How to: Get Naturally Wavy Curls Without Heat

You Will Need

1x Hairspray 

1x Hair Mouse

(As many as you feel necessary)x Hair clips

Instructions

1. Wash your hair as usual with shampoo and conditioner etc 

2. Partially dry your hair with a towel upside down to add volume

3. Squirt some mouse onto your hands and run through your damp hair to a give it extra, um, oomph?
4. Continue drying your hair with a towel upside down until it is almost dry but still a little bit damp (you can use a hair dryer if you wish to)

5. Part your hair into 3 sections and spray each section generously with hairspray

6. Take one section and twist it round 

7. Twist the section round itself to make a small bun on the top of your head, pinning each bun to make sure it doesn't fall out

8. Repeat for each section

9. Leave to dry either overnight or for a few hours (not sure if it works with a hair dryer but you could give it a go!)

10. Remove the small buns when your hair is completely dry and pull apart the sections 

11. Hair spray the curls as you take them down with a hairspray

12. I like to whip my hair up and down just to give it that little extra volume but you don't have to do this!

13. Voula! Naturally wavy curls without heat!

The photos on the left are ones taken after a few hours when the curls have dropped a little. 

This is such a simple, easy hairstyle and I really like it. It doesn't require a lot of playing with you hair as well, so if you are like me, you will be happy to know your arms wont ache as much afterwards :)

I hope this tutorial was helpful for at least one of you; I now realise it is very difficult to describe this process using words. 

- Susie Roo

Life | Stressed, Depressed and Not Particularly Well Dressed

The last, and probably the next few months have been the most stressful of my life so far. My AS Level exams are coming up and to anyone who has done them, I would just like to ask... how? how did you stay sane spending hours revising? how did you keep to your revision timetable? how did you manage to learn it all in time?

I keep finding myself looking at how much revision I have to do and how close my exams are and then getting so overwhelmed I just crawl into bed and sleep for hours. I have had 5 naps this week (it's Tuesday) and I have cried most days for the last 2 weeks. Apart from college (which I haven't actually attended this week because the stress of it all makes me exhausted and anxious), I spend loafing around in a baggy jumper and my favourite nike shorts thinking about all the work that I have to do but not actually bringing myself to do it. Am I alone?

This is the post-tided version of my desk to give you a glimpse at what I spend looking at most days... those boxes; filled with past papers and revision notes, those stacks of revision cards; I have 2 weeks to learn them, those post-it notes; I don't understand those topics, those textbooks; I need to learn everything in them. I feel so engulfed by this horrible feeling of anxiety and stress all the time and it isn't fun. Even writing this blog post, I have my textbook open next to me so I can look over every now and then to memorise a sentence; very little of which is going in.

I don't even know what I want to do with my life, so why I am doing this? I certainly do not enjoy it. Why is it that our lives and education have been laid out, pristinely organised for us to go along with or we supposedly wont have a good future? Why is it that our future is based on these exams which don't really test how smart you are but test your memory? 

I like to think I am not alone in this big black hole that seems to be swallowing me whole. So, that is why I thought I would do a post about this; for those of you out there who may have been, or still are, in a similar situation to me and may feel alone. 

- Susie Roo

Haul | Superdrug, Boots, Drugstore

Walking into boots and superdrug the other day there were sooooo many deals on (as per usual) so I got a little bit excited and went hunting for all the best bargains. Unfortunately, I was only able to get a few things in the end because I was literally spending about 25 minutes on each make up and beauty counter going through every single lipstick, eyeshadow and foundation that my sister was beginning to get a bit frustrated and virtually had to drag me by my hair over to the check out desk. Nonetheless, I will share with you the few items that I was able to decide on! 

1. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick - Electric Orange and Pink Punch

I have very much been a nude, red lipstick girl for the last few years so this summer, I have decided to push the boat out a bit and go for some more adventurous, bright coloured lipsticks. I am so enthusiastic to wear these lipsticks, even if just around the house for a while to get used to them. These sort of bright coloured lipsticks really make an all black outfit (which I find myself wearing often) more exciting.

The lipstick product itself is amazing for the price; super creamy and pigmented. 

