Latest news with #EveRowlands
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I'm a beauty writer and Clinique's new lipstick is the perfect summer makeup staple
I'm a beauty writer and Clinique's new lipstick is the perfect summer makeup staple Clinique's new Nude Honey has recently launched and beauty writer Eve can see why it's already such a hit Clinique has introduced a new Almost Lipstick into the fold: Nude Honey and beauty writer Eve Rowlands tried it out (Image: Eve Rowlands ) When it comes to wearing lip products in the summer, I personally want something that feels lightweight and that doesn't require too much maintenance. Something that stands out as something different to my natural lip colour but doesn't need too much upkeep throughout the day (nor something that melts off in the heat). And after trying out Clinique's newest Almost Lipstick launch, Nude Honey, I think I've found the perfect summer lip product. Now, I will admit, I have never really been one for nude lipstick, I tend to favour a bold red when my skin is behaving (hello Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Vixen) in an attempt to enhance and brighten my usually quite pale complexion. On the days when I want something a little less va-va-voom, I opt for a lip balm to give my lips some much-needed nourishment. However, having tried Clinique's latest addition to its viral Black and Pink Honey Almost Lipstick empire - the new Nude Honey - I think my nude lippy days are here. Read more: Roman's go-to summer midi dress for weddings and parties now has 21% off Read more: Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection ahead of Glastonbury Having followed the viral success of the brand's previous Almost Lipstick shades - black honey and pink honey - I had high hopes. And they were well and truly met. Firstly, the formula is silky smooth and is both shiny and creamy. It feels super nourishing and hydrating on the lips and best of all doesn't leave their dry bits with a bit of a crispy cast that my trusty lip balm hasn't quite managed to eliminate (something red lipstick tends to accentuate). Shop it here £25.00 Clinique Buy Now on Clinique Product Description Clinique's new Almost Lipstick shade Nude Honey Priced at £25 the product - which is described as somewhere between a lipstick and a lip gloss - claims to be buildable and is available at both Clinique and Boots. Of course, if £25 is a little steep, there are a number of tinted lip balms out there that'll help do the trick, for example Lanolip's pink Tinted SPF30 balm at £8.99 or KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm, £6.99. On first application, the colour is quite sheer and doesn't change the lip colour drastically but instead gives it depth. To add to its colour, let the lippy settle for a few minutes and then add to it - this should then create a deeper hue that is warm with brown undertones but it's too warm to wash me out. Although I will say the brand says that the colour of the lippy looks different on each wearer but is the ideal blend of warm and cool pigment. Beauty Writer Eve Rowlands wearing the Nude Honey shade in Clinique's Almost Lipstick (Image: Eve Rowlands ) As for the texture, it feels like applying lip balm thanks to smooth, shiny make up but is a tad more luxurious with its silver casing and lipstick shape. The emollient-rich formula leaves my lips looking subtly glossy - but not overly so - and without the stickiness a lip gloss delivers; a detail I love when it comes to lipsticks as it means I don't get strands of hair attached to my lips should a gust of wind blow my way. Its long and slender casing makes it convenient to carry in my handbag too as it's lightweight and slim. Plus, being relatively small - in comparison to more chunky lipstick shapes - the packaging offers elite precision during application. Now, having worn it a number of times to different occasions, one constant I noticed was that it doesn't last all day. After a few hours, I needed to reapply the product - although it wasn't too much of a bother and is typically the case with lipsticks anyway. It also may require a bit of lip liner too as I found that it bled out over my natural lip line, which needed touching up in the mirror. Article continues below I also loved that it didn't have a scent - not chemically nor sweet and sickly. While I've not yet experimented with it over or under any other lip colours, as suggested by the website, I do enjoy the boost it gives my lips when worn alone and will definitely be incorporating it into my daily beauty regimen. Get it here.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Simple M&S wedding guest dress that's less than £50 had my friends shocked over where it's from
