The Review | The Body Shop's Vitamin E Eye Cream

Having turned 20 not so long (or kind of long) ago, I made a promise to myself to start establishing a better skincare routine so that by the time i'm 30 my skin look as youthful as ever, and as most people probably know it is believed that the key to that youthful looking skin is a good eye cream (and spf but that is a whole different ball game). So with that I purchased this little thing, The Body Shop's Vitamin E cream.

What drew me to this product was the idea that it claims to reduce the appearance of dark circles, along with fine lines and puffiness. I have struggled with dark circles almost all of my life, no matter how much sleep I get or water I drink I always have them and I have had to accept the fact that they are here to stay. So anything that claims to reduce the appearance of them I am more than willing to try.

So did it work? Yes, it makes a difference but it is not miracle worker. For 13 euro I of course wasn't expecting my dark circles to completely vanish, but I am happy with the slight difference it has made to them. The area around my eyes seems to be more hydrated and with that plumper so the darkness is slightly less noticeable. I have also noticed that having used this the night before, my make up goes on easier around my eyes and it hardly creases throughout the day. I will definitely continue to use this product, but I think I will keep a look out for any other creams that could give me better results. However, having purchased this I can now confirm that I am an eye cream convert and for anyone looking for an affordable cream that does the job I would recommend trying this, or any of the other eye creams available in The Body Shop that may tailor to your needs a little better.

Has anyone tried this or a similar eye cream before? I would love to hear your thoughts! 

Adele x

The Outfit Post | The Weekend Layouts

Jumper: Penneys / Primark

Jeans: American Apparel 

Shoes: Penneys / Primark

Bralet: Forever21 

Top: Zara

Skirt: Asos

Shoes: New Look

A little different kind of outfit post from me today. Sometimes it gets a little boring for me to take pictures of me wearing outfits and post them, it's interesting to see them in a different kind of light, laid out flat playing around with different angles. 

These two outfits I wore over the weekend. Granted I added some extra layers like tights and cardigans but there is no way of nicely photographing a scrunched up pair of 100 dernier tights. The first outfit is really casual and practical, keeps me warm and looks quite put together. The second is a little fancier, still comfortable but it's something I would get away with wearing if I was doing anything more than lazing around on the sofa or going to the shops. 

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! 

Adele x

Fashion Week Trends

Unless you've been living under a rock, you will know that London Fashion Week has recently took place, with it now over I thought a post on my favourite catwalk trends, both past and present should swiftly follow. I love stalking instagram and pinterest and predicting the trends I think will withstand the test of time. Following bloggers such as beauty crush's Samantha and Natasha Oakley on snapchat I felt like I was well and truly there and in on the action.. maybe some day I will be for real, eh?

Sparkle

Between sequin slips and metallic blazers, the catwalk was set alight with all things sparkly. We've seen this trend before with metallic heels and bags being very popular as of recent and Christmas being the season to don your favourite glitter frock, and it looks as though it is here to stay. Not only do I predict that it is here to stay but I imagine that things can only get brighter with more than just accessories making the cut, before we know it we will all be walking around as glittery disco balls all year round.. hurrah! 

Yellow

 Yellow for me is somewhat of the forgotten, disregarded colour of colour world. With everyone constantly obsessing over black, nudes and greys yellow rarely gets a look in. So nothing makes me happier than to see it painted across the catwalk. You can't help but feel happy looking at it and with it suiting every skin tone and hair colour there is no reason for it not to start making it's way into the highstreet.

Off the Shoulder

Off the shoulder, or the 'bardot' style as it is commonly referred to as, for me, is one trend I will never tire of. It is something that is so easy to pull off, you don't need to be a certain height or weight.. once you have shoulders you're good to go. For some reason the style reminds me of Summer and being on holidays which is a bitter / sweet feeling, but it is nice to know that I can throw on an off the shoulder top or dress in the middle of winter and instantly have my mood lifted.

Androgynous

A couple of years ago Gucci showcased their amazing fall/winter wardrobe and it was an androgynous haven.  I am obsessed with the androgynous look, brogues, blazers and structured trousers are staple pieces in my wardrobe. In a weird way I find it somewhat empowering to wear whatever I want, regardless of the sex it was originally intended to be worn by. Again, I feel that it is a timeless look that is sure to withstand the test of time.

What are your favourite catwalk looks?

Adele x

Instagram Roundup | February

I always enjoy looking at other bloggers monthly instagram roundups and I myself did it just a while back. But I stopped using my instagram all that often and with that my monthly posts began to get a little boring so I stopped. However recently I have started paying my instagram account a little tlc, so for the people who don't follow me already, here is my February summed up in 6 little pictures. 