2. Palmer's Cocoa Dark Spot Corrector

Recently, I have finding myself getting loads of scars from spots that I have picked (gross but true) and so when I cam across this dark sport corrector in superdrug and it was almost half price, I felt it was necessary to purchase it. There is no harm in trying right? 

I will let you know how this product goes down after a few weeks of use as I, personally, have never seen many reviews on this product so there needs to be a few more out there ahaha. 

3. Sleek Contour Kit

This product seems to be the be-all-and-end-all to so many beauty bloggers that it felt like a sin not buying it. I have been looking around for one of these contour kits for a very long time but my local boots/superdrug don't stock Sleek, so when I came across this one, i immediately picked it up. I have tried it out already and I already love it. If the simple but stylish all black packaging wasn't enough (which it usually is for me) the product itself is astonishing for the price; I almost prefer the bronzer to my all-time-favourite Benefit Hoola Bronzer which hasn't left my make up bag since I first brought it... now, that is truly saying something. 

- Susie Roo

My Spring Essentials

I am currently writing this blog post as the rain hammers down outside but nonetheless, spring is coming fast upon us with its pretty florals, bright colours and swing dresses, so I thought, why not do a spring essentials blog post? So here is a list of things that I could not live without this spring! 

1. The Ripped Blue Jean

Asos Ridley Ripped Jeans

Topshop Moto Rip Jamie Jeans

H&M Skinny Low Ankle Jeans

The black ripped jean with an oversized coat look was on trend this winter and so now spring is upon us, I feel a lighter blue version is very much necessary. As soon as I have money, I will be going to purchase a pair of these as I think they will look amazing with a pair of chunky white Birkenstock sandals and a baggy t shirt. They are such a staple piece in your wardrobe as well, so what's the problem in splashing out a little? 

2. Birkenstock Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals  

(cheapest authentic pair I could find as who wants to spend £70 on a pair of sandals?!)

These shoes are very marmite.... you either love them or you hate them. Personally, I loooooove them. You have to keep your mind wide open when looking at the pictures of the shoes, as I admit... not a very flattering picture. However, imagine yourself wearing them with an oversized, smock plain back dress or a tight pair of skinny jeans and a blouse. I might do a spring lookbook of these shoes as I really just want everybody to love them as much as I do!

3. The Patterned Tapered Trouser

H&M Trousers Loose Fit

Topshop Mixed Tile Print Jersey Tapered Trousers

These trousers were my be all and end all last summer; on holiday with a pair of sandals and drop arm vest or at a BBQ with a white blouse. They are the perfect item for any occasion. You may feel slightly conscious wearing such an "out there" pair of trousers but I suggest you buy a cheapy pair from H&M and just wear them around the house a little to get used to them... I am sure you will fall in love with them instantly and if you like them, who cares what anybody else thinks?

4. The Straw Fedora Hat

H&M Straw Loose Hat

Asos Straw Fedora Hat With Skinny Band

I really don't think anybody could go wrong when purchasing a straw hat this year. They go with pretty much anything and are the perfect accessory to make an outfit more exciting or just cover up bad hair! I have ordered the Asos style of this hat and I am very much looking forward to its arrival!

5. The Midi Skirt

M&S Pleated Midi Skirt

River Island Midi Skirt

Midi skirts are my biggest obsession at the moment, just ordered both of these two (opps). If you pair them with a crop top and some pretty sandals, you make the perfect stylish and cute combination. I would also wear a black version with a tight denim shirt and fedora hat in winter. Very versatile and a must have!   

7. Pastel Nail Varnish

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint - Huckleberry

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint - Rose Hip

Topshop Nails In Exposed - Light Beige

Revlon Pastel - Yellow 

Revlon Pastel - Lilac

Pastel in spring? Who would have thought?. This is a very cliché item to put into my spring essential list but I do truly think it is an essential! I am very much a pastel girl in spring and I like to leave all the bright neons for summer when I have a proper tan. I suggest the "Barry M Gelly Nail Varnish" as they are super cheap and stay on for ages! 