Simple M&S wedding guest dress that's less than £50 had my friends shocked over where it's from Fashion writer Eve Rowlands wore a simple black dress to a wedding recently and, with its bubble hem, elegant high neck and open back, friends couldn't believe it was from Marks and Spencer Fashion writer Eve Rowlands wore the M&S dress to a recent wedding and received many compliments For those who are at that age where it seems everyone they know is getting married, we're in the thick of wedding season. Personally, I have eight this year, and so naturally, in a bid to find one or two new dresses (to wear on rotation), I found myself scouring the shops for the ideal wedding guest dress. Now this dress had to be versatile enough for numerous occasions, yet sleek enough for a wedding, and comfortable during the warmer months, all while maintaining an air of sophistication. And on a recent visit to my local M&S (Culverhouse Cross), I stumbled upon a dress that, despite its simplicity, took my breath away - and is less than £50. This black number was a somewhat last-minute buy for my third wedding of the season, but it proved to be a wise choice as it garnered plenty of compliments - and my friends were gobsmacked to learn it was from M&S. Priced at £49.50, the Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress is a classic and simple - yet effective - design. One that may seem unremarkable on the hanger, it truly comes to life when worn. Read more: Debenhams cuts price of luxury watch by 91% just in time for Father's Day Read more: Woman loses four stone and keeps weight off for five years without giving up ice cream Although it might not be as vibrant as your typical spring wedding guest dress, this colour block version of the classic LBD is always a safe bet. Its bold hue is striking, and its high neckline and drop-waist design allow for a plethora of accessory options. However, its silhouette, which has a hint of volume at the bottom, is the real showstopper, in my view, reports Chronicle Live. The gathered skirt features a bubble hem at the bottom, adding a delightful fullness and significant swish. An added perk is the concealed pockets - a practical feature for touching up my lippy throughout the day. Moreover, the pockets are cleverly hidden within the skirt's volume, ensuring they don't look bulky (unless overfilled...). Shop the look £49.50 Marks and Spencer Buy Now on Marks and Spencer Product Description The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress by Marks and Spencer is made from pure cotton and comes in petite, regular and tall lengths. The dress's bodice is fitted and sleeveless, and it gracefully contours the stomach area, giving a smooth and flattering finish (covering up any lumps and bumps along the way). It also incorporates darts for a structured shape and added support. The rear of the dress features a gorgeous cut-out detail, adding style while providing ample ventilation during hot weather. Crucially, the opening finishes just above the bra-line, meaning I could wear a bra without the straps being visible. Available in three different lengths, the dress accommodates a variety of body shapes and sizes, ranging from size 6 to 24. However, one tip is that it tends to run slightly small - a fact I discovered alongside other shoppers - so opting for a larger size may be a bit more comfortable. The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress costs £49.50 from Marks & Spencer (Image: Marks and Spencer ) Once I discovered my perfect size, I can vouch for its performance: it's comfortable while dancing, eating, sitting and strutting around all day. The dress also includes a lining which ensures it hangs well and feels comfortable due to its 100% cotton composition without allowing dreaded overheating. This breathable fabric proved particularly effective in warm weather, keeping me cool and dry. I recently donned this stunning dress to a black tie event, complementing it with bold red accessories like pointed court shoes and a charming red rose adorned £15 handbag from Amazon among other items. The dress was a hit. But with the right pieces, it also lends itself well to a more relaxed vibe, perfectly paired with my adored Blaire Dr Martens sandals and a denim jacket for casual days out. For those who are fond of bubble skirts yet prefer something with more of a relaxed feel, the Albaray Black Puffball Dress, retailing at £89, is has a comfy scoop neckline and ribbed jersey on the upper half. Another great option is the Nancy Bubble Hem Midi Dress by Nobody's Child, currently a bargain at £59.50 in the sale, down from the usual price tag of £85. As for the M&S dress, I'm not the only one who fell head over heels for it. With a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews, it's been well received amongst fashion fans. One person wrote: "Couldn't resist this dress despite having to try on several sizes before finding the best fit (it's on the small side). The design quality becomes apparent once on with a drop waist, great if you are tall and long in the body, and the bubble hem. It's also nicely lined, and the cut-out back still enables you to wear a bra. Please continue to provide such design quality, please, M&S." Someone else raved: "Absolutely love this dress! Super cool look. Love it!!" A third remarked: "I honestly felt beautiful in it as it really flattered my figure. It's a modest yet elegantly casual dress I feel I could wear both casually and formally." Another echoed: "Stunning dress with a beautiful skirt shape and flattering bodice. Fresh summer weight cotton." Article continues below The main gripe amongst shoppers was the sizing issue, but once sized up, for many it was the perfect fit. The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress can be found in Marks and Spencer for £49.50.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'Ex-Starbucks barista picks under £100 Nespresso and Tassimo coffee machines'
