HEATWAVE ESSENTIALS

I'm pretty sure all the British public have been talking about for the past week is the 'heatwave' that hit us - and it was some of the best weather we have had in years, so, I had to prepare myself pretty quickly and this checklist-esque post should spare you the panic when the sun next hits.

The most obvious would be SPF. I love the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL for my face as it is super lightweight, and has an SPF of 50 so makes sure you are fully protected, and works well under makeup (the most makeup I manged during the heat was brows and mascara, but for a daily basis). I also have the Ultrasun Ultralip balm, an SPF lipbalm because I had sunburnt lips once, and I will take all costs to ensure that happens never again. For my body, I'll tend to use whatever we have in the house but I quite like the Boots Soltan Dry Touch Lotion for reference. I picked up the Sephora Softening Face Mist last year in Madrid, and it is still very handy for when you need a quick refresh.

Another pretty clear essential is sunglasses - and I have quite the stash for when they are needed, but at the moment this lightly rounded giraffe/tortoise shell framed pair from Primark are my current favourites, and cost a mere £2. This bandeau bikini is also from Primark (£6 in a set with corresponding bottoms) and is pretty good at maximising the tan in the garden - and the slightly slimmer centre makes it really flattering.

The headphones are pretty self explanatory, but when in the garden I like to listen to music either on Spotify or some of the songs I have on iTunes (they have to be pretty special to be purchased and the majority of my playlist is Kanye West albums), but at the moment I'm quite enjoying the slightly older album from him - Graduation. Another pass time is painting my nails in a bright nail polosh, I've got Color Club Bright Night and Ciaté Play Date shown here; great sandal colours. I also have a hair oil there, because my thick hair tends to suffer a little when it gets hot (more so on holiday and near pools/beaches, but it's best for me to keep the moisture up anyway), and its the Got2B Oil-Licious one, and is super softening to the hair.

What have your beatuy/fashion essentials been recently during the heat surge?

THE HAIRCARE REVAMP

As I have recently been getting more and more into hair care, I thought it'd be a good time as the seasons are changing to show what has been making the cut (excuse the pun) for my locks recently.

The first thing isn't exactly a product, but these hair bands have been reached for quite regularly. I don't know what they are called, but basically they are designed to keep your hair secure in a ponytail, without leaving any kinks or damage once removed. They make having my hair up look a little nicer too, as the tied ends style seems to make my hair look quite cute and sweet.

My hair had a rather dry phase recently so I was itching to get my hands on a hair mask that would add in some moisture again. The Wen Pomegranate Re-Moist Intensive Hair Treatment* is literally the thickest hair mask I have laid eyes on, and it definitely adds some sort of nourishment there.

For days that I need to blow dry my hair, of course I don't want to add to the dryness, so I have been opting for the Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist in order to keep my hair protected from the heat from the hair dryer. Before drying (whether this is naturally or with a hair dryer too), I like to use the Wen Sweet Almond Mint Replenishing Treatment Mist* from the mid-lengths to the ends of my hair as I really like using this as a de-tangler. My only issue is the extremely minty smell but it goes away after a few minutes.

Finally, I have been really enjoying twisting my hair up to create heatless curls overnight, which Megan explains well here,  and so on the days that I want them looking a little more beachy and wavy, I have been spritzing the L'Oreal TXT Volume Supersizing Spray to the curls and scrunching them a little until I have the desired effect.

The real question is though, will I finally cave for the bloggers' shoulder length cut?