November Issue

Long time no blog. October was just mental. No sugar coating in here folks. While I honestly think it went by in a blink of an eye, I also feel that it lasted forever. Assessments, work, volunteering a few hangovers here and there from some nights with friends .. it all took over my life. Now, November is finally here and while I write this, a crowd is over at the Glasgow Green area for the fireworks (it's the 4th of November, just so you know) which, another year I missed and I have never been to since I moved to Scotland. Shame on me. But, this month awaits and here are the plans and goals I have set to myself:

First, trying to get MORE organised. I am pretty sure this was included in my last Issue but things aren't still quite like how I would like them to be and doing essays at the very last minute or not having time to post not even once a week is something that is just not right. 

On the other hand, what is definitely right is me going on a spending ban. It is indeed a bit ridiculous to even do this doing Christmas but I've started about a month ago and I am not giving in. Obviously, this does not include any purchases made for Christmas presents and I will still allow myself a little treat. It's also worth mentioning that this means no make-up or skincare will be bought. There's an in and out system in place and I really must use up what I've got. I'll be sharing my thoughts here on the blog. 

To go together with the spending ban, I am also going on a selling spree on Depop. I will be having a massive clear out and more things will be added over the next week or so. Find me under the username 'teresamaria' and grab yourself a bargain peeps. 

Finally, a little trip to Aberdeen will be happening towards the end of the month. It will just be good to go away for a weekend a be somewhere where I've never been. Also, there's flights to London booked for January for Paul's birthday and probably we'll be going to the Harry Potter world cuz, ya know .. we're weird like that and that's how we roll. 

What are your plans for November?

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Saturday Share

Today I thought I would initiate a share post which can include anything from movies, blogs, YouTube channels or even the restaurant around the corner. In this particular case, it will be a Brazilian blog called Um Ano Sem Zara which means 'A Year Without Zara'. And yes, by Zara it does mean the brand. With the trend of capsule wardrobes, minimalism and massive clear outs happening at the moment, I thought this was a great opportunity to introduce you to this inspirational blog. If you have been trying to save money, go on a shopping ban and simply just use and work with what you already have in your wardrobe then keep reading. 

Joanna or Jojo (the blogger) started this little space back in 2011. If you read her very first post, in the funniest of ways, she explains the whole reason for creating A Year Without Zara. Long story short, she founds herself nearly being kicked out from where she lives but also, in a lot of debt with credit card bills. In her words, she makes a mention to how a 27 year old should invest in more important things rather than clothes; it's questionable - she says. However, low self-esteem coming from having gained a few extra pounds and as an appreciation to those with savings accounts, she promises to not shop (in any store, not just Zara) for a whole year. Lucky her, that was also a leap year so the calender included 366 days without clothes shopping. The blog is then used a space for posting the outfits that she creates with whatever she already owned and also to write about a bit of her everyday life. 

More than a year has obviously passed and the blog has grown a lot; but, she accomplished her goal. If you're looking for inspiration to keep yourself right, go back and have a read. Unfortunately she doesn't write in English; you could probably translate the website using Google but even if you just want to look at her outfits and take some ideas .. fashion is universal. 

I hope you enjoy having a look through this or even be inspired by her success story. We buy so many things that we don't actually need or grow out of so fast. Re-think your purchases. I personally tend to give it a few days before going back to the store to buy something. My motto is: 'if I don't stop thinking about it, then I'm going to buy it'. A spending ban or a clear out is never easy but it's so worth it in the end. 

All pictures belong to Um Ano Sem Zara and all copyrights are reserved © 

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Morning Skincare Routine

For the past year or so my skin reached the worst state it has ever been. Nothing I did seemed to work. Today I think I can finally say that I've got a skincare routine in place that actually works. I follow it, I see results and that's all you really want. Now, we can all agree that mornings are hard on everyone. Even though I consider myself to be a morning person, it doesn't mean that the process of having to get out of bed and getting ready is any easier. The way I see things, if I'm awake, I want my skin to look awake too, and the following is what I find that works best for me.


