Pampering and treatments: Facials- 7 things you need to know

Hi Loves,
Over the last few years.
I have tried to actively set aside some relaxation and me time.

Pampering treatments and massages are always at the top of my list and I have become adept at hunting out a great treatment deal.

It was my Birthday back in February and I had my first facial of the year- woop.
(Other treats included my first Blogger Beauty Box and My UK ColourPop haul.)

As it was cold, windy and very dry I went with a hydrating facial.
I thought it would be best as not only would I get a deep hydrating facial but any winter dullness would be brightened up.
As this is something I really enjoy. I wanted to share a few things I have learnt along the way.
Here are 7 things I have learnt about getting a facial.
Hope this helps ...........

1. General

• Hygiene is important. So offer your facialist the same curtsey you expect brush your teeth and pop a mint.
• Get to your appointment 15 minutes earlier. To fill in forms etc so it doesn't eat into your allotted facial time.

2. skincare. 

• Avoid exfoliating with scrubs or acids for a day or 2 before your facial as your skin will be more sensitive. This also goes for waxing or threading your face/ eyebrows. 
• Don't try and do fancy things to make your skin look better, let your therapist see what your skin is like. 
• keep your routine the same as you usually would. Literally like cleaning your house before the cleaner comes round. -come on!
• Bring up any skin issues, you have. Having gone over my skincare routine. My facialist said my routine and skin were really good, but did agree with me that I had a few dry patches and my cheeks were a little dryer than usual. She also told me I had some dryness on my chin. Which I hadn't spotted. I am thinking weather and central heating are the main factors.
• Don't touch your face after your facial. Just let the products marinate. It will feel gorgeously soft but this will minimise the amount of bacteria coming into contact with your face.
• Try to avoid drinking alcohol/ coffee/ fast food 24hrs before and after your facial. It can be drying to the skin.

3. Hair and Make up

• Avoid wearing any makeup to your appointment. It wastes time as it will need to be cleansed off.

Wearing makeup also isn't advised for up to 24 hours after your facial.

If you are uncomfortable not wearing makeup for that long, wear sunglasses, work from home, go to a facility near your home to minimise contact with people.

I suggest a bun. It is out of your face during the facial and is kept off your face after. This means any product in your hair wont touch your new sexy ass face.

Try and keep transferable hair product residue to a minimum.-I once put leave in conditioner in my hair having forgotten about my appointment. I just took a scarf to wrap my hair and let my therapist know. 

4. Comfortable clothing

• Wear comfortable clothing. You will be in one position for a while. This is to relax your mind as well as pamper/ treat your face. So don't wear something too constrictive.- I usually go for leggings , a slouchy tee or jumper and a vest underneath which can easily be pulled down.

Also smelly feet - we also have those battered converse we love that are a bit smelly. Facial/ massage day is NOT the day to be wearing them as your feet will stink. Probably ruining your experience of tranquillity and assaulting your therapists nostrils. Sure they finish off your sports luxe/ casual outfit perfectly but lets not yeah!

5. Pain

• Extractions hurt! It's not unbearable but it does hurt. I had excess sebum on my nose. My nostril area hurt the most but it isn't a lingering pain once it is done, it's done. 
• Facials also include chest and shoulder massage. I carry about 80% of my stress and tension in my shoulders which means that when properly massaged it can hurt. You will feel an ache the next day BUT so much better, mobile and lighter.

6. Relax and enjoy it.

• Really immerse yourself in the experience and take the time to chill.
• Communicate with your facialist
• You may feel tired a few hours later, which is normal for facials and massages.
• Be ready to glow! you may also be a little flushed/ red depending on your complexion.

7. Observe. 

• Look the products your facialist is using and what feels nice on your skin. I usually take a picture on my phone at some point before or after my treatment. 
• Don't be pressured by sales jargon! You don't have to buy the products that were used on your face. wait a while and see if you like them. 
• As this is relaxing your eyes will be closed most of the time but try and remember a few hand movements your facialist uses and try a few at home.
• Post treatment. See what your skin looks and feels like. In some cases, people notice their skin may breakout slightly or become a little oilier too. This is often due to your face having a super specialist cleanse, that it doesn't get on a daily basis and the purging of toxins. Extra oil is being produced due to this. In a few days it should be fine. If you have a rash or prolonged breakout steer clear of those products in future.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Current favourites: nail edit staples

I have really been taking the time, recently to do my nails and wanted to share a few current favourites with you. 

I love nail varnish and have a pretty good collection but sometimes I honestly don't have the time.

