SWIMWEAR SEASON

It's getting close to the summer holiday season yet again, and you can guarantee I am sweating it out in the gym most days a week in the hope of pulling together some sort of glowing bikini body in the next month or two (we'll see about that one), but there is no point of all the exercise if I don't have any bikinis to rock.

Most years, I really struggle to find a well fitting bikini, because my boob size to be honest isn't quite as proportional to the rest of my body and everything tends to look a bit off. But this year, I've found two perfectly fitting bikinis from ASOS, the one place I can pretty much always rely on. I'm not sure if these are still available as they were sale finds, but they have very similar styles anyway so it's worth a look.

The first is the Fuller Bust Girly Woodblock Print Marilyn Bikini, a triangle style which ties into a halter neck. I like this because of the thick band - it tends to offer me more support than similar style bikinis without it. I also love the pattern on this one - a pretty floral design in pastel shades.
The second is a little more intense, a mash up of animal print and floral designs - something I wouldn't usually go for, but unusually love. This is the Fuller Bust (these work best for me) Tropical Animal Moulded Plunge Bikini, yet again offering me lots of support. This also ties to a halterneck, and has underwire in proper cups for a more structured style than the former.

As I said, these fit perfectly, and I'll definitely be heading to the ASOS Swimwear if I am after any more for my holidays, and to be honest, knowing these pretty bikinis are waiting for me makes me work that extra bit harder at the gym...

HOLIDAY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

When you read this post, I'll be on holiday, hopefully basking in the sun and catching a nice tan to show off when I go back to sixth form, and of course that means it is warranted a dedicated post to the beauty products coming in my bag this year.

Of course, this is honestly in nearly all holiday posts I do, but it is the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF50, a facial SPF I have used for the past year and a half above any others. Although my family don't tend to be as bothered about the world of skincare, I much prefer to buy myself a bottle of this to prevent breakouts and get a much more facially targeted protective base. The Burts Bees Lip Balm might be coming with me if I don't get the chance to get an SPF lip balm before we go away, but this will do if not, because I genuinely cannot stand the feeling of burnt lips. I don't think I've ever been sunburnt apart from on my lips, and I plan to keep it that way whilst minimising the latter too.

I've also got the Bourjois Bronzing Primer because my face is always slightly paler than the rest of my body when tanned, so this'll help even everything out for that. The last base item is the Benefit High Beam mini - not only the best for travelling, but also a super glowy and natural looking highlighter that'll look so nice in the evenings with a light base and some mascara, and the Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paint in Golden Bronze - something a little more gold than I would usually go for but with a tan (you see how I've actually factored in a tan to each item?!)

Of course, I thought it'd be nice to have the option of a bright lip, and I chose the Wet n Wild Lipstick in Purty Persimmon. I mainly chose this because it is seriously long wearing - we are talking 8 hours or so, and I'll probably be eating at an almost constant rate on holiday, and paired with the summery coral red shade, this is the perfect option to take with me. On the theme of colour, I've also got the Illamasqua Nail Lacquer in Lament, a nearing neon pink but not too stand out, and one that'll be coveted on the fingers and toes this holiday.

What are your holiday essentials?

TWO WEEKS IN FLORIDA

 Yesterday I returned from my travels to Orlando, Florida with my family and grandparents from my Mum's side of the family. I had been building up to the trip on here for a few weeks during and prior to the holiday and I am so excited to share the pictures (somewhat random) and stories.

Something I noticed that I really love is how clean it is everywhere, no litter and there are always plants, flowers, and things to look at even when driving down the majority of the motorways. I experienced the Florida Mall (haul coming soon), the drugstores (more hauling), Daytona Beach, the Disney parks as well as the Universal parks. I spent money I'd been saving for weeks and basically had a great time.

My favourite meal was at an Italian that we visited twice called 'Carrabbas' pictured above where I delved into the Grilled Tuskan Skewers and Garlic Mashed Potato (which, if anyone was wondering was barely tasting of garlic, so I really enjoyed it). I also love the Rasperry Soda you can get in a lot of restaurants.

Another highlight was the day at Magic Kingdom where we stopped on Main Street in the evening to enjoy the night parade and fireworks - prior to which they projected clips of new and old Disney movies onto Cinderella's Castle. Something definitely worth taking time to watch if you are at the park.

