Skincare Routine: Cheap and Cheerful

Simple Spotless Face Wash - £3.75

5 STARS

I have been using simple products for a fair while now. When I was 14/15 years old I had pretty good skin, so good that I could use products purely on the fact that they "smelt good" and "looked pretty". I was using the Neutrogena grapefruit wash and scrub. At this time in my life, these products were GREAT. They kept my skin clear and they smelt amazing. However, around year 11 I started to get spots one after the other on my face and the Nutrogena products were not working as they should. I did research on different products and quickly realised that my skin needed something that didn't have the added extras like perfumes/ colourings and unnecessary chemicals. Simple was probably that only face wash out there (in my price range) that just had what my skin needed. I have used this product ever since and I can say it has never let me down! Easy to apply and wash off and because it is the 'spotless' range it has all the natural ingredients to help keep your face clear. 

ST.IVES NATURALLY CLEAR BLEMISH FIGHTING SCRUB (that was a mouthful) - £4.19

5 STARS 

You can probably tell by the wonky tube that this stuff is GREAT! I have also been using this for a while and it is the most invigorating scrub that I have come across on the high street. A lot of people say that they don't like when scrubs are too harsh but I am totally the opposite, I like to feel like when I have exfoliated, every last bit of dirt or dry skin is off my face! 

Simple Toner - £3.29

3 STARS

I should have mentioned this earlier but I have normal - combination skin that can be sensitive at times. So there are areas of my face that are dry or oily and then also areas where it is just normal. I don't think I am the only person who has used a toner not knowing what it is for...at first I just bought it because it was part of the skin care range and I thought I was supposed to have it. Little did I know that this was perfect for my type of skin. Toners help remove oils off the skin and tighten the pores. I have to say I have used the body shop tea tree and seaweed toner before and as good as body shop products are...my skin just isn't a fan of them. The products were just too concentrated for my skin. This is why the simple toner really worked for me, it only contained what was necessary and doesn't dry out my skin at all. Although it does take a few cotton pads to get everything of my face...or maybe that because I go OTT when the make up comes out?

Simple Rich Moisturiser - £4.00

4 STARS

Yes, I am a fan of simple! This just does what it says on the bottle. I did use to use the 'lightweight moisturiser' but I felt like my skin needed extra moisture so I opted for the 'rich moisturiser' version and from the day I started using this version, I have had less spots, less dry areas and a more clear complexion. Moisture is so important for healthy clear skin so it is worth finding one that works for you. 

Antiseptic Treatment  - £2.99

4 STARS

This is a new treatment that I have been trying  alongside my current routine. I use the antiseptic treatment directly after I wash my face or 3-4 times as day on a particular spot and I apply this with a cotton bud or pad.  This gets rid of any germs or bacteria that is just sitting on your face and leads to much better results than if you were to pick it! (as I learned the hard way). I would definitely invest in this stuff...there are loads of brands and will be sold in any pharmacy. Just be careful with any open wounds as that could sting like a mother..

Vitamin E Oil - £4.99

4 STARS

You may have seen Vitamin E products in The Body Shop or in Boots. Vitamin E basically speeds up the skins healing process,  reduces scarring and moisturisers.  Really great for any type of skin! Especially mine which I have damaged over the years! This really does work wonders when used over a good enough amount of time.

Finding whats right for your skin may take a months or longer. Tackle the problems that your skin has and research the most natural way to prevent/ stop or clear it. Theres nothing more that our skin loves than a natural solution! 

Sade 

February Favourites

Gone Girl

I haven't read a lot of books, I don't know if it because I am not a book person OR because I am just overwhelmed with the amount of books out there and just do not know where to start...probably a bit of both, But Christmas gifted me with 'Gone Girl'. I had heard some good reviews and decided to start reading this when I returned to uni. This book is incredible! its hard to put down. The only downfall is that there is a movie out and it was so tempting to watch it. I gave in 2/3 into the book but I did finish the book as the book always seems to be better. 

Maybeline Master Precise Eyeliner

This has been a favourite since I can remember. Eyeliner is probably one of my favourite pieces of make-up. its quick and easy and makes all the difference! The master precise is a brush so it is easy to apply and to create the perfect cat eye. I have use a gel liner in the past by Rimmel which was also very good, it just takes a little longer to apply so it is not as convenient for me. 

Maybeline Lash Sensational Mascara

I am not going to lie. I have never be bothered about what mascara I use, I just normally look to get the newest one on offer #BarginBetty. That is how I came across this mascara. I don't normally like plastic applicators as they never seem to separate or build the mascara on to lashes but there is an exception and it literally gives me such long looking lashes...don't get me wrong, still not as good as on the adverts!... but good in comparison to what I have used before.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer and Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer

There are two favourite concealers of the month, both Rimmel and when I picked them up, the shop assistant told I had picked up the best ones! before these two I never really used concealer. The Rimmel Lasting Finish has amazing coverage, I would suggest going a shade lighter than your natural colour just to lighten up these areas ad make the coverage and colour of your foundation a lot more consistent. The Match Perfection Concealer is more for under the eyes, so it not a heavy consistentsey, its light weight and brightens up the eyes, the great thing about this one is that it can also be used as a highlighter as well. 2 in 1's tend to only do one job that they promote but the Match Perfection works well as both concealer and highlighter.

Simple Kind To Skin Day Cream

A life saver and necessity of any skin care routine! I haven't had great skin for a while and this moisturiser combined with drinking more water has improved my skin dramatically. I prefer to use products for my face that have no added extras as I think fragrances and only irritate my skin.