Recently however. I have been taking those 10-15 minutes to just chill out, choose a colour and clear my mind as they dry.

Neutral tones and grungey feeling nails are an all year round favourite.
These have been my go to choices.

Current favs:

Barry M picks:

Grey and Blue from the Barry M classic range

Barry M is one of my absolute favourite affordable nail companies.

They always have large range of colours and finishes to choose from.

They also seem to last forever, I have had one nail varnish from their classic range for 10 years and it still perfect- no word of a lie. I t has only recently been replaced.

MUA pick:

Midnight is a really pretty metallic shade and only costs £1. 

MUA is a very trend led brand with a very low price point.

So it is great for checking out new colours without having to spend too much.

Essie pick:

Vested Interest  Is a really striking greyish toned teal green.

Essie is another brand that is of great quality and has excellent colour ranges.

The tones are always pretty cool.
They can be a little pricey but shopping online or going to TK Maxx like I did can save your a fair bit of money.

OPI pick:

OPI Brazil Collection - I Sao Paulo Over There

This is such a stunning colour and just adds something to an outfit, as well as making your hands look beautiful.

It is totally an understated statement colour.
Again OPI Can be pricey so look around. 

I also found this in TK Maxx for £2.99 or £3.99 saving over £7.

Primark pick (In Stores)

019 At 80p this is the cheapest polish in my edit.
 The colour appears a little different in the bottle.
Which is what attracted my attention but it is a pretty deep petrol denim colour.

Kiko picks:

226 Rouge Noir, 508 Rose Sand and 317 Dark Antique Pink from the Kiko nail lacquer range.

Kiko is one of those undercover cult beauty brands, that totally deserve the hype.

They have very affordable items that rival and surpass much bigger brands.

I will however say that without a top coat 317 does chip after a day or 2.
However it is still such a pretty neutral blush colour in real life.

What colours are you reaching for?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

COLOURPOP UK Haul: Impressions and UK shipping (basic starter kit for dark skin)

Woop woop finally guys, finally I have some ColourPop in my life! 

As I said in my Blogger Beauty Box post.
 February is my birthday month and I went into full "treat yo'self" mode.
I just decided to get myself a few little things here and there and let the parcels roll in all month.

I have been waiting a long time to get my hands on these.
As I am pretty sure like many bloggers have.

I remember seeing a woman on youtube, who had pretty much every colour in early 2014 I believe.

I promptly sent it to my friend like uhhh yes, we need some of that sexiness ASAP and waiting for it to become available in the UK....

Unfortunately ColourPop still don't deliver to the UK.

(They have our spelling of colour but you don't deliver here?!)- woe is me yada yada, you get it I just couldn't wait any more.

So as the clock struck midnight on February 1st, I took the plunge and placed my first order.

The only way to get it to the UK is to use a courier service.
As you can imagine.

I have had a lot of time to check out courier websites and ColourPop, reviews, swatches and hauls and compile a list of things I wanted to try.

I decided to chose things that would be the foundation of collection.
A basic starter kit for dark skinned folk, if you will.

I went through my original list and cut it down ruthlessly, to things I really wanted and that would fit that brief.
Making sure I stuck to a reasonable budget.

This is also important to keep your overseas shipping costs down.
I am happy to say there are many products on the website, that cater to several skintones.

This time around, I mainly chose lip products as I will get more use out of them.

The products on the website are between $5 and $8 for individual items, which is incredibly affordable against the pound.

At this time this is an equivalent of £3.47 to £5.55.

I also signed up for their newsletter which snagged me a $5 welcome discount.

I am really into grungey tones and the colours I chose work well with this.
I chose liquid lipsticks and matte lipstick formulas as I love a matte lip!

Colourpops strength definitely lies in their liquid lipsticks. 
From the selection I picked up I am most impressed with the liquid lipsticks and highlighters.
 That is not to say however I don't like the matte lippie stixs, I just don't think they are the second coming.

*Each product type in order of favs*

Ultra Matte Lip $6 each

Lax -vampy darkened brown berry

Limbo -neutral chocolate brown

Tulle -dusty pinkish mauvey brown

Chilly chilli - orange pinkish brown

The ultra matte liquid lipsticks are very forgiving and not as drying on me as other formulas.

Chilly Chilli seems to have a more watery formula than the others and has started to separate on occasion. However hasn't leaked yet and I am keeping it at an angle to be safe. 
It isn't streaky thankfully just a lot more watery.

I also luckily haven't had any issue with the LAX formula.
Which has had reports of being patchy. My one applies great.