From Tassimo, Nespesso and De'Longhi, former Starbucks barista Eve Rowlands shares three brilliant under £100 coffee machine deals to help kickstart your morning For those who need (or want) a coffee in order to feel remotely awake in the morning, be it out of ritual, placebo effect or just for the taste, having an espresso machine at home can be a total game changer. Plus, it can also prove monumental for the old bank balance, especially if the norm is picking up a take-out latte on the way to work at an average cost of £3.60 each. often, investing in a decent, well-built coffee machine costs hundreds of pounds and while the savings in the long run may be worth it, we can't all drop £500 on a kitchen gadget. Thankfully, there are a number of affordable options on the market that won't be too painful to snap up with many costing less than £100. Now of course, they aren't quite as high tech as say the £549.99 Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine, which has all the bells and whistles an ex-coffee shop barista (me) would absolutely adore in their kitchen but the De'Longhi, Nespresso, and Tassimo sales are proving worthwhile. But I have found three that do a pretty decent job of providing a good-tasting cup of coffee that's easy to make and could be mistaken for a take out flattie, and without half the hassle. Plus, they're all under £100. Taking into consideration ease of use, time efficiency and accessibility, my picks are below. As a bit of self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and home coffee making expert as an ex-Starbucks barista, I do have some good authority on the matter. De'Longhi Manual Coffee Machine Stilosa - £99 As a firm fan of De'Longhi coffee machines (my beloved Dedica Style has lasted me over 5 years and is still going strong), I can attest that this Italian company knows a thing or two about making good espresso-crafting gadgets. While this Stilosa model is on the cheaper side (on sale for £99 currently down from £126.99), it has everything needed to make great tasting coffee, whilst looking the part. Crafted with a 15 bar pressure, it 'creates a delicious espresso with a rich aroma' and requires ground coffee to work (giving it that authentic cafe-style vibe). It comes complete with a milk frother to help create silky smooth milk for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites and it only has a few simple buttons to work. Made from stainless steel, it's designed to last for a long time, plus it only requires the twist of the dial on the front of the machine to work, which is easy and fast. Just wait for the green light to signal and you're good to go. Measuring at 34.3D x 20.5W x 28.5H cm, it's a relatively compact option for smaller kitchens and spaces. A side lever also kickstarts the steam wand, which is pretty easy. With a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, the coffee machine is a hit with people who are relatively new to brewing their own coffee at home. One person raved: "I recently bought the De'Longhi Manual Coffee Machine Stilosa and it has quickly become a staple in my morning routine. This 15-bar pressure espresso machine is perfect for those who love making coffee at home but don't want to spend a fortune on a high-end machine. The Stilosa has a sleek cream design that fits nicely in my kitchen. It's compact yet feels solid and well-made. Setting it up was straightforward, and I was brewing my first cup within minutes. "The coffee quality is impressive for a machine in this price range. The 15 bar pressure ensures a good extraction, resulting in rich and flavourful espresso with a nice crema. The cappuccino system works well too, producing perfectly frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos. I've also used ESE pods with this machine, and they work seamlessly, adding convenience when I'm in a rush." They added how they enjoyed the two-tier tray (perfect for different-size cups) and the auto shut-off. The only qualm? "The only minor downside is that the machine can be a bit noisy when brewing, but this is a small trade-off considering the quality of coffee it produces." Tassimo's Finesse Friendly – Black & 'The Favourites' Coffee Bundle - £49.99 For a simpler approach to making a coffee in the morning - without half the mess that bean-to-cup machines have - a pod-style coffee machine is a great choice. Bosch's Tassimo Finesse Friendly machine has been reduced by 58% and instead of costing £119.74, it's down to £49.99. Coming with five packs of T-DISC pods, the coffee machine has a one-touch operation to help create coffee for the whole family with just one press of a big button. Doesn't get much easier than that. Despite it looking relatively plain, the coffee it delivers (as the reviews depict) is not to be snuffed at. The brand explains: "The FINESSE FRIENDLY is powered by our cutting-edge INTELLIBREW™ smart technology, which ensures that every cup is brewed to perfection. Specifically designed with a unique barcode system, this innovative coffee machine calibrates your drink for the ideal size and temperature, guaranteeing a consistently delightful experience. Craving a more robust flavour? The FINESSE FRIENDLY features our exclusive IntensityBoost function, allowing you to enjoy a stronger, more intense brew whenever you desire." Basically, for those who love a good brew but don't have the patience to measure out coffee, tamp it and then filter it through, this is a great little machine that is compact