Ok, let’s not beat around the bush, my photography isn’t the greatest. I don’t have a big fancy camera, or even a steady hand. But hey ho, here we go. I’d never really thought about going to Menorca, because on the surface it doesn’t have much “culture” to offer… and I’m not normally one for just sitting round a pool. But honestly, for a chilled out break it was the most perfect place.

The photos here are from Cala’n Bosch, Menorca which served as our main base, the surrounding beaches and the old capital of Menorca: Ciutedella. From Cala’n Bosch it cost about €4 return to the capital, and the buses all had signs inside stating in Spanish and English what stop would be next, so it really easy to navigate. In the old capital, there is a stunning Cathedral and Convent to visit, as well as lots of shops and architecture to enjoy. Just FYI though, it turns out that quite a few of the surrounding beaches are popular with nudists. So prepare to see a lot of bums bobbing along as the locals enjoy snorkling! We stayed at Roc Lago Park, which was a maximum of  30 seconds away from the harbour – which served as the main place for restaurants and nightlife. We went self-catering so we had the freedom to explore a bit more, and two main meals and drinks often came below €30. Most of the bars closed between 11 – 12.30am, however as they sell a jug of sangria for two (which contains about 5 glasses of wine each) for an average of €12 at most bars it felt late enough.

According to a study by Avon, 64% of us gals associate red lipstick with Hollywood icons and classic beauty looks. Which isn’t that bad for one item of make up is it? I mean if I asked you what or who you associate blusher with I bet it would be a bit of a struggle. So why are women so scared of red lipstick?

Personally I love a red lip, or any statement lip really. When Kylie Jenner showcased a product that was both black and metallic blue I nearly swooned then and there on the spot. When I’m getting ready in the morning, my lips are my last – and arguably – favourite part. They make me feel empowered, fun and bring some colour to my otherwise pasty complexion. I figure that’s why I was so saddened by the next part of Avon’s study… 7% of us wouldn’t regularly wear red lipsticks to work meetings and a whopping 54% of us feel “to shy” to wear it at all.

People claim that while it gives someone a look of confidence, it would seem unprofessional (though a new study also claims that in order to be paid more, women should wear make up.) Others site it is too overtly sexual and that they are afraid of the attention it may bring.

I do in part, understand the attention bit. I have at some point had my lipstick penchant mentioned directly in almost every environment I habitually visit. From colleagues calling it brave, boss’s praising its reappearance after an absence (even I tend to shy away from bright lips when feeling run down and with a nose redder than Rudolph’s) to men saying they’ve rarely seen me without it. However, to my knowledge at least – I mean let’s be honest, people may be saying something different when I walk out of the room – I’ve never had anyone imply negative connotations because of my look. Most of the comments come from women, women in my circle who would also comment if I had some false nails or chopped off my hair into a bob. Women in my circle who understand that a red lipstick has more means than come hither.

According to a lot of the buzz surrounding this survey, women are afraid people think they have worn it for men. However in my opinion, the same thing could be said about many make up products, clothes and shoes. You don’t hear of many people being to afraid of skinny jeans when the argument of ‘wearing them for men’ could so easily applied – “they cling to your figure and make your ass look amazing, of course you must be wearing them for men”

I first fell in love with red lipstick accidentally – I didn’t expect that days purchase to look so bright, and admittedly my confidence did have a bit of a wobble. However it soon started to lend itself to my confidence, making me feel as sassy and kick ass as the women who rocked it in 50’s Hollywood. So I’m not telling you to start wearing it, because who am I to tell you to change your look? What I am saying is this: If you’ve ever, even for a silly small moment wanted to try a red lipstick. Try it. You never know where it may take you.

When Asian beauty first started having a moment, I’ve got to admit I was intrigued. The products, theories and downright novel packaging all seemed exciting… I was especially drawn to the idea of South Korean skin care routines, or So-Ko as it is known.

If you’re a fairly well off South Korea, skin care is taken so seriously you start visiting the family facialist from the age of ten up wards, it is rumoured. South Koreans take their skin care to an almost religious level, with the whole premise based on layering – because you can’t have too much of a good thing right?

Technically you’re supposed to have roughly 10 steps in a So-Ko skin care routine, but LOL… who has the time for that every day? I’ve got mine to around 6 steps, but I am very tempted by the new L’Oreal Clay face masks. Although this may sound sinful, I’m yet to try a toner. I know… I should just quit now, and go live in a cave – taking my untoned face with me. I guess having fairly sensitive, dry skin; toners have always scared my slightly. #Whimp

Anyway, let’s move on before we get tempted and ooops, here’s another delivery arriving at the door that includes clay masks and toners that will probably not be used. Or at least not used often enough.

After the normal ablutions in the bathroom, I’ve been applying Garnier’s UltraLift day time moisturiser (which FYI is currently on offer at Boots). I’ve been using this one for what feels like a life time, because it doesn’t seem to irritate me at all, doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and absorbs super-fast. Like ridiculously fast. There’s no time for day dreaming with this moisturizer.