Tulle is also interesting pink tone, that warms up in tone the longer it is on my lips, making it a little darker and more appealing to we wearing it more often.

I tested out the ultra matte lips thoroughly and found that they are pretty much immovable unless you eat greasy/ oily foods. I had them on for at least 6 hours
. Then I saw some transfer and rubbing off in the middle of my bottom lip.

Which makes sense as you remove them with oil based products. 

On myself however I didn't require a touch up as the area that rubbed away was small and not visible to anyone else.

Matte Lippie Stix $5 each

Ellarie - deep browned berry red

Bichette - dark red

Pitch - 60% dark chocolate and a splash of milk

They have a vanilla scent to varying degrees, similar to the famous MAC scent.
Browns/ neutrals are my my jam but surprisingly I wasn't blown away by Pitch.
It is nice to have in my collection but yeah.

In terms of the texture, I would say they are very creamy and moisturising and take a fairly long time to become matte.

I would describe them as semi matte as it took at least an 20 minute before I noticed that the sheen had settled to a matte.

In future I would be more interested in the colour pay off which is good rather than the level of matte.
Bichette is a really beautiful statement red and Ellarie looks even more striking with a lipliner.
Both stain the lips when wiped off.

Highlighter $8 each

Avalon - warm golden peachy bronze

Butterfly beach - mid tone silver/ gold flecked iridescent combo

The highlighters are just beautiful and super pigmented. 

I chose 2 stunning  pearlised shades. 

One gorgeous peachy warm toned bronze shade and a mid toned light iridescent gold tone.

They have they same texture as the ColourPop eyeshadows.

The highlight texture is so different to the touch, just like that of their eyeshadows and it is encouraged to apply with the finger. 

However they can be applied with a highlighting/ fan brush.

I really like the fact that ColourPop display the pigments on a variety of skin tones.

 Although limited to 3, they are far ahead of most companies that don't display on models of different ethnicities or solely showcase the product on a Caucasian model. 

At least you can see how the product changes tonality and work from there on how it will look on you.

Shipping

Shipping was very easy and quick, it was 9 days from ordering to delivery at my house.

A simple breakdown of ordering to delivery:

Ordered from ColourPop website - 1st Feb (midnight)

ColourPop dispatched to Borderlinx - 2nd Feb

Borderlinx hub received and  processed the shipment - 5th Feb

After a clarification email to ensure postage was correct and releasing my order, shipment was then released on the 5th feb (evening) .

Final Arrival - 9th Feb (Morning)

*please remember that Americans add their VAT at checkout.

It isn't inclusive like here so budget for that.

Although ColourPop is inclusive of VAT, Borderlinx was not and VAT was added at checkout.*

My Borderlinx experience was very easy.

From signing up, to the explanation on how the service worked and receiving my individual overseas address.

I found out about this courier service myself and saw a first hand review from The blushing giraffe.  

There wasn't a sign up fee and my sign up was done in seconds.
I also picked up a few presents for friends that will not be shown on here, that put my delivery price up a little.

My postage etc came to $40. Making each individual item (shown) about $7 (approx £4.87) including postage each.

I wasn't charged customs fees luckily, as I would have been fuming.

Thankfully I have never been charged. Fingers crossed. 

You will also find that Borderlinx has many discounts for shipping once you sign up too.

For an alternative shipping company checkout Jasmine talks beauty post, who always gives thorough info and reviews.

Colourpop is also available from individual sellers on Amazon and eBay, if this whole process sounds like a palava and you are absolutely desperate to try something. 

However I am not willing to be swindled, shegged and scammed by opportunists who target beauty lovers and tack on astronomical mark ups. 

So just be prepared to be absolutely ripped off. 
In my most deepest desperation I won't pay silly prices like those being bandied about. 
Not paying £35 for a $5 product!
So it worked out cheaper for me per product to order from the USA and also allowed me to choose from the full selection of products on the website.  

So that was my ColourPop haul!
My starter kit that caters to POC, especially darkskinned people such as myself.
Products that I know will suit me and that have surprised me with their versatility too.
I have been so excited to really test out these products and am really loving the their liquid lipsticks and highlighters.

Have your got any ColourPop products?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Handbag heroes #2

Hi Loves,

I am back with part two of my Handbag Heroes.

Those little things that make pounding the streets of London smooth sailing.

I have been sectioning my bag into pouches since my Uni days and I found it really worked for me.
So just kept doing it.

Considering I am not the most organised in my personal life, It is surprising how organised my bag actually is.