Smashbox Lipgloss: Disco Rose

WELL. This wasn't mine but it is now (thanks sis). This colour is just perfect for daytime make-up/ evening make-up, it is an allrounder. If I bought this I would say it was a bargain. It is long lasting and not sticky, thats all girls want from a lip gloss and it does the job! 

Victorias Secret Fragrance Mist: Coconut Passion

Any fragrance is a welcomed from me. But I do like to have something I can just carry around in my bag that isn't too overpowering. This was part of a birthday gift and although I would never normally opt for a coconut fragrance, this is sweet enough and light enough for an everyday fragrance. 

Catwalk Hair Cream

discovered this brand a few years ago when I went on holiday. One of the girls I went with also had curly hair and had the most amazing hair routine I have ever been a witness to. If you have curly hair then you will know the struggle to find a product that enhances your curly hair without making in crispy, sticky or greasy. It is a REAL struggle and this product makes your curls shiny and smooth without all the other hassle. Catwalk has so many more products worth trying. Another one I recommend is the Curls Rock Amplifier, it basically does the same thing but the product is a lot thicker and can be applied to wet and dry hair.

Colours Of The City

Its funny how London is seen as one of the greatest cities in the world but living here, we do not take advantage of the small pieces of beauty that surround us everyday. I am intrigued by the idiosyncrasies of London, the things you wouldn't look twice at if you were on a bus journey. However, if you look closer, there are small characteristics in every area of London that make you appreciate it...only if you look long enough. 

SXDE TXWO 

Redesigning The Past

Thanks to Margaret for doing all of this in minus degree weather! 

sxde txwo

Guide To Securing Internships: Fashion Student Edition

What do we want?

Fashion Internships!

When do we want them?

Now!

For most of us fashion students the hardest part about starting our career is getting the 30+ years experience employers want before they hire you (Oh, and this is all before you reach the age of 25). So I have compiled a thorough guide on internships available and tips and tricks to help you get them. Remember, employers like people with a wide range of skills so be open minded when applying for internships.

WHAT INTERNSHIPS SHOULD I APPLY FOR?

For me, I have come to realise that as someone who wants to work in the creative industry I should grab every opportunity I get to build on my experience, even if it isn't directly what I want to do. Say you want to be a designer, an internship in a print studio would only make you a more rounded and appealing to an employer. Experience in other area will not harm your chances of getting into the industry, but NO experience will! 

WHERE DO YOU FIND INTERNSHIPS?

Job Websites

It's an old folk myth that fashion internships are hard to find. After going on an internship spree I discovered some pretty impressive websites that offer internships in all areas of the industry. But despite the positive side, going through all the internships can take HOURS so make a day of it, have some trashy TV on in the background and take your time narrowing down the ones you actually want to apply for.

www.fashionworkie.com
www.internmagazine.co.uk
www.indeed.co.uk
www.fashionunited.co.uk
www.gothinkbig.co.uk

Brand Career Websites

There are a few branded internship opportunities which would be incredible opportunities for any fashion student as some of them are overseas. I'll leave the links below to each one I have come across.

HnM - Stockholm
All Saints - England
Levis - San Francisco

Magazines

If living the real life Devil Wears Parada is a personal dream of yours then one of these magazine internships would be perfect! Send a tailored CV and Cover Letter to the chosen company. Also be aware that Conde Nast and Heart (Conde Nast are own the renowned Vogue and Hearst owns ELLE) only allow you to have one internship with them so choose which company you want to work with wisely!

Conde Nast Company

Vogue - vogue-editorial@condenast.co.uk

GLAMOUR - amy.warren@condenast.co.uk or charlotte.lewis@condenast.co.uk

Hearst Company

Cosmo - work.experience@cosmopolitan.co.uk

ELLE - gillian.brett@elleuk.com  

Harpers Bazaar - info@harpersbazaar.co.uk

Other

New! - jodie.spragg@express.co.uk

Business Of Fashion - info@businessoffashion.com

REISS - Careers@reiss.co.uk

Social Media

Twitter - We underestimate the power of social media! all you have to do it type 'fashion internship' or 'fashion work experience' into the twitter search bar and you are guaranteed to find 5-10 internship placements

Instagram - I personally have only used Instagram once or twice but there are a number of smaller brands looking for fashion design studio assistants, just search #fashionintern. Any experience is good experience!

TIPS ON HOW TO APPLY

• Research The Brand: As well as knowing the brand for the interview, you need to know the brand for yourself! It will help you judge weather the internship is for you or not. 
• Find Out What The Brand Wants: This will help you when it comes to addressing the brand in your tailored CV and Cover Letter.
• Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Tailor your CV and Cover Letter. These companies receive 1000's of CV's everyday, personalise yours and address the company personally, this will make a big difference! 

Good Luck! 

Sxde Txwo 

Camden & Cantalowes

Last Week my friend Margaret and myself took to Camden in hope of sourcing some sort of inspiration for our first university project. Of course we took the generic odd-angled architectural photographs but then we came across a playground in the residential area of Camden, Cantelowes Park. We became less interested in the tourist destination of Camden and more interested in the actual community that makes Camden what it is.

Camden has built a very strong reputation for itself, being the town of all things weird and wonderful but it was refreshing to see the other side to Camden.

One of the main sporting areas in this playground was the skatepark. What I loved about this area was that everyone had their own style and although it may have looked dated, 90's is a an underlying trend at the moment within street style. The skating area was commanded by cropped trousers, ripped skinnies and graphic tees. All elements unique to this area but still intriguing and inspiring as design details. 

Cantelowes is a community of diverse people who come together for this one mutual interest. Theres no judgement on who is wearing the most branded clothing or judgement on where you come from. Which is probably the reason why everyone is comfortable expressing their own style. 

I have chosen some of my favourite photographs that I took that i think really embody the community of Cantelowes Park, Camden.