Sandy

Top: Topshop
Jacket: Topshop
Riding Pants: American Apparel
Shoes: Office

My friend who took these photos looked at them afterwards and told me I reminded her of Sandy from Grease (if only). You know the scene she means; the one where Olivia Newton John infamously had to be sewn into her leather 'pants' and got to say the line, 'tell me about it, stud'. She was teensy tiny and a total babe, so I can't take credit for being a Sandy a-like, but I get where my friend was coming from: it's about attitude, and leather jackets and super tight pants are I guess one of the best ways to exude it. I wore a version of this outfit to an underground rave (which I totally wasn't cool enough to be at) a few weeks ago, and substituted the platforms for some 6 year old holey converse. That's what I love about these riding pants; they're so damn versatile. 

B. 

The Big Skincare post

Skincare...it's a big deal. It's pretty much the only thing aside from bases that I would consider worth spending (semi) big bucks on. I also agree however that solving problem skin is not always about throwing lots of money at it and that finding a regime that works for you can include budget buys and brands you may never have even heard of. Finding a regime that works is completely and utterly unique to each and every person; that's the main thing I've learnt from beauty blogging. You can be recommended a product by your favourite beauty blogger and they may tell you it's the best thing in the world you can slather on your face but when you get it home it just doesn't do its reviews justice. That being said, the only way you can find the perfect products for you is to really do the leg-work. Give everything a try, get as many samples as you can and experiment until you find the ones you love. 

My skin is normal/combination and a little on the oily side, so take that into consideration when reading about my favourite skincare bits here!  

Cleansers: At night I like to use a balm cleanser, which is something Caroline Hirons and other skincare gurus advise. It's the most effective at removing makeup, and the Emma Hardie amazing face moringa cleansing balm has been voted as the best one out there countless times. In the morning, I either use the Ren clay cleanser or the Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing gel.  

Toners: A step which many skip, toning is actually pretty worthwhile and I have tested out a fair few. Kiehl's Ultra facial oil-free toner, Liz Earle instant boost skin tonic and Caudalie beauty elixir are my top three. Go for the Kiehl's if you have oily skin, the Caudalie if you want an extra fresh feel, and the Liz Earle if you want an UNBELIEVABLY nice-smelling product. 

Serums and oils: This is another step which I'd never really dabbled with until this year. I think my favourite would have to be the Balance me radiance face oil, which can be used in the morning or the evening. It adds extra hydration and leaves a luxurious feeling. Hydraluron is a do-it-all, simple serum which will suit everyone, especially those with slightly dehydrated skin. For the evening, the Estee Lauder Advanced Night repair is perfect, and helps with tired skin the next morning. Serums and oils are usually used after your cleanser and toner and before your moisturiser.

Moisturisers: Effaclar Mat and Effaclar Duo by La Roche Posay have been talked about by every beauty blogger and their Mum, and for good reason. Effaclar Duo is great for problem skin, whilst Effaclar Mat can help with any oil or grease. Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel (not cream) is also good for oily skin, but my all time favourite (so far) has to be Origins GinZing moisturiser; it always sorts out my skin. 

Masks: For dehydrated skin, I would recommend Origins Drink Up intensive mask, which you slather on before bedtime. Problem skin is helped by Aesop Parsley Seed masque (a clay mask which draws out all the nasties in your pores) and Origins out of trouble. For an extra glow, I would go for Ren's Glycolactic radiance renewal mask. 

What are your top skincare picks? 

B.