As I enjoyed going through my pouch in my last post and having a little declutter,

You can check my Handbag Heroes #1 if you missed it.

I decided to do another one as I have a new pouch I have been loving and it gives me a chance to see what is actually in there.

My newest pouch* was actually gifted to me last year by the lovely team over at  LYDC London after taking part in a #FBLCHAT and being picked as one of those who they thought interacted well and enjoyed talking to.

This iridescent, metallic very on trend featuring pantone colours of 2016, serenity and rose quartz purse/pouch turned up a few days later.
It being a totally different colour and texture to my other pouch is also useful, so score.

Here's my second set of handbag essentials.

Oyster Card

This is the one thing I guard fiercely lol, it's a London thing!

Especially now as all public travel transactions are cash free and using my debit card just seems like a hassle to me.

Having experienced that moment of heart bursting, mindless burrowing deep into my bag thinking I have lost my card.
Whilst being miles from home is something that haunts most Londoner and is just not the one!

Mints & sweeties

I am obsessed with mints.

Give me that tingling menthol freshness any day of the week.

Trebor XXX is my all time fav but I have been leaning towards chewy ones hence the Mentos.

I also always have a few Jakemans Menthol & eucalyptus lozenges because I am a granny lol!

There is also rarely an excuse for bad breath and as it is a pet peeve of mine, I make sure I am not guilty of that eye watering faux pas.

Perfume Atomisers

This the best and safest/easiest way for me to carry my perfumes around.

Without worrying about breaking them or just being super clunky and heavy.

I have about 4 of these which I got from eBay.
This also means I have the option of scent combos and using my perfumes more sparingly.
They are of really good quality and incredibly cheap (99p each).

My current scents on rotation are Moringa and Vanilla body mists from the body shop.
They are super affordable and very different.

 Plasters

I don't often use these but they are good  to have none the less. 

Vintage compact mirror

This is actually belongs to my mum.

I like to say she gave it to me like a heirloom butshe prefers the version of me *ahem* aprehending it as a teen.

I like my version better!
It is very dear to me.

Emergency funding (money)

This should actually be £10 but I kept spending it, so I reduced it to £5.
Clearly there is £2 on in my picture so I can't be trusted!
In my defence I will say for the last 3 years £5 has been in there but I ended up breaking it a few days ago.

I always keep a few quid separate from my purse just in case of an emergency.

This is a habit I actually got into at secondary school and it really comes in handy.

Tissue

This is such a must, just like hand sanitiser.

Just to have for general hygiene but because this is London.
 So either you will find something super vile on the tube or somebody crying uncontrollable on the metropolitan line.

Tissues are great for both.

There we have it. A few more of my handbag heroes.

What are yours?

*This item was gifted to me.
 Not for review or as part of sponsored content.

 Please see the  Ms. Wednesdays Girl disclaimer in full here.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Death by homemade double chocolate cheesecake & custard

I don't know why but I have been craving custard lately, day dreaming about it.

For the longest time I loathed the stuff. 

Powdered/ tinned is not an option for me but I even hated the homemade from scratch good stuff!

Then one glorious day in my in my 14th year. I reluctantly tried some and YES, It was amazing.

I have been dreaming of creamy vanilla and cinnamon infused custard oozing down the side of a no bake chocolate caramel cheesecake for the last two weeks and finally got around to making it.
It that usual? 
Cheesecake and custard-I don't know but it tastes mighty good.

Ingredients for custard:

250ml double cream

3 free range eggs

2 teaspoons mixed spice or cinnamon powder

1 teaspoon cornflour

1 teaspoon caster sugar

1 vanilla pod (split and scraped)

Method:

1. Whisk your eggs, corn flour, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon together in a bowl and pour into a new sauce pan.
2. Heat the double cream in a sauce pan on a low heat then bring up to boiling point.
3. When the double cream is hot pour into egg mixture slowly whilst continuously stirring (if you added the vanilla pod to cream remove it).
4. Place the saucepan back on a low heat still stirring the custard mixture until it has thickened.
5. keep at a low heat to avoid lumps. If it is too thick for you, add a little bit of milk/ cream and continue stiring away from the cooker.

On to the Cheesecake. 
If your house is anything like mine.
It is likely that you will have a fair few snacks leftover from christmas and new years.
Those ones just left to languish in the back of the cupboard because we just can't be bovved/ can't face to eat them any more.

A great way to get rid of your chocolately bits is to put them in desserts.