8. Hand Sanitiser

Wild Ferns Manuka Honey Anti-Bacteria Hand Sanitiser 

Quite a uninteresting item to include in my spring essentials list but nonetheless, a significant one. I find that as the weather gets warmer, my hands can get quite greasy and sweaty because I spend a lot of the day writing at college holding a pen. If you find you are like me, then say hello to hand sanitiser! It is my saviour around this time as it dries up all grease and moisture on my hands; leaving them feeling fresh and clean. The Wild Fern hand sanitiser is an all time favourite as it smells delightful and summery, nonetheless, cheaper, just as good hand sanitisers are available in every drugstore. 

I hope this list has given you a few ideas for what you will be requiring this spring, I know it has for me as I've now gone and ordered about 5 items of clothing of this list! Let me know if there are any tricks, tips and trends that you are loving for this spring as I love to read about them. 

- Susie Roo

Life | Good Friday Dog Walk

Today, I went on the most looooooverly walk. It was one of those moments in life when you look around feeling quite content with the world and the people you are with; a lovely escape from the usual guilt, stress and anxiety that I often feel because I should be at home revising for AS levels. The weather wasn't amazing but warm enough to be comfortable. I got a few pretty photos of my puppy, the view and my mums boyfriend (sounds a bit weird ahaha) so I thought I would share with you all!

- Susie Roo

Review | Clinique 3 Step Introduction Kit

I looked in the mirror a few weeks ago and became overwhelmed with sadness at how poor my skin had gotten; it had always been so healthy, fresh looking while now It seemed to look drained and ill. I put it down to lack of sleep due to stressing for my exams. 

Nonetheless, I decided to look on the bright side (new skin care regime?!) and do some far and wide research into some new toners, cleaners and moisturisers. This 3 set product from clinique seemed to tick all my boxes and wasn't overly expensive for something I just wanted to "try out", so, I purchased it and here I am a few weeks later giving you my open and honest opinion. 

Liquid Facial Soap

I used this product first out the three and it truly is amazing! It leaves your skin feeling so fresh, clean and healthy. It doesn't make your skin feel too tight or over dry after use as well. 

Clarifying Lotion 2

This product didn't really overwhelm me if I am honest. Maybe I haven't been using it for long enough? I don't know. Furthermore, it stinks of alcohol and whenever I open it it makes me want to be sick (gross but true... sorry!).

NEW Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

I would say this was the worst product out of the three. It is quite greasy and heavy on the face. If you have extremely dry skin, maybe this would be suited to you but for me, I shall have to continue my hunt for the prefect moisturiser.  

I hope you have found my reviews helpful for when you go out and buy a few skincare products!

- Susie Roo

Favourites | March 2014

1. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

I first started using this powder a few years ago when I didn't want to cover my face with a liquid foundation and so I used this for light base to get rid of any uneven skin tone. I came across it in my sisters make up bad and decided to "borrow" it. Though my sister got a tad angry at me for taking it, I do not regret my decision as it is my favourite product of all time. I used up all of hers and since then I have purchased it religiously as soon as it runs out and I use it day in and day out on it's own or on top of a liquid foundation. I can not fault this product and it will always be one of my favourites!

2. Home Sense

I could not get enough of this shop last month and probably will continue to love it for the rest of this year! I absolutely adore everything in the store - the cute little boxes, the photo frames, the bathroom appliances, the furniture, the candles, the mirrors... everything in the shop is perfect. I could spend endless hours looking around trying to find new, unique vintage items for my bedroom which will really make it look homely and nice, it truly is my heaven! Anyone that is thinking of redecorating or just planning on buying a few bits and bobs for around the house I would definitely recommend this shop. Furthermore, it is an "outlet" store so you always find those cheeky bargains which would be 4x the price somewhere else! 

A few items I have brought from Home Sense:

2 x Vintage Boxes in Duck Egg Blue

White Desk Lamp

3. Mini Twirl Bites

I came across these while shopping in sainsburys the other week and they were on a deal so I decided to purchase them. They are exactly like twirls but smaller which I love because you can eat a few and it isn't too sickly... even though I usually end up eating the whole packet anyway. As you can see from the photo, I have nearly finished eating my way through this packet and its actually my second packet of the week but oh well!

Yeah, so that is it for this blog post because I have to go and do some revision for my exams which are next month... ahh!

- Susie Roo