I'm finding it hard to believe that we are almost already into the third month of the year, I feel like the older I get the quicker time goes and this is a seriously scary prospect for me. But to end on a positive note though, we do get an extra day this year so I hope you all are having a lovely extra 24 hours.

If you fancy following me on instagram, click here! https://www.instagram.com/adeleminer/

Adele x

The Outfit Post | Twenty Five

Top: Asos

Skirt: Asos

Shoes: New Look

Just a short post from me this week. I tried taking my pictures in a different spot, i'm not so sure how I feel about them but I thought I would post them anyway and have you guys tell me what you think.

It's pretty rare that I wear an all black outfit, i'm more of a bright colours kind of gal. But I thought this top looked quite alright with the skirt. I got both on Asos a couple of months ago and I have fallen in love with them, the skirt is so versatile, it can easily be dressed up for nights out and dressed down for college, I definitely plan on investing on some more mid and long length denim skirts in the future. I feel it might be high time to steer away from mini skirts a little and to start wearing more modest cut lengths since I am now in my 20's, only sometimes though. 

 Let me know if you like the new location or not!

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.

Adele x

Getting out of a make up rut

Recently I have found myself in a bit of a make up rut, Constantly playing it safe, doing the same look with the same products every time I wear make up. After about 6 months of this I decided enough was enough and it was about time I started to play around with different looks again instead of staying within my comfort zone of a winged eyeliner and nude lip. Doing that look for everyday is fine but when it comes to the weekend and going out things need to spiced up a little, even if it just means putting some eye shadow on too. If you find yourself in a similar situation here is my advice for ridding of that pesky monotonous routine.

Have a Clear Out 

Look through your make up collection and decide what to keep and throw away anything that is outdated. When I did this the amount of blue mascara and glitter blusher I found was ridiculous. I can now conclude that I am a make up hoarder, I may not use an eye shadow for four years but I like to keep in there 'just in case'. So, I let go of this attitude and threw out all the make up I had in my possession that I don't use and will never see myself using again. My make up box was 3 times lighter and now when I go to do my make up I can clearly see everything I have. Sometimes when you have too much make up you can forget what you own and end up turning to the same products over and over again. 

Get Inspired

When it comes to being stuck in a rut, instagram and pinterest are your best friends! Hundreds of different looks are so accessible, search any kind of look you want, screenshot your favourites and try them. If you own something like the naked palette go onto Youtube and search different looks people have created using it and try them out for yourself. 

Play Around

When you have a spare few hours or are having a lazy day/night take the opportunity to play around with your make up. Have a look at all the products you own and see what you can come up with, you don't have to wear it out anywhere so the pressure of getting it perfect is not there, with this there are no limitations you can go completely wild and just wash it off straight after, blue eye shadow, sparkly lips, the possibilities are endless!

Take pictures 

As vain as it sounds, when you try out different looks take pictures of them. Sometimes cameras can pick up on different things than just a mirror,  that way you can see what works and what doesn't and can improve and change on it. Show them to your friends and see what they have to say. Even if you don't share them on social media, you can keep the pictures on your phone and have them there to look at whenever you want to create the look again.

What do you do when you find yourself in a make up or fashion rut? 

Adele x

The Outfit Post | Twenty Four

Top: Vintage

Skirt: Asos

Shoes: New Look

Once again, my pictures didn't come out quite how I envisioned them, all of them bar the first are pretty awful. If anyone has any advice on taking pictures in winter, camera settings, anything, please let me know in the comments! 

I feel like Morticia Addams in this outfit and I love it. It could completely double up as a Halloween costume. I found the top in my mam's wardrobe and had to take it, I poorly attempted to show the flowiness of it in one of the pictures but it's even prettier in real life, I promise. I wore this outfit for New Years Eve but i'm getting some Valentines Day dinner date vibes from it so I thought it would be alright timing to post it now.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend! 

Adele x

The Valentines Day Post

With Valentines day well and truly in the lurch (less than 6 days), I thought a post surrounding the subject would be fitting. Whether you're in a relationship or single, Valentines Day can be celebrated in many different shapes and forms. So I have attempted to cover all grounds, with ideas of gifts and things to do if you're loved up or flying solo this February 14th. 

Things to do if you're in a relationship:

Try Something New

Try doing something you and your partner have never done before, a comedy show, a cooking class the possibilities are endless and doing something out of the ordinary will ensure it to be a Valentines you won't forget. 

'The Classic'

You could just go for the classic cinema date or dinner and drinks. You might not get to spend a lot of time with your other half normally so getting dolled up and going to see a film or making reservations for your favourite restaurant can still be a treat. 

Stay In  

You don't have to go out and spend a fortune every year with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Why don't you stay in and cook dinner together in your pjs, or order in food, make a den and watch whatever you want. Going out to wine and dine doesn't have to be your only option. More than likely I will be opting for this this year. 