I also enjoyed going round the World Showcase at the Epcot park which gives you a small insight to cultures of many different countries. My personal favourite is always the Japan area where me and my sister got these adorable Sanrio characters (I do love a bit of Hello Kitty now and then).

So, I've tanned, I've shopped, I've ridden the rides, and now the only thing left to do is beat the jet lag (tips would be helpful)...

 

HOLIDAY BEAUTY HAULING

First thing first (I'm the realest - I joke), you may be wondering why I haven't posted for almost a week, well, I was in Madrid soaking up the sun and hitting up the sights (as well as the shops), and now I am reporting back with a haul whilst trying to inspect whether I tanned or not.

Megan and I were on the hunt for a Sephora from day one and although I didn't get too much it was nice to experience a Sephora for the first time and pick a few bits. The first was the Sephora Honey Fiber Mask which I used the day I got it, and really want to try more sheet masks now. I also picked out a Soothing Facial Mist for the face as it was very hot which kind of made me buy it immediately, as well as buying the Waterproof Eye Maker Remover as the one I took with me on the trip was frankly awful. Last but not at all least from Sephora was Nails Inc Porchester Square, the cult classic, or 'hero shade' which cost me a tiny 6 euros - it would be stupid to leave it.

In Zara I got the Woman Cherry Perfume which smells so good, and for a 50ml bottle it only cost me 4.95 euro, and yet again it was a bargainous find. In a shop called Tiger which I think is in the UK too, I got some eyelash curlers and a spoolie for a euro a piece so I look forward to giving them a go. The rings aren't beauty but I got them from Bershka (as well as some other clothing... fashion haul?)

Finally, I spent the some left over money from the In Flight magazine, and chose the Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain/Just Bitten Kissable trio, containing Honey, Sweetheart and Rendezvous. I already had Honey but it was looking a little worse for wear and in need of a replacement, and I previously had my eye on one called Lovesick but Sweetheart is fairly similar and Rendezvous is just a nice summer addition to the lip collection and I don't really own many orange lip colours.

So, perhaps I need to refrain from spending for a while, as I do need to save for a trip to America later this year (hitting up the makeup shops once again), so perhaps a full spending ban is on the cards...

PRE HOLIDAY HAULING

My trip to Madrid is getting crazy close, and Megan and I are beginning to get into the holiday spirit, and to do so I have been doing a spot of hauling, and of course a stop at the minis section...

Being in land, the temperatures are going to be pretty hot *touch wood* and my skin needs some serious protection. I ordered the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light SPF50+ from Feel Unique and I gave it a trail run the other weekend, and I really like it so far. It's light, almost like moisturiser texture and isn't greasy on the skin at all. My only complaint is the small bottle, as this normally costs £16 for 50ml, but I got it for £11 on offer.

I also got some scrunchies from Primark for £1.50 in a pack of a plain pink and a floral. I thought these would spice up a simple wavy ponytail in summer. I also found the NSpa Jasmine and White Must Body Fragrance in ASDA and although it smells good, I often think its a touch too musky for the summer so perhaps I need something a little more fruity for my getaway.

As for minis, there was some kind of 3 for £4 offer I believe, so of course I had to get a Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo as when the heat gets to my hair, it's going to get greasy. I also got the Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner and these smell pretty good too. Last but not least, is the Original Source Lemon Shower Gel, as if I need waking up in the mornings this'll be sure to do so with the szesty scent.

What have you been hauling for summer?

SUMMER HOLIDAY PREP

It's coming to that time of year that some of you may be jetting off to somewhere sunny on a mini break or a holiday, (I am going to Madrid soon, which I am very excited about), and so I have been starting to think about how I am going to prep for the getaway, so why not make it into a post... Brace yourselves, it's rather lengthy.

Tanning: I am quite lucky when it comes to tanning, I tan easily even with SPF50 on, but sometimes if your legs have been stuck in jeans for a long time over the previous seasons you may be reaching for the faux glow in an attempt to avoid blinding everyone with your limbs. I have 2 offerings for you, a pretty hardcore one - the Vita Liberata pHenomenal Long Lasting Tan Mousse Medium*  which supposedly lasts for 2-3 weeks but has a lengthy application process. For me, this is quite dark, but I wouldn't say it isn't natural and it fades nicely anyway.. For something more hydrating and gradual I have been soaking up the Garnier Summer Body Sun Kissed Look Moisturising Lotion (these two get the awards for longest product names), but honestly I love the subtle hint of tint this gives.