As for cleanser I am loving my Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser. I was using The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Face Wash for quite a long time but it just didn't work. I've used many products from The Body Shop, including skincare items and they're all fantastic but this one just doesn't seem to make the cut. I simply didn't feel like it was doing anything for me; after using it I didn't feel any difference on my skin. Therefore, about a week ago I went back to the Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser and the results were immediate. My skin felt purified, looked brighter and my blemishes or any other concerns were being reduced. There's a full review for this here. 

To target any imperfections and blemishes I use the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo; I now reach for this on a daily basis; it really helps with scarring and dark spots and your skin tone becomes more even. This product doesn't need any presentations but anyhow, there's a more detail review here. 


Next logical step, moisturise. Due to my tendency for oily skin, I feel that a very light moisturiser is more than enough for me. I used one from The Body Shop Aloe range and now I'm using the Vitamin E Moisture Cream. You can easily tell by the texture that this is a really light moisturiser. Sinks well on the skin, it's not greasy at all so it doesn't affect my make up application. 








What products make up your morning skincare routine?

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October Issue

Although Scotland has been fairly grey all summer long, October has finally arrived and Autumn feels now more real than never. I guess I could say that I definitely belong to that group of people that see September as a new beginning; like a brand new year. If you're starting/going back to university or school that is even more noticeable. It's the getting back or the starting of a new routine that plays a determining role in that feeling. In the spirit of new routines and new starts, I felt it was time for another round up of things and bring to you a October issue and what's in for me throughout this month. 

1 | Everyone around me seems to be planning or booking a holiday at the moment. Paul and I unfortunately don't have anything on the cards as we finally got round to go to the bank and get some more details regarding getting a mortgage. No holidays for us until we get our own place. We plan to do it in the next six months so right now, I'm counting down the days and saving (almost) every penny. 

2 | Since the start of university my days don't seem to be long enough. I've always been great at keeping everything organised in my little brain: dates, times, appointments, things to do ... but now it has taken a real turn and I find myself relying on a planner for every single thing. With working, volunteering, studying and everything life related I am definitely trying my very best to stay organised. This is also something that has been affecting my post schedule; at the moment is pretty much non-existent as I just can't get around to do everything. Soon to be more consistent though. In the spirit of organisation, I cannot wait for the 2016 planners to come out in the Novelle Daily shop. Yay new stationery. 

3 | Declutter. I need a cleaning/throw out/sell/give to charity or friends spree; I feel that I've got far too much. Maybe I'm just itching for minimalism, I don't know. I'm planning on packing lots of decoration bits we have on the flat. There are things that I want to keep and bring with us to a new home but 

as for now I can't seem to feel that they belong here and I haven't found the perfect place for them. The same goes for clothing. I definitely need to get moving and sell or give the pile of clothes I've grown out of. 

4 | I am trying to make an effort and eat more healthier but having an other half around that enjoys every piece of bad, unhealthy food under the sun makes things so much harder. I was a gym bunny in the past and I really miss it. I'm guilty of not going back to it as I know that the hardest part is just to start. Once you get into the swing of things, you won't want anything else. 

5 | Glasgow has such a big music scene, it's unreal that I don't actually ever go to a gig. Must try and change this. No holidays to plan .. the perfect excuse to spend some money on the music culture. 

What will you be up to this month? 

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September Favourites

I am still trying to come to terms that the month of September ended yesterday. It lasted 5 minutes, honestly. It was such a busy month with the start of university, friends coming back to Scotland and what not. My favourites really speak for themselves and this is going to be a short and sweet favourites post.

On my face I've been adoring anything from Bourjois as you can see. Fell back in love with the Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (which could be gone by now as I've literally been scrapping the bottle to get some product - sad, I know). Another beautiful base is the Healthy Mix Foundation. Both give you flawless, dewy look without caking in any dry patches or blemishes for that matter. If you're looking for an affordable, light, medium coverage foundation I would definitely recommend one of these; they don't need any further presentation, really.

You can also probably tell that September has been the lip month for me. Finally purchased Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm and up until now I keep wondering why did it took me so long to buy this. It real does wonders for your lips. I apply it every night before bed and my lips feel so much softer and you can even feel the dead skin coming off (as gross as it sounds, but the aftermath is so worth it). Next on my list is my recent addition from H&M beauty in the shade Brunette Ambition, a beautiful purple brown I would say. It really is gorgeous. My other lipstick love is a Revlon Super Lustrous in the shade Smokey Rose; an amazing dark brick colour. Finally, my Colorboost Bourjois in Sweet Macchiato. I have been full on the autumn shades, don't you worry. 