Things to do if you're single: 

A Sleepover

Invite you're friends around and have a sleepover together, buy enough chocolate to last you a year and download your favourite film. There's no need to spend the day miserable!

Go Out 

Go out to your favourite restaurant with your other single friends and go for drinks afterwards. There's no reason why you shouldn't get dolled up either! 

Treat yourself

Go and get your hair or nails done, book yourself in for that massage you've been wanting to get for ages. There is no better time to pamper yourself, make a day of it and do it with your friends or family or go alone, either way you will come out feeling amazing. 

What to buy if you're in a relationship:

Make Something 

Again, there is no need to spend hundreds on a present for your significant other. Make something for them, this will probably work out terribly but that's the fun of it. If they like tea, make them a personalized mug, Instead of buying a generic card that says how much you love them on it make it, it can be as romantic or non romantic as you want!

Food

If your boyfriend or girlfriend is anything like me this would be ridiculously appreciated. Buy them a load of their favourite chocolates, bake them their favourite cake or surprise them with a dominos pizza.. cheap and cheerful! 

Listen to Their Hints

If they have been dropping hints about something they need or would like to have.. go for it! It could be something simple such as needing new earphones or a new game or lush bath bomb they were excited about. Listen to the small hints they drop and act on it, the effort will be appreciated! 

What to buy if you're single:

Lingerie

You don't have to be in a relationship to buy pretty underwear. Even if no one sees it, you will still feel good about yourself. You could go all out and buy a set from Victoria secret or just pop into Penny's or Primark and pick up something for under 15 euro!

Make up

That new naked palette you've had your eye on for months, buy it! There is no better time than now to treat yourself and if you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend to do it for you, then it's only right that you do it!

Perfume

Perfume is something I rarely buy for myself but like I said above if you don't have anyone else to buy a bottle for you then why should you be deprived, spend some of your hard earned money on making you feel good about yourself! 

What are your plans for this Sunday? 

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Adele x

The Outfit Post | Twenty Three

Jumper: Vintage 

Jeans: Vintage 

Runners: Addidas

Firstly I will point out the obvious here and say how awful these pictures came out, no one understands how hard it is to take pictures during winter, with wind almost blowing my tiny wendy house door off it's hinges, the sun constantly coming and going making my pictures either too dark or too light, the struggle is real. The sooner the better Winter is over. I promise I will try to get better at the whole outfit picture thing in the meantime! 

I put this outfit together in my head not knowing how it would actually look on, but I don't think it's too bad. I'm quite into masculine silhouettes so it suits me perfectly!

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Adele x

The Game Changer | Barbie's New Body

Having got wind of the new Barbie dolls on Friday, I knew a blog post had to follow. Being a huge fan of Barbie from a very young age the impact she has had on girls and boys of all ages around the world is very apparent. With her original 5'9, blonde haired, big breasted body being a constant reference point and measurement of beauty for over 50 years, it is high time that this image is no longer the only representation of what we deem to be 'beautiful'. 

I do feel that the original Barbie gets a bad wrap, at the end of the day she is just a doll that was created with the intent of allowing children to enjoy playing with her, living out their own dreams and fantasy worlds through her, so for that reason I will forever have a soft spot for Barbie. However, I think it is the most wonderful thing that future generations will now be able to live out their dreams and fantasies with a Barbie that is relate able to them, whatever size, shape or colour they are. Beauty has been given a much broader spectrum and now children and adults alike can play with new petite, tall and curvy Barbies, with 33 new looks altogether.

(images- screenshots from their direct website - barbie.com)

Mattel wrote in a statement "By introducing more variety into the line, Barbie is offering girls choices that are better reflective of the world they see today". I for one could not be more excited about this new movement and can only hope that the progress continues, I would love to see Barbies with different disabilities next, but for now I could not be prouder of Mattel for abolishing ideological beauty and giving my future sons and daughters the opportunity to play with a doll of their likeness, reinforcing to them that they are beautiful, however they might look.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!


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Adele x

The Life Post | Combating 'FOMO'.

FOMO to me, is something of a trivial first world problem, something that in the grand scheme of things is minuscule compared to some of the problems out there, but when experienced can be very real and pretty serious. 

Firstly what is FOMO? FOMO is the 'fear of missing out'. It is that anxious feeling you get when one of your friends texts you asking you to go for drinks but you're already in bed scoffing enough chocolate to feed a third world country with sudocrem strategically placed on your spots and half way through your favourite Friends episode (the one where Ross whitens his teeth for a date but it all goes horribly wrong) No? just me? cool. But even though you know exactly what happens to Ross and his luminous teeth you kindly decline the invitation, it would be far too much trouble to swap the fluffiest pyjamas you own for your glad rags, and socializing? no thanks. Decision made, you're staying in. However what happens next is what is known as the dreaded 'FOMO'. You spend the rest of night feeling guilty for not going out, and seeing the snapchats of your friends having fun makes you a little jealous and you begin to question your decision. We've all been there and it's not the most pleasant of situations to be in.

