Little Lottie: aloe vera

Friday, 24 April 2015

Face of the Month


Hello beauties. I've been really switching up my makeup base lately between mineral foundations and mixing my own tinted moisturisers but I think I've finally settled on my everyday face for this time of year.

I wanted to keep things as sheer as possible because the sun has been out and the 'melted cake face look' isn't a good one! No matter what base I've worn, my trusty Lily Lolo Mineral Concealer is the perfect partner in crime. (read my review of the concealer here) 

Step 1 // Moisturise
To create a dewy base I've been moisturising with Jojaba Oil, this was too heavy for my skin at first and made me oily but using a couple of drops, rubbing it in my hands then gently patting it on seems to do the trick.



Step 2 // Prime
Priming with Aloe Vera Gel is so easy, it minimises pores and absorbs into the skin so quickly which makes a perfect smooth base.

Step 3 // Base
I've fallen back in love with my Body Shop Tea Tree BB Cream. The coverage is better than most and it benefits the skin whilst it's on.

Step 4 // Conceal
A mineral concealer gives great coverage and lasts all day, it saves having to use powder to set makeup and is great for a 'soft focus' look, especially under the eyes. I find Lily Lolo has slightly more coverage and better shade choices than Bare Minerals, it's also much cheaper! I apply it with the Eco Tools Concealer Brush.

Step 5 // Minimal eye makeup
For my spring/summer eyes I have been saving a lot of time by just using my FAVOURITE ever mascara, Maybeline The Great Lash in Very Black on the top lashes only, with a clear mascara on the bottom to separate. Sometimes I leave it at that but might add a small line of eyeliner on the outer corner to create the illusion of thicker lashes. The Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Liner is my current favourite.



Step 6 // Bold lips 
Because there is no colour on the eyes or cheeks this is the perfect time to whip out those bold lippies. Although Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 08 is quite safe I am totally in love with it. I wanted a Kylie Jenner colour without going to Mac (as they test on animals.) The lipstick really does last and seems to leave a slight stain on my lips without wearing off completely until I take my makeup off.





The look is so quick and simple, just what I need in the mornings before a full day in the office. All the products are fairly natural and allow my skin to breath during the day.

A selfie of the finished look

Leave a comment with your favourite look.
Little Lottie
XO

Friday, 17 April 2015

My Secret Skincare Weapon



Natural skincare is the best. I can't even fathom to think of the crap I put on my skin. I've definitely learnt my lesson and switched things up over the years including vital ingredients like Aloe Vera!

Aloe Vera gel comes from a plant, when you peel an aloe leaf apart you will find the pure gel inside. It is an incredible at healing and soothing. I discovered it after a bad case of sunburn and the redness turned to tan overnight, I couldn't believe it, no peeling or soreness. The cold gel felt lush, so I thought hey, I'm going to slap this on my face and I have been doing it ever since.

If you don't have an aloe plant hanging about then you can pick up the gels pretty cheap, just make sure there aren't many added ingredients to the gel. I use the Aloe Pura range which is 99.9% pure aloe! You can pick it up for around £5 in Superdrug and Holland and Barrett.


The gel dries very quickly on the skin and I usually pop some moisturiser over the top but stick to a routine of using the plain aloe during the day and the gel with added tea tree at night. You can also use it in your hair for a mask or on any burn to cool and heal it.

I love budget beauty treasures. Share yours in the comments.

Happy Friday beauties.

Little Lottie
XO


Friday, 27 February 2015

Hair Care Routine


After switching to using more natural skin care and makeup products I turned my attention to my hair. My main problems were dry ends from my old blonde days and a sensitive scalp.

SLS is a foaming agent used A LOT in the beauty world, especially in cleansers and shampoos. I knew it dried my face skin out so I decided to cut it out of my shampoo too. Silicone is another ingredient to avoid as it can leave a coating on the hair and scalp.

I must admit it took me a while to research and come up with a product that actually had good reviews that didn't have all the "nasties" in it but Faith in Nature was a brand that came up repeatedly. I already trust the brand and their moisturiser is a must in my skincare routine so my lovely fiance bought me the Aloe Vera set.



I can hands down say I may not stray from these products ever again, my hair is so manageable now! My scalp isn't irritable or itchy anymore, my hair doesn't get greasy for at least 3 days and it is super soft and frizz free.

My hair is layered and was ombred using Jerome Russel 

I love the smell and so does my other half, I've even got my mum using it. The shampoo and conditioner also comes in some many more scents I'm keen to try like the lavender one for night showers, the pineapple set for morning showers and the chocolate for a pamper night.

Buy yours here!


I'm using a few drops of Jojaba oil on damp hair after a shower for extra shine and frizz taming. I also pop this on my ends between washes which works wonders!



Buy yours here!

Top tips:
Use a wooden hair brush to drag oils from your scalp down to your ends and promote hair growth
Never brush hair when it's wet
Tie your hair up over night so it isn't dried out by your cotton pillow cases
Don't wash your hair every day, it strips the natural oils from your hair and scalp

I hope this can help some of you solve your hair dilemmas. 
Follow for more beauty and lifestyle tricks.
Happy Friday
Little Lottie  
X