and does the job well. Of course, there's no option to froth milk, but by snapping up a separate device, like this Lavazza Easy Frother, £69, it's easy to craft a delicious latte in minutes. A keen Tassimo lover shared that this machine was the best model yet and said: "We have bought 3 Tassimo coffee machines and this one is the best. Drinks are hotter. The machine is sleeker." With this nifty little package too, shoppers will get a number of different drinks options (with pods) that include Milka Hot Chocolate, L'OR Espresso Fortissimo, Costa Cappuccino, L'OR XL Intense and L'OR Latte Macchiato. Get it here. NESPRESSO Vertuo Pop - £79 Just like the Bosch machine, this Nespresso Vertuo is another one for those who want a quick and mess-free coffee experience. Requiring coffee pods to run - the only downside being it's only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods - this coffee machine (which is down from £99 on the Nespresso website) is a little more high tech as it can be used in conjunction with the brand's Nespresso app which shares alerts for when it needs cleaning/descaling as well as providing tips. A compact size that looks sleek on any kitchen countertop, it's also been praised for being easy to clean and comes in an array of different colours - my personal favourite is the Mango yellow. One recommended by our own Laura Mulley, the coffee machine has been hailed as the 'best' home gadget by her (after testing out three different models). Here's what she said: " If you're a coffee connoisseur, you'll love the brews that the Vertuo makes; they are, in my opinion, far superior to the original machine. It's also handy to just have one button to press instead of selecting your size, and the machine slides the used pod back into the empties bucket in a very slick and satisfying way. "I had previously tried the smaller Vertuo Pop (currently also hugely reduced) and I initially didn't see why the bigger device could be better, but little things like the adjustable cup tray and bigger compartment for used pods did actually make a difference. "The biggest downside to the Vertuo machines is that you can only use Vertuo pods, which are currently only available through Nespresso. These are more expensive, and non-compostable – although I've bought this nifty little £12.99 device so I can recycle them at home."
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off'
'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off' Dr Martens sandals are a summer must-have and fashion writer Eve Rowlands treated herself to a pair of the brand's Gryphon sandals - and they're her best buy of 2025 Shopping writer Eve Rowlands loves the Gryphon Sandals and she can attest how comfortable they are Investing in a pair of glorious, sturdy and stylish Dr Martens shoes, be it boots, Oxford shoes or sandals, is a purchase that requires mulling over - and one that might make you wince as you click 'checkout'. However, they're more often than not a worthy purchase and after coveting a pair of olive green Gryphon sandals since last year and spotting them on sale, I decided to take the leap. With a large fan base and hundreds of positive reviews, I was keen to see if they lived up to their reputation as the 'comfiest' sandals ever from the first wear. Being just under £100, I wanted to know they were worth the price, as, despite being a fashion writer, I am a self-proclaimed bargain hunter and seldom spend this much money on a pair of shoes. But after wearing them a few times since my payday splurge, I'm glad to report that I believe they're the best summer fashion buy I've made this year. Priced at £98 - a saving of £42 from their usual £140 tag - the Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals in Muted Olive arrived within days and fit like a glove on first try-on. Read more: Huge beauty deals in the Boots sale including money off No7, Versace and more Read more: Victoria's Secret swimsuit is £140 cheaper than designer version While I was confident about the quality, I had received a pair of 1460 boots as a birthday gift five years ago, which are still in excellent condition, I was surprised at just how comfortable they were on first wear. Like all Dr Marten footwear, these sandals featured the same robust, chunky sole that came adorned with mustard yellow stitching and an ankle tab, and crafted from durable leather. They were also a perfect fit. Being an awkward size 5.5, I decided to size down and it proved to be a wise decision as my feet were securely cradled in the plush footbed, with none of the dreaded toe overhang. Shop the look £140 £98 Dr Martens Buy Now on Dr Martens Product Description Dr Martens Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals are currently on sale with 30% off. Shoppers who have snapped them up say they're 's uper comfy and goes with anything'. The Nubuck leather used for the trio of straps felt remarkably soft too - akin to the feel of well-worn sandals. Although, after wearing them, I did notice tight strap marks on my skin, but this didn't worry me as I expect them to loosen up over time. This tightness appears to be a common issue among other customers, too, as one reviewer remarked: "Received very quickly. Beautiful sandal, beautiful fabric, looks exactly as the photo. However, it is just too tight across the front. Gutted." Nonetheless, this slight snugness, personally, hasn't