 


Documentaries: (all can be found on Netflix) 

Cowspiracy 

A Plastic Ocean 

Down to Earth Series 

A life on our Planet - David Attenborough 


My fave sustainable creators (Youtube): 

Madeline Olivia 

Sustainably Vegan 

Immy Lily

Positive things to do on your commute

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

 Commuting is a massive part of my life since I work around an hour and half away from where I work in London. That means when I go into London I spent a total of 3 hours a day travelling. That’s a lot of time. Of course some of it I’m driving and walking around but chucks of it would be on public transport. As it’s early in the morning and where your day is just starting, I think it’s important to fill it with positive activities to get it started on the right note. 





Here are some ideas of things I do on my commute:


  • Write out 10 things you are grateful for 
  • Listen to a fun playlist or your fave podcasts - I don’t know about you but I love keeping all my fave podcasts for cardio in the gym, walks and commutes! 
  • Call a friend and have a catch up, just not in the silent zone.
  • Text your friends, because you have no time in the day to do so… unfortunately me!!
  • Work on a hobby or do something creative - whether that’s a cross stitch, graphic design or a blog
  • Catch up on your fave tv program… or zzz (love an after work nap on the commute home). 


10 things to do in October

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Since it’s the 1st of October today and officially spooky SZN, I thought I would pop together a list of 10 things to do in October. October is a busy month for me with a lot of my family having birthdays but always super fun and cozy. Hope you enjoy and take some inspiration. 



  1. Have a Harry Potter Marathon, what better month...
  2. Have a LUSHicious bath/pamper night to trial out some of the new products from the Halloween Lush Range - I have to admit there are not that many cozy scents this year... bring back the pumpkin on a cinnamon stick. 
  3. Go to TKMaxx purely to smell candles 
  4. Eat all the halloween sweets whilst watching Hocus Pocus and proceeding to buy more before Halloween.
  5. Have an f**king pumpkin spice latte and add pumpkin pie spice to every breakfast you make 
  6. Enjoy more mindful walks noticing all the leaves changing and the crunchy leaves under your feet as you walk. Collect your concers and when you get back from your walk, have a hot choc to warm up! 
  7. Hang up the fairy lights, get the candles going and make your home cozy for the colder months ahead 
  8. Eat more apples, squash and seasonal veg. I love making big batches of veg soup and freezing it for a quick lunch or dinner. 
  9. Find a cozy book to read or find a cozy film to watch and snuggle up under a blanket with some Primark cozy socks.. (if you know, you know) 
  10. Go through your wardrobe and replace those tanks and bikinis for cozy knits and Primark velvet lined leggings! 

 

Beauty Faves I cannot live without

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

I thought I would touch on my absolute fave beauty/make up products that I couldn’t imagine my beauty regimes without. They are all products/brands I have repurchased for years and just love. 





Too Faced "Better Than Sex" Mascara (Waterproof)


This mascara is definitely my favourite mascara out there and I’m quite picky when  it comes to then as I like my lashes to look a certain way. It gives them length and volume with a couple of coats. It also doesn’t budge at all, honestly some eye make up removers can’t take it off so I would say it’s really waterproof. Only issue I get sometimes is a bit of transfer but apart from that, absolutely incredible.


Zoeva "Brow Line" Brush 


This is my go to brush for applying my brow powder and sharp eyeliner. It’s really dense and tapered on an angle which helps with creating precise brow strokes and sharp edges. I’ve recommended it to friends and family and use it everyday. 


Collection "Lashing Perfection" Concealer 


This is an old fave of mine. I remember when I first discovered this concealer and it was £2.70. Now it’s around £4 but it’s probably gone up in price because of how much love it has for its creamy formula. Blends really nicely and I would say it’s a good dupe for the NARS creamy concealer. 


NYX "Lingerie Liquid Matte" Lipstick


Another old fave but these lipsticks don’t budge and I absolutely love the finish of them. Such a big range of colours and a lovely creamy Matte finish. Ideal for a night of wine drinking as it doesn’t transfer onto the glass. 