In light of all this I have compiled together my best tips for combating this nasty state of mind which will hopefully help a few people to rid of this epidemic which is sweeping the nation.

Say Yes 
In particular when it comes to new social situations like college or work. If like me you tend to shy away from groups of new people you meet and the idea of going out and socializing with them in a confined space for a number of hours is terrifying, put these thoughts to one side. You will never make friends or form new bonds with people if you don't put yourself out there. If you keep saying no to going out and trying new things eventually people will stop inviting you and you will never have the chance to become closer to them. Say yes to any invitation that comes and you'll surprise yourself how much fun you will have in the end.

Social Media
We are the luckiest generation in the sense that we have the ability to stay connected with everyone and anyone with the click of a button. For example, to ensure you don't miss any of your favourite bands or singers gigs you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc and receive notifications on any upcoming shows they may have in your area. Message your friends, see what their plans are for the weekend so you know in advance and there will be no last minute rushing around trying to get ready.

Sometimes it's Okay to Say No
I know this completely contradicts everything I just said above, but sometimes it really is okay to stay in and experience FOMO. Opting to stay in doing something you enjoy like reading or watching a film instead of going out to a sweaty nightclub is completely fine too. Going out into town every weekend may not be to everyone's taste (myself being one). Having some time to yourself while saving money is sometimes the wise option, and once you strike up a good balance between going out and socializing and having 'you time' there is no shame in suffering from FOMO every now and again.

Eventbrite
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So I hope this was helpful to at least one person, let me know your thoughts in the comments section!

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Adele x

The Outfit | Twenty Two

 Skirt: Vintage 

Top: Topshop

Denim Shirt: Eager Beaver (Vintage) 

Boots: Pennys (Primark)

I'm constantly torn between wanting to buy new clothes but also wanting and needing to save money. With the summer fast approaching I have a lot of saving to do between now and then so going on an asos spending spree weekly just can't be a thing anymore.

With all this in mind, a couple weeks ago a moment of madness came over me and I decided to have a scavenge through my mams wardrobe in search of a few new items to add to my own, and surprisingly I came across some absolute gems. This skirt being one of them. It's a size 12 but has a wrap around tie so is easily adjusted to any size, it's surprisingly flattering and it reminds me of something you would find in American Aparrel. Best thing about it though? I now own it and it cost me nothing, apparently one of the perks of living in someone's womb for 9 months is that you get first choice on any unwanted items of clothing.. sweet! I kept it pretty laid back with an over sized denim skirt, a plain grey crop top and scruffy old boots.

More posts to come on other items I found inside Momma Miner's wardrobe!

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Adele x

The Review | Soap and Glory's Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk.

Another year another review. One of the promises I made to myself on turning 20 last year was to start putting together a decent skincare routine that I will thank myself for when I turn the dreaded 30. Prior to the last few months I had been taking my make up off with a baby wipe and sticking on some moisturizer when I remembered, but now since i'm a big girl I go the whole hog, cleanse, tone AND moisturize.. daily.

I'm a huge fan of Soap and Glory's cosmetic range so when I saw this little gem for just over a fiver I couldn't resist picking it up. Firstly the size of the bottle and the amount of product inside it is very good value for money, which initially lead me to believe that the product itself can't be all that good, but I am happy to say I was wrong. For all skin types, it claims to purify, clarify and dissolve make up while energizing and smoothing the skin. In the winter, my skin can tend to become a little dry so a product like this is exactly what I need, nothing too harsh or drying on my skin but also something that doesn't give me too much moisture, reeking havoc on my already oily skin. 

Taking one or two pumps I massage this into my face focusing on my eyes and watch all of my make up melt off, I rinse it and if I feel the need I will repeat the process again, but usually once does the trick. Then I carry on with my toning and moisturizing. Since starting to use this I can see a difference in my skin, nothing life changing but generally it is clearer, more moisturized and it has made removing make up a lot more kind on my skin, no pore pulling at my eyes with an old baby wipe! All of these small things have also made make up sit a lot better on my skin, there are no dry or oily patches, my concealer etc. sits evenly on my whole face which makes me very happy indeed. 

So if you're looking for a cheap cleanser that does exactly what it says on the tin, this is the product for you! 

If you have any suggestions of other cleansers or Soap and Glory products you think I should try, do leave me a comment down below!

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Adele x