diminished their overall comfort, and like most Dr. Martens footwear, the leather should become more supple. The straps also have adjustable buckles on two of the three straps offers some relief, which proved handy. Shopping write Eve Rowlands wearing the Gryphon Nubuck sandals in muted olive (Image: Eve Rowlands ) The muted olive hue of these Gryphon sandals is absolutely stunning. Although tan might be the default choice for summer styles, the olive/khaki shade brings a unique touch while maintaining versatility as an earth-toned neutral. And I'm not the only one who's a fan. I've spotted this same hue in the virtual shop windows of a number of retailers offering some fab alternatives. For instance, Schuh's chunky suede Tina sandals in khaki are a savvy choice if £98 seems a bit dear, as they're a bargain at £24.99 on sale from £48. These sandals feature a comparable colour but a slightly less beefy sole. For those leaning towards sliders, Next's Khaki Green Suede Buckle Slider slippers are priced at £28 and come with a lightweight sole that's perfect when platform soles aren't the right match. Dr Martens' Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals come in olive and tan (Image: Dr Martens ) As backed up by a number of reviews on the Dr Martens website, the Gryphon sandals were pretty comfortable straight away, without much need for breaking in. I managed to walk quite the distance in them right off the bat and returned home without a single blister – I only received one puny sandal wound after a number of walks in the usual heel spot, but nothing a blister plaster couldn't handle. While comfort is key in a pair of sandals that I plan on wearing the entirety of summer, the bulky platform sole is pretty flattering on the ankles and is great for adding a touch of height. However, the weight of the platform soles has been a point of contention for a few customers, leading them to return them. Article continues below One individual left a three-star review commenting: "From order to delivery was good, but for the sandals, they fit fine and are comfortable, but why are they so heavy?" This particular feature hasn't posed an issue for me. I can see me wearing these shoes with each and every outfit, whether on holiday or on home soil.
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
9 fashion and beauty buys we're loving including linen trousers
Our fashion and beauty experts, Bethan Shufflebotham and Eve Rowlands, have scoured the high street for their top picks from Omnes, Selfridges and more With another Bank Holiday weekend on the horizon (so close we can almost taste it) our shopping sleuths are back with more covetable finds from the high street. From bronzed skin in a bottle to a bestselling linen dress, this week's edition of Weekend Wishlist is bursting with summer inspo. The edit is brimming with viral hits, warm weather staples, and the kind of products people whisper about in group chats. We're talking natural deodorant with a delicious scent, a cult tan mist that even pale girls can appreciate, and a hot day dress in the dreamiest colourway. From breezy trousers for beachy days to skincare must-haves, here's what we're loving now. Bethan's picks: PHLUR Father Figure Deodorant, £20 While many still believe natural deodorants are less effective than traditional ones, this one from cult-favourite brand PHLUR is free from aluminium and baking soda but still packs a punch – protecting against odour for up to 48 hours. Infused with salicylic acid and tamanu oil, it not only moisturises, but actually helps to brighten discolouration, too - a must for getting pits out in tank tops this summer. As for the scent? Think crisp, green, and understated cool. Some reviewers say it takes a moment to come into its own, but others prefer the subtle fragrance, which is great for layering. I've really enjoyed using this formula in recent weeks, not only does it smell beautiful, but it keeps my underarms feeling fresh all day, too. Beyond Nine Suki Linen Dress, £145 The Suki dress is one of Beyond Nine's most popular styles, and it's back in time for the heatwave in this gorgeous pollen stripe colourway that just screams summer. Boasting a dreamy combination of coral and pink and mustard, the dress has caused quite a stir on social media already, with fans commenting: 'Oh my word I just swooned,' and 'This dress shape looks so comfy.' However, one said they would love to see a dress with a round neckline from the brand, rather than the square Suki cut. With a floaty shape, shirred back, and pockets (praise be), it's as comfortable as it is flattering. Beyond Nine are known for their styles that can be worn throughout and post-pregnancy, so it's bump-friendly and picnic-ready, too. It's made from a breathable linen fabric and comes in at £145. Paired with chunky sandals, we think this is a dress to reach for all season long. Self Glow by James Read Tan Mist, £39 Made with 88% rosewater, this beauty buy is a hydrating gradual tanning spray that builds beautifully over time. I'm a super pale girl and have never really got along with tanning drops, but this mist is impossible to mess up and gives the most natural looking glow. It doesn't look like I'm wearing fake tan at all, but instead looks like I spent the afternoon in the garden. Ideal for those seeking a subtle yet effective tanning solution, the Sunblush Hydrating Tan Mist