After this I apply L’Oreal’s Extraordinary Face Oil. I’ve got to admit, I was a bit dubious about using this as it does smell very perfumed, however I’ve not had any reaction to it and teamed with the moisturizer it makes my skin feel so soft and bright I’ve even been tempted to go foundation free on some days. When I am wearing foundation this oil makes it go on so dreamily, and I tend to use less of it as a result.

I’ve yet to find an eye cream that is light enough for during the day, and being a normal person with a job, can’t be bothered with a sheet mask every morning. So um yeah, that’s the first few steps at the start of the day. That said if you’ve got any recommendations for a day eye cream, hook a girl up?

In the evening, I take off my make up using Garniers Skin Naturals Softening and Cleansing Lotion. It feels so smooth and creamy that for once with make up removers I don’t fear loosing my eyelashes whilst battling with mascara. I then go on to use Garnier’s Micellar Water. The idea behind this is that the water based remover, will remove any impurities left behind by the creamier one. To be fair though, both do a stellar job on their own. The Skin Naturals Softening and Cleansing Lotion feels more lux and relaxing on a night, but can’t compete with how fresh the Micellar Water one leaves your skin feeling. Like seriously, I didn’t believe a face could feel this fresh, it feels like you’ve spent the last hour nestled in a fridge surrounded by cucumbers. In a good way, obviously.

I then apply Garnier’s UltraLift eye cream. Again I’ve been using this babe for eons, I’ve never really read the blurb though so honestly can’t tell you if it is supposed to be a night eye cream or day one, however for my taste it is bit too heavy for the mornings. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin as such, but definitely takes too long to absorb for you to be able to throw on some liquid eyeliner straight after.

The last step (and my favourite) is then Garnier’s UltraLift night cream, its heavier than the day version and you have to properly massage it in or risk looking shiny for a while. Just applying it makes me feel oh so relaxed and it smells quite nice to according to the boyfriend.

I aimed to keep this routine up for a month, but thought it would be a battle. It sounds like a bit of a faff when you just want to crawl into bed. That said, I am now a convert. Having such a structured ritual in both the morning and the evening helps me mentally gear up or wind down respectively whereas my skin has never felt healthier. It looks pretty darn good too, glowing on the days I’ve applied the products, but pretty peachy on the odd day I’ve skipped. My makeup also seems to sit better and last longer, while I’m still using eyeshadow primer daily (cos gurrl ain’t about them creases) I could be charged with neglect for my face primer. It’s lying sadly lonesome in the bottom drawer of my beauty stand feeling all purposeless.

So would I recommend So-Ko skin care? Definitely. Does it stop you aging? I guess we’ll have to wait and see for that one.

Reading this back, with all the mentions of Garnier it does sound a little tiny bit like a sponsored post – but it’s not, I’m just a bit of a Garnier fan girl, k?

Not gunna lie to your babes, this post is purely inspired by the fact I’ve got a new bag. It’s black, white and structured and makes me feel so darn grown up and professional, as opposed to all the brightly coloured and novelty bags I have.

Changing work bags mean that I had to do unthinkable and actually sort out what was in my last go to bag. I know, I’m a brave soul. Other than receipts from long forgotten buys, and the odd post it note that has sneaked itself in there to escape the office. Here’s what I feel the need to cart round every day.

1. Purse

This ones fairly self-explanatory, right guys?  Though insider tip it does include an out of date student card, and a loyalty card to hairdressers. So if you fancy half price off your third next cut and colour, that’s probably the thing to steal.

2. Hand cream

Have I told you I’m slightly in love with hand cream? If not… I’m slightly in love with hand cream. I have a tube sat directly under my computer screen at work and if I’m sat talking to you on the phone chances are I’m using that bad boy. Blame it on those paparazzi pics of Madonna’s claws. I also have some in my bag, ya know just for emergencies and that.

3. Hand sanatizer.

Because apparently I have a thing about hand care.

4. Bullet Journal

This is my constant companion for most days, it helps me feel on top of things and is there when inspiration strikes. I did write a whole post on this little hun, which you can read here.

5. Phone

Because obviously how am I going waste time without it?

6. Lipstick de jour.

The lipstick and lip liner I’m wearing today, because red lips just seem to be so high maintenance. Sigh. To be totally honest, there is probably yesterday’s lipstick somewhere in there too.

7. Compact mirror

With a self-facing camera on most phones, these are probably a little bit redundant. But snapping shut a compact does make you feel a little bit more like a 1950’s film star than just turning off a camera mode.

8. 3 Stolen Pens.

What’s that? You’ve lost all your pens? Not guilty.

9. Nakd Bar

I stumbled across these on a whim and figured they would taste like foam bananas from the penny sweet section. They don’t but they are the most intensely banana flavoured thing in existence. Plus they are one of your 5 a day, vegan and only 94 calories. Hand sanatiser and healthy snacks? I think I’ve managed to become a kid free soccer mom.

10. Nail Varnish

This is just pure laziness I tend to paint my nails on the sofa then stuff the polish in a hand bag rather than take it upstairs then and there, but whatyagonnado?

11. Book/Magazine

I’m not 100% on this, but I *think* this might be the reason every man asks why my bag is so heavy. To say I spend my lunch breaks at work surfing social media, I tend to have a book close to hand surprisingly often. I guess you can make a literature student graduate but you can’t break a habit.