Skincare wise I fell over heels for an item from my recent order with CultBeauty; the Alpha-H Liquid Gold with glycolic acid has been brighting up my skin and successfully targeting some lumps I had going on my forehead. They are finally disappearing or becoming much less visible. As this is concentrated skincare, you should only apply it every other night. I've seen results since the first application. 

How was your month of September? What products have you been loving?

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Eve Lom Balm Cleanser

When I first started using oils to remove my make-up, I was so pleased to have found a one simple step that would wash away most of my daily maquillage. I am pretty lazy when it comes to skincare and moisturising. Although I have indeed improved so much over time, as I've come to realise how much of a difference it makes to your skin when you have a skincare routine in place. 

That said, not long ago while having a browse through the Space NK store - as you do - the lovely girl suggested the Eve Lom balm cleanser for some of my skin concerns and here we are now. 

At first I was a little septic about the texture of this balm; feels so buttery and grease (its a balm, hence the texture) but it was the first time I was using a product like this. I obediently followed all the instructions: warm up the balm in your fingers, apply to your face in circular motions, use a hot muslin cloth to remove it; however, apply the cloth to your face for about 5 seconds and repeat 3 times before you actively removed any left residues with it. 

I must say, I always thought the whole muslin cloth was such a big effort. Water was fine for me, until I tried this. This balm not only has done wonders for my skin but also makes it so easy and quick to remove all your make-up. And the fact that you use a muslin cloth along with this, there are no dangers of getting product and water all over your hair while you washing your face. 

I always use my toner after using the Eve Lom balm cleanser and my cotton pad is always pretty white. My skin feels so clean, fresh and brighter without stripping it one bit; my whole complexion has improved and it also seems to be less prone to blemishes lately. Worth to mention that the plant oils are definitely a must in this product as I have oily skin and the last thing I would want to do is using incorrect oils and just making it even more oily. 

I am so in love with product and just wonder why took me so long to get into this. The Eve Lom balm cleanser has definitely changed my life in the sense that I no longer skip this step of my skincare and therefore the results are visible. 

Have you ever tried any Eve Lom products? What would you recommend?

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Everyday Effortless Eye Looks

Long time, no posts. It has been a busy, busy week. In fact I cannot believe that it has only been a week since I last wrote in here. The past few days have really been non-stop and filled with 6am  starts that won't finish before bed time (mine is around 11pm - the latest! so we're all good). 

For days like these, all you want is long-lasting make up that can help you look a little more presentable for any occasion. Therefore, I rely on some beautiful everyday effortless smudge pots to get the job done. From just going to university, to meeting friends or even doing some volunteering, these will cover all situations.

For days when I want a very natural but bright make up look, I reach for my Stila Smudge pot in Kitten. A super hyped shade from the Stila eyeshadows. A very pretty shimmery nude/slightly pigmented champagne colour. I like to wear this on its own with some eyeliner. Your look bigger and it brightens up the whole complexion. This is also such a versatile smudge pot as it can be used as highlighter or eyeshadow base. 

If I want a bit of colour but still want to have a fairly natural overall look, I would reach to my ELF smudge pot in Ain't That Sweet. A pretty soft pink shade. The quality of this smudge pot is not as good as the other ones being mentioned but it's still a good low budget item. 

For the later hours of the day, I tend to go for the darker colours like the beautiful Maybelline Color Tattoo in the shade On and On Bronze. The name really says it all and there has been plenty of presentations to this holy grail. In a more coppery tone I love the Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Cream Eyeshadow. I've spoken a little more about it in my August Favourites. Last but not least, my Lord & Berry Velluto eye pencil and shadow in Samoa. This is a shimmery grey/metallic shade. 

These are such easy everyday options for eye make up and some of them make it look like you've put much more effort into your make up than you actually did. So small and compact which make them perfect to carry around too.

What are your favourite everyday effortless staples for eye make up?

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