provides benefits such as deep hydration, skin toning, and a natural-looking glow. It can be used over or under makeup, and with consistent use, expect a beautifully enhanced complexion with a healthy, sun-kissed warmth. For those looking for something more noticeable, though, Tan-Luxe's THE FACE Light/Medium is ideal. A multi-award winning formula, these illuminating self-tan drops give a customisable, streak-free glow for £15. River Island x Atlas Cream Linen Trousers, £39 Inspired by Mediterranean coastlines and sun-drenched travels, these trousers are part of River Island's new collab with artist Adrianne Dimitrakakis. Made from a breathable linen blend with a wide-leg silhouette, they'll effortlessly take shoppers from beach walks to rooftop drinks with ease. Priced at £39, they have an elasticated waistband and are adorned with sunbursts, citrus fruits and tropical palms. They form part of the artists 45-piece collection with the high street chain, which spans women's, men's and children's clothes. Pair them with a cropped top or bikini and it's giving full summer energy. Omnes Nicolla Top in White, £35 A cute white top is a summer wardrobe must-have and can form the foundation of countless outfits and the Nicolla from Omnes is such a lovely option. With its puff sleeves, shirred bodice and peplum hem, it's romantic without trying too hard. And at £35, it's at a great price point too, especially seeing as it's made from responsibly sourced cotton. Available in sizes 4–24, it's guaranteed to elevate everyday basics, perfect for everything from denim pairings to midi skirts. Eve's picks: LookFantastic May Beauty box - £15 For beauty buffs wanting to treat themselves to some new products ahead of the summer season, Lookfantastic's latest May beauty box is a great little treat - for £15. Containing 6 full-size and deluxe sized beauty products, it's packed with brands like REN, Bondi Sands, Pixi, Bedhead and more that allow us to indulge in some TLC. As someone who regularly gets these Lookfantastic beauty boxes on its monthly subscription model, I believe this is its best offering yet. It pleasantly surprised me with its haul and includes REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel 150ml (worth £25), Bedhead After Party Smoothing Cream 100ml, and PIXI Clear Brow Tamer Brow Gel - all of which are full sizes. It also includes First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Fresh Strawberry Body Scrub with 10% AHA 28.3g in a deluxe-size, a LookFantastic Cleansing Cloth and a Bondi Sands face tanning serum. Read my full review of it here. Pour Moi swimsuit - £49 I love a swimsuit that will flatter, support and keep me covered up (in the right places) when beach days hit. Pour Moi's Square Neck Adjustable Underwired Swimsuit is comfortable and has been crafted with underwiring to give the girls some support, which is a great detail - it gives the option to order in bra sizes. I love its square neckline as opposed to scoop as it makes it versatile on holiday as it can be worn as both a swimsuit and a top, although one of my favourite aspects of the swimsuit is its adjustable ruched side. This detailing allows the wearer to have a high leg design or not with just the pull of the side string. This ruching also cinches in the waistline and is gorgeously flattering on my figure, giving it more of an hourglass shape (rather than my usual straight up and down look). HASK's new Texture Series As a curly girl, I'm always on the lookout for products that'll help tame my relatively unruly hair - especially in the summer. My typical go-to brands are Only Curls, Curlsmith and more recently HASK, and the latter has just released a new texture series which promises to bring the bounce, shine and spirals that all curly girl dreams are made of. Available at Amazon, the set consists of a Pre-Shampoo Detangler, Rice Water Rinse £9.99, Essential Moisture Recovery Mask, Extra Moisture Recovery Mask, Leave-In Conditioner and Strengthening Scalp and Hair Oil - all of which are £9.99. The products, respectively, contain nourishing ingredients like Kukui Nut Oil, shea butter, Castor Seed Oil, Black Seed and Baobab Oil, ricer water, aloe juice and more. While I've only tried the leave-in conditioner (which is made with FiberBond Technology to scientifically repair breakage), the silky smooth results that left my curls feeling lightweight, bouncy, frizz-free and lush have got me excited to try the rest of the range. H&M Linen-blend drawstring shorts - £19.99 I don't say this lightly: these shorts are possibly the best linen shorts I've ever worn. They are chic, stylish, comfortable (surprisingly so), flattering and they wash well. I bought these shorts for a holiday last year to Italy and as someone with no thigh gap, these shorts proved to be my best friend, especially in 35-degree heat, as they just sat so well. With a drawstring waist tie, they're a breeze to wear when eating out as they can be adjusted. The legs don't start too low down, causing the dreaded chaffing of thighs, nor are they too tight. The pleats at the front add lovely volume while the thick hemline gives the shorts a bit of elegance. Plus, being an off-white ivory, they go with pretty much anything and can be dressed down with sandals and a bikini top (on holiday), or down with some pumps and a swanky blouse. They also come in red, beige and black, costing £19.99.