NARS Sheer Glow Foundation


This is my trusty fave foundation, absolutely love everything about it. It’s a beautiful creamy medium coverage foundation and effortlessly buildable. It’s semi matte which allows a beautiful glow to the skin. Just a staple of mine. 

 

Sarah’s Day Smoochy Balm 


This is made by an influencer in Australia so it was fairly expensive to get it sent to the UK but it’s the one lip balm that I fine genuinely keeps my lips super soft. It’s made by all natural products with coconut oil and shea butter in. There is no tint but smells incredible. 




Zara Perfume 


This is a general new fave. Zara perfumes are fairly cheap, roughly ranging from £14-17 per perfume and there are so many different scents to chose from. A lot of good dupes for expensive perfumes and perfect to spritz before a casual day out or day in the office, where you don’t want to use expensive perfumes and go all out. 


Essie Nail polish 


Again another general fave. Essie Nail polishes as a whole are really good long wearing nail polish. There are an abundance of shades to chose from and I think the brush application is perfect for painting on nail polish if you are a beginner. Definitely worth treating yourself. 


Garnier Banana Hair Mask


This hair mask smells incredible and makes your hair feel super soft. Leave it on for a long as possible and feel the benefits after. Honestly got this as a gift last Christmas, use it sparingly but will be repurchasing. Sooo good that my sis keeps stealing it. 


Palmers Coconut oil Anti-Oxidant firming lotion 


This is an interesting moisturiser. It’s very thick and leaves your skin feeling moisturised but tight. I feel like it’s the perfect moisturiser for the pre-night out pamper. Smells delicious and sinks into the skin quickly.


MAC "Velvet Teddy" Lipstick 


Velvet Teddy is such an old “raved about” shade but seriously so nice. With my olive skin tone and blonde-ish hair, it really compliments a lot of makeup looks I do and it’s a pretty basic shade. Mac lipsticks formula are buttery and smell really nice. 


 






Rating brunches in London

Friday, September 24, 2021

Just in case you need some inspiration for days out in London and alcoholic brunches as the summer comes to an end (pretty good way of summing up my summer this year) I thought I would review/rate a couple of the brunches I went on. I have had to make do with the pictures my past self took as I am not sure I was so focused on blog content, more on the Prosecco....

Skinny Kitchen, Angel 

This is the sort of place I would recommend if you want to have a good time and have clubbing, boogie in your chair kinda vibes. There is a live DJ and saxophone player which makes it so much more fun. 
The whole brunch was around £50 but you get unlimited Prosecco, 1 main brunch meal (which are all super yummy) and a pudding selection. Definitely more on the pricey side of a brunch but worth the money as the atmosphere was very good. 
One recommendation would be to try and get a seat indoors as that’s where the music is the loudest. If you are just off for brunch and chat, outdoors is still great and you can actually hear your friends! 

Serata Hall, Old Street

This was a lovely brunch! This was on the cheaper end of the scale but didn’t not fail me! It’s £26 for unlimited Prosecco, Bellini and a rum punch bowl. All delicious and washed down with a yummy pizza. The pizza was super fresh and delicious. The Margarita pizza was the cheapest option but a recommendation. Music was really good and the place was very instagram worthy. I feel like this would be a good place if you wanted chill drinks and to chat up with old friends over pizza if that’s what you enjoy. 


Brother Marcus, Angel 

This was a Middle Eastern inspired bar. It’s located within the cute streets/market a couple of minutes walk from Angel tube station. Somewhere you can defo just pop in for a spot of lunch or dinner. The vibe was very very chilled. Music is quite quiet in the background but regardless the food was delicious and definitely a great place if you just want to chat up with your friends and not wanting a lively time. Needless to say when I went to this brunch, I got smashed! It was £42 all in for unlimited Prosecco, bloody Mary’s, Bellinis and Beers plus a main meal and side. Definitely worth the money as the food was different but delicious.

Pergola, South Kensington 

I went to Pergola with my boyfriend quite a long time ago. We had unlimited Prosecco and an espresso martini each. There is a lot of variety in terms of food with lots of independent chains, so there is so much choice for food. We went here in summer and it was beautiful. You get to overlook all of London and the place is covered in green plants. Music was good and just had a really nice time. Again another one I got very drunk at... 





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