Manicure: I hate feet, so this'll make me cringe typing, but there is nothing you want less than cracking out the sandals and having chipped nails, so you want something long lasting. I recently got sent the Fuse Gelnamel Set* but wasn't happy with the results (they looked dull and thick, and I ended up peeling them off in sheets the next morning), so I suggest opting for a good topcoat instead. Throw on some cuticle oil like this Sinful Colours one (which smells divine) and some Soap and Glory Heel Genius and you are good to go.

Body: Removing the hair on your limbs is a good way to start, and I prefer waxing as it lasts longer for me, but if not, take a razor and a mini shaving foam - the Satin Care Apricot offering smells amazing, and you should be able to avoid looking like a yak on your holidays as well as being able to sort out any patches you may have missed beforehand... we've all been there. 

Skin: If your ditching the makeup in the daytime when poolside, you want your skin to be in good condition. Get yourself into a good routine a few weeks before - using a serious mask like the Origins Clear Improvement the night before will most likey bring all the blemishes to the surface, and also use something like Effaclar Duo [+] from La Roche Posay as a further treatment if need me.

So, prep sorted, now time to scour the mini's in Boots and depot all the skincare stash...

Cyprus

Hi guys!

Sometimes, we need to relax and have no stress for a few days.

I did just that in this past few days when I visited Ayia Napa in Cyprus for 10 days. It was great.

The B-E-A-UTIFUL view from my hotel room!

Besides the fact that I witnessed kids eating their own bogeys on lilos in the middle of the pool, I think I broke my toe, and that 3 times we ordered drinks, something went wrong - the good points definitely outweighed the bad on this holiday.

Looking a little damaged after a few days.. 

This kept me company on the plane! See what I did there?

 I've tanned up, besides wearing factor 50 SPF, and now the Maybelline BB Cream matches me. I'm happy. I'm not one to burn, I just go brown. I also bought some great presents for my friends, and also for myself - I'm a sucker for tourist shops, and I have no problem with buying cheap tat at times, I find it fun.

Over my holiday, I got to my goal of 75 followers, only to remember that GFC is soon to be leaving, so click that bloglovin' button over there at the right, if you would like to stay up to date with The Beau Bow!

Flowers in the middle of the motorway?

We hired a car for 3 days, and saw many, many sights. We went to the mountains in Troodos, and we visited the capital - Nicosia for a day, and also crossed over to the Turkish side of the country, it was fun. We also explored Ayia Napa a bit, visiting a few pretty beaches, whilst trying not to get caught up with some of the people who were on their path to only one place - the clubbing square. I avoided that area, we walked through once, but only at a safe hour, where there wasn't much going on.

It was HOT.

The hotel was lovely, and it was my first all inclusive experience. It was great. I could walk up to the pool bar, the restaurant buffet, or the snack bar, or anywhere in the hotel that served food/drinks, and get it without incurring any costs. The staff were so friendly! I spent quite a lot of unexpected time in the pool, because of the extraordinary temperatures, reaching up to 32 degrees one day!

Overall, I had a great holiday, and now, even with not a lot of sleep due to a late night flight home, I am ready to start posting again!

I hope to do more of these 'lifestyle' kind of posts, as I really enjoyed writing this one - let me know if that is something you would like to see!

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Thanks for reading,

Lauren x

Off on Holiday - 10 Days of No Posts?

Hi guys!

As you may already know, I am off on holiday today/tomorrow, and I am really quite excited about it. With all the stress of packing and last minute rushes to the shops, I haven't had time to write any posts to publish while I am there or to have any time to organise guest posts.

Then I sat, and thought to myself... I want this to be a holiday, full of relaxation and stress free. Nothing like tapping my foot in the hotel lobby while waiting to try and publish a post using the WiFi, or trying to manage an email inbox full of bloggers wanting to guest post.

So, I hope you understand, that we all need a break, and I will be back very soon (10 days!), and I should be posting then!

Would you like to see a 'lifestyle' type post if I collect lots of pictures?

Thanks for reading, and if you are new here, please follow, I am trying to get to 75 by the time I am back!

Lauren x

Just a sneaky peak of an OOTD coming in the next couple of weeks!