Ingredients for base and filling:

150g Oreo biscuits (remove stuffing)

70g of butter

150g dark chocolate (chopped/grated)

50g milk chocolate

400g cream cheese

100g caster sugar

4 tablespoons cocoa powder

130ml cream cheese
*I also made a ganache topping, as you can see in the picture.
My design didn't go well. Lets not dwell on it lol!!*

Method:

Put your biscuit base into a food processor and pulse in to crumbs or into a food storage bag and bash until fine. Then add melted butter and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.

1. Form base by pressing the mixture into tin of your choice. Leave in the freezer to set for at least an hour.
2. If you haven't' eaten the oreo stuffing, you can smear this across the base. I also added some salted caramel spread as I wanted to use it up.
3. Melt chocolate over a bain marie on a low heat. Allow to cool a bit.
4. Leave cream cheese out of the fridge to soften and mix leftover cocoa powder, sugar and cooled down melted chocolate together.
5.   Pour mixture into the base tin and chill in the fridge for a minimum 1 hour.
6. Serve your sexy delicious cheesecake, bask in all the praise thrown at you.

And that's it guys chuck a few frozen berries on for texture , flavour and as part of your 5 a day .

I want to say this could serve 8-9  but in reality I  am going to say a serving of 6.

Enjoy

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Handbag heroes #1

Hi Loves and a happy new year!!!!

So this is something different.
More of a what's in my bags, bag situation.

I decided to do a handbag heroes post about the other things that are always in my bag other than the usual umbrella and mint staples (this is London umbrella hasn't left my bag since year seven lol).

I keep my beauty ish/ miscellaneous things that I need in here so lets get started.

Lucas' Pawpaw ointment

This is my go to bag all purpose balm of choice.
I always have this in my bag and usually a back up in case I lose it but these last so long.

Medicine

 I don't have medication I take regularly so this is usually some ibuprofen, hayfever tabs, energy tabs etc I like to be prepared.
There are parts of me that are incredibly organised.
To the point where people say I am such a mum as I anticipate your needs 0.o - I am not a pusher!
 I like to be prepared!
I do get migraines and although I have a high pain threshold, life is better for all if my migraine is seen to asap.

Baylis & Harding Beauticology Grapefruit & Raspberry Handcream

ummmm the smell!
 I do have my staples when it comes to handcream (checkout my winter skincare saviours) but love to try new ones and this is proving to be pretty moisturising and light.

Hairbands 

I buy these in bulk from primark. It is like 50 of varying sizes for £1. Which is a bargain.
 They don't snag on my hair and if they snap I am ok with the price. They are also great for multipurpose quick fixes.

Lipsticks & lip pencil 

I usually have 2 lipsticks and a brown lip pencil in my pouch.
I will usually all throw in whatever lip product of the day if it is something different.
Currently I am in LOVE with brown/ deep berry brown lips so my choices at the moment are Diva & Antique velvet by MAC.
Which are very similar.- I know seriously, I know!

Blotting paper

 It gets pretty muggy rushing around all day so these are a life saver for keeping your face excessively shine free yet still leaving the skin glowing. You can find these very cheaply on eBay.

Contact lenses

 I am a frequent glasses wearer and occasionally wear contact lenses.
These are a spare back up in case I want to change my look or refresh my eyes.

Hand sanitiser 

In any major city this is a must. 

Especially in London when you are travelling on public transport.
People are DIRTY as fuck! 

So just keeping your hands clean saves you from having an unnecessary amount of germs on you.

If you work in an office with desk jumping or just a busy office this is a must also. 

Get your anti bac wipes too!

My current one is Orla Kiely in geranium.

Simple Kind to Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Mist 

This is a great travel size spritz to refresh the face during the day. 

I actually discovered this when a friend brought it back from America for me and have only seen it once in the uk. 

I had the good sense to buy 2 from the 99p shop of all places and will be sad when it is finished.
 They are however great containers to reuse.

Hair product
This could be anything.
I received a sample years and and kept the container.
I  now fill it with a small amount of gel for fly aways or conditioner.

Cork screw
yep, you read that right.
 I keep a cork screw in my bag lol
 I used to be a bar tender in my uni summer holidays and was given this for my little kit on my first day!
It's one of those fancy, I have every attachment under the sun MacGyver things.
I am also that person everybody asks for cocktail ideas, wine recommendation etc. As seen in my holiday spiced mulled cider recipe.
I even created a wedding cocktail called the J&J for my brothers wedding.
Stick with me kid, we won't be drinking white lightening at bus stops but a bit of Pinot at a picnic in a park and I am your woman!

So those are my Handbag heros, what are your must haves?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays