a simple act of kindness♡

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As part of my Duke of Edinburgh award I am volunteering for 26 weeks with one of my best friends, Lucy, at a local nursing home. Every friday in the evenings we go and chat to the residents and assist the staff. It is such a rewarding experience to go and just be a listening ear to some of their life stories and it never fails to make me smile and put me in a good mood. Sometimes the residents don't get family visits regularly so for us to sit with them for an hour each week can not only make us smile but also them! Just being there and chatting to them really lifts their mood and I always feel so happy after visiting. I have also decided that even after the 26 weeks I want to still continue volunteering and offering an hour a week. It's a really fun experience which I will continue to enjoy!


'The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.'

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(This post is part of a little blogger series I'm taking part in called the "secret blogger project 2015" run by teen bloggers Emily , Rebekka and Charlotte. About 30 of us will be writing twice a week on selected little lifestyle topics and you can also go onto the twitter and Instagram hash tag "#secretbp2015" to have a little chat and view everyone's posts. If you would like to join or know more (we'd love to have you!)  Instagram dm @theperks0fbeingemily or if you don't have Instagram, send a quick email to  rebekkarosebeautyxo@gmail.com!)

Emily x

skincare routine and essentials♡

Today I have a skincare routine for 2015 featuring all of my skincare essentials. My skincare routine is not in anyway a perfect one or filled with luxurious products but it's cheap and cheerful and works for my skin!

This is a collaboration with Molly so make sure that you all go and follow her on bloglovin and have a read of her skincare essentials when your done!

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So a little bit about my skin.

I get a lot of spots and blemishes and my skin is a little oily at times too. If you have a similar skin type to me then some of these products might be perfect for you! 

1. Cleanse♡

If you don't know where to start with your skincare the most important step is to cleanse. Cleansing removes any makeup residue, dirt and oil which builds up on your skin throughout the day. It's so important to do this step morning and night to help clean your skin. I do this step in the night to remove any makeup or dirt build up and in the morning, to do a quick clean!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water♡

My all-time favourite cleanser is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. This is my go-to cleanser because it removes everything from makeup to excess oil on your skin. A cleansing water is a makeup remover or general 'dirt' remover. This is perfect for ALL skin types which is what I love about this. It's even suitable for sensitive skin as it doesn't sting or make your skin red and blotchy. It's a really gentle but effective cleanser. I have been using this cleanser for about half a year and I am on my second bottle. It says 400ml will mean 200 uses which lasts me about 3-4 months. I will continue to repurchase this because its reasonably inexpensive and so quick and easy to use and perfect for lazy skincare days! Aka most of the time!

Nivea Daily Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover♡

For days when I'm wearing more eye makeup which is rare but when I do I take off my makeup using this. I bought this for my weekend away last October and it was a really gentle makeup remover. I still prefer the Micellar Cleansing Water but I occasionally change it up! 

Simple Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion♡
I love to use this in the Winter time and in the morning. This cleansing lotion is a lovely thin cream cleanser. If you have overly dry or sensitive skin this will be perfect for you! Sometimes my skin can feel quite tight and dry straight after using one of the above cleansers so I use this to put a bit more moisture back into my skin.


Tip 1: Makeup free days♡
Your skin deserves to be exposed to the air occasionally not hidden away under makeup all the time. I don't wear foundation all the time especially not to school but I occasionally have these days over the weekend to free my skin and let it breath. It doesn't have to be the whole day either. I take my makeup off as soon as I get home because if I'm not doing anything or going out whats the point!

2. Facial wash♡

I like to use facial washes when I'm in the shower and bath in the evening! I occasionally use my facial washes in the morning but sometimes I don't have time or forget..ooops!

Clean and Clear Advantage Spot Control Daily Wash♡

I have tried an awful lot of facial washes, all claiming to do different things for your skin, some with exfoliating beads, some with fruity scents but none have stood out to me until this facial wash!

Since purchasing this facial wash I have been using it in plentiful amounts and I have noticed a difference in my skin! It has helped to reduce my spots which is brilliant. I like to use a pea-sized amount and work it into my skin and then rinse away. It doesn't overly dry your skin either AND it's oil-free which is perfect for my naturally oily T-Zone and chin. 

Tip 2: Plenty of water♡

Everybody says this but it's so true. Drinking lots of water is great for your skin. Some people hate drinking water but I love water and regardless of the skin benefits I love to drink it. To make it more 'appetising' and to help you drink it more often, pour yourself a glass of water before your dinner or lunch when you are hungry. I always find I will drink more when I'm hungry to keep myself occupied! Also, have your water with a slice of lemon or orange and ice for more flavour!

3. Moisturiser♡

Such an important step in anyones skin care routine. I moisturise morning and evening especially in the colder months! 

Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturiser 

This has also been a firm favourite since purchasing this last month. When applied, it has a really cooling, tingly affect and you can really feel it working. It's not a really thick moisturiser either - it's medium-light. And it's oil-free and is meant to help with spots and blemishes which is much needed! 

Tip 3: Skin confidence 

There are always going to be days where you wake up with bad skin, glowing red cheeks or a giant spot on your chin. I've been there. Concealer sometimes works, a good skincare routine sometimes works but it never makes you avoid spots. If you have spots and a spot of concealer (pardon the pun) isn't going to do the trick just work with it! Everybody gets spots (unless they are extremely lucky) and we all have different skin! Nobody's skin is perfect and as Zoella said 'your skin doesn't define you!' 

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser♡

This is my Summer moisturiser but occasionally I will drift between theses two moisturisers. This is a really light moisturiser so I love to use this when the weather is slightly warmer because a thick moisturiser on a warm evening when you are just about to go to sleep is a big no no for me! 

4. Skin treats♡

Sometimes aside from the 3 simple skincare steps I do I like to give my skin a little pamper or use certain treatments! 

Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment♡

I like to use this spot treatment to help cure spots that pop up every so often! This is a light gel consistency and you put a tiny bit of it on problem areas or spots that are about to pop up. It contains tea tree and witch hazel which are meant to be really good to help fight away all your spots! I have found this to be quite overly drying sometimes if I put lots on in an attempt to zap the spot so I try to be sparing with this and use it twice or three times a week. It doesn't totally get rid of the spots straight away - it's a gradual process! 

Simple Kind To Skin Deep Cleansing Face Mask♡

I have mentioned this before but I used to really like to use the sachets of face masks but I used to come out in hot rashes and my skin would feel irritated after. I don't know weather it was the colours or ingredients but I am a bit skeptical about trying them again. Then I discovered this little tube of wonderfulness. Firstly, it's reusable which is great because the sachets can get expensive at 99p a time for one use. Secondly, it's less messy and thirdly, the skin benefits. It's filled with vitamins and all good stuff thats meant to really cleanse and clean out your pores. I use this face mask once or twice a week on pamper evenings or just days when my skin needs a pick me up!

What are your skincare essentials? 

Emily x

lush favourites♡

I love Lush as a brand. I think that it has an amazing range of products and I always find myself visiting a Lush shop every time I go into town. Looking at all the products - all the different colours and smells are so inciting and exciting. But without knowledge beforehand and lush assistants pouncing on you and asking you all these questions and all the smells mingling into one, a Lush shop can be overwhelming. Today I'm going to talk about 2 products that I love and will keep repurchasing over and over again.

Butterball Bath Bomb♡

I became a little bit addicted to the Butter Bear over Christmas which is the same as Butterball but in a bear shape. This has the best vanilla and honey fragrance. It is really subtle and sweet but not sickly sweet. It isn't one with bright colours or fun glitters or an overwhelming fragrance. I suppose this is a little bit of a cheat as I have only had the Butterball once but I have had 3 or 4 of the Butter bears so I would say I have some "experience." When you get out the bath it makes your skin feel silky soft. Lush describes it as a perfect bath bomb if you have overly dry or sensitive skin. Inside the bath bomb there is tiny cocoa butter bits that melt which are great for your skin. 

Creamy Candy Bubble Bar♡

I have had Creamy Candy so many times. It's one of my all-time favourites! It is a cute pastel pinky colour with a little flower. One of the classics! Bubble bars are reusable which is brilliant because you get a good number of baths for your money. You take a piece of the bar and crumble it under running water to create lots of lovely bubbles. This is quite a sickly sweet scent - a bit like Snow Fairy but not as overwhelming. I'm not one for really overpowering sweet scents so this is my limit! It smells like candy floss. This also has a blend of almond and cocoa butter so as well as leaving your bath filled with bubbles it's also going to really benefit your skin. 

Let me know your Lush favourites down below♡

Emily x

a day at the beach in photos♡

The other day I went to the beach with my Nan, Mum and my sister and I decided to take my camera round with me to take some photos. So here is my day in photos! 

book favourites♡

'A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. A man who never reads lives only one.' 

I am a little bookworm and in my lifetime I have read quite a lot of books. Some have been awful and some have left a lasting impression and I thought I would share 3 of my most favourite books and why I love them so much! Sorry if your not a massive book lover but I hope I might convert you to read some of these titles! 

Anne Frank - the diary of a young girl by Anne Frank♡

The first book is a book that I treasure dearly. I first read this book when I was 10 or 11. I have never wanted to meet someone so much as Anne Frank. This book has inspired me so much and I have read this over and over again. It's a written diary of a Jewish girl called Anne Frank during World War 2 when she goes into hiding.  She inspired me to start writing my diary which I have been writing ever since. I can't explain how much I love this book. Anne is someone who I would want to be friends with and her personality shows throughout her diary entries and is definitely relatable to me. What they went through is heartbreaking and unimaginable. It tells the story first-hand from a teenage girls perspective which hits home. 

The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky♡

The next book is bound to be in my favourites. I got this for my 13th birthday and this inspired my Instagram name and my blog name. I really love this book and the film. It's written in the style of letters and is based around a boy called Charlie and his first year at High School. He is quite socially awkward and its about him struggling on with school, making friends and family dramas.

'He is a wallflower. Caught in the middle of trying to live his life and trying to run from it.'

You slowly start to know more and more about Charlie and how he copes with things that he encounters. It also flashes back to moments in his childhood which have shaped who he is. 

We were liars by E.Lockhart♡

This has become a definite favourite from me. This was THE book of 2014 and I am obsessed with it. 

It's about a typical all-american rich family called the 'Sinclairs.' Life appears to be perfect on the outside but their is a very different story on the inside. It's based around a girl called Cadence who has an accident at the start of the book and she goes back a few Summers later to try and find out what happened as she can't remember. Again, I have read this twice now. When you read this it's kind of like you are walking down a misty pathway that leads you down different pathways until you reach the end. The ending was my favourite bit and it tied up the book so well. It was such a surprise for me that I remember exactly where I was. I was on the way back from the beach and I had to stick my head out the window as I was so shocked. I was desperate to talk to someone about the ending and this book so I made my sister read it with me a few months ago. 

I can't rave about this book enough! 

Let me know your favourite books in the comments! 

Emily x 

floral skirt♡

Spring is fast approaching so I couldn't resist buying this skirt from Primark and I thought I might as well do a bit of a style post for you as I am definitely enjoying witting more fashion posts lately.

This skirt is such a lovely pattern. The black background colour compliments the season of Winter turning to into Spring and the colours are still bright and summery for the upcoming season too.

The skirt was £6 which is amazing. The material is really comfortable and is the perfect length. 

I paired this skirt with a plain white T-Shirt rather than something patterned to bring out the colours. As it is still crisp cold winter weather I paired it with a darkish blue denim jacket with rose gold buttons to bring the whole outfit together and to keep me warm! 

And of course, I paired it with my burgundy converse. It appears that in every newer outfit post I have done I have featured my pair of trusty burgundy converse (I do have other shoes!) Again, they add a casual element to the outfit.

Emily x

revolution blush pallet review♡

I asked on my Winter Beauty Haul weather you would like to see a review of the Revolution blush pallet and one of you said yes so I thought I would do one! 

Revolution is a newer (ish) brand to my local Superdrug. I definitely turned a blind eye until other bloggers and YouTubers started sharing their favourites from the line. I do base a lot of my purchases on other peoples recommendations instead of going in at the deep end! 

The packaging is lovely. It comes in shiny packaging with rose gold writing. On the down side, when I opened mine the part that holds the blushes was scratched and looked a bit battered so I wasn't sure if it had been opened before. 

The pallet would be perfect for travelling because it comes with a range of colours. I think I will definitely take this on my Summer holiday this year because it comes with a massive mirror and very Summery shades. This also gives me multiple choice when I'm away!

This retails for £6 and is so worth the money you pay. Seeing as my Sleek blushes are £5 each for an individual colour for £1 more you get a variety of different shades. 

I got the shade 'Sugar and Spice.' They also do 2 others but I had heard good things about this one. I wanted to buy Sugar and Spice purely for the different mix of shades that I probably wouldn't buy if they weren't in the pallet. 

The pallet comes with 8 different colours stating that they are all 'blushes.' However, I use 2 of the more darker bronze/brown shades for bronzer and the shimmery white for a highlighter. 

The colours are all very pigmented so if you like a strong colour on your cheeks this pallet would be perfect for you. I dab my brush lightly in the blush, sweep it across the back of my hand to remove some of the pigmentation and then apply it, followed by powder. The colours are very bold so I like to make it a lot more natural. 

First row from left♡

The first colour is a darker red toned brown. I haven't yet to use this but from my first impression its quite a subtle colour but might be slightly too dark for my pale complexion to be used as a bronzer. This is a matte shade.

The second colour is a lighter brown which I use for a bronzer most days. It's a really subtle colour and compliments my skin perfectly. This is a matte shade.

The next shade is one of the blushes. This is a bright barbie pink. It can be built up so if you are a barbie pink blusher fan you would like this. I apply lightly so it gives a wash of colour which I prefer. 

This is a matte shade.

The last colour in the first row is a very shimmery white. I think this is definitely a highlight colour. It's such a 'disco ball' colour. It's so glittery and shimmery. I have worn this but only lightly as I'm a bit afraid of how pigmented this colour is. 

Second row from left♡

The first colour in the second row is this berry colour. Perfect for the Autumn/Winter. I love this colour so much! This is a matte shade.

The second colour is a fuchsia pink colour. Definitely a Summer shade. This is matte.

The third colour is the most 'natural' out of them all. It's a really pretty coral/peachy colour. I have been wearing this a lot. It's my go-to blush from this pallet.

The last colour reminds me of Sleek 'Rose Gold.' It's a baked blush and is  super shimmery. The colours are dark and light pinks swirled together. 

Overall, this pallet is definitely a good'un! I can't wait to try more from the Revolution range! Any recommendations? 

Emily x

confidence♡

confidence 

ˈkɒnfɪd(ə)ns

the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something. 

♡

Confidence. Are you lacking in it or full of it? 

For the majority of us, its something we are lacking or struggling in. Wether r it be body confidence or confidence that you can pass an exam. We live in a world where it can be so easy to become an unconfident person because the world is constantly telling us that we aren't perfect and we can aim to be something better.

My blogging friends and I decided to collaborate to encourage all of you reading this to be more confident. We have combined quotes, tips and personal stories. Your own personal encouragement for a day when you are feeling down and unconfident. 

If you would like to contact any of the girls who have had similar experiences to you that have participated in this post, for a chat, advice or if you have any questions, then contact me in the comments and I will direct you their way privately. But for the meantime these girls are to remain anonymous for personal reasons.

All of the stories and quotes you are about to read are from teenage girls just like you and me.

♡

Do not care what anybody else thinks, do it for yourself not for other people. I love acting and had to do a show were I had to sing as well as act. I was fine with the acting part but I was scared for the singing part as I am not exactly the best singer. But instead of refusing to do it I just decided I didn't care what anybody else thought. This would help me improve and not them and I'd probably never see them again. So I just did it! And I am much more confident because of it. 

Act so confident you believe it.

Don't care what anybody else thinks, as long as you are happy and comfortable with the way you are then screw what anybody else thinks.

I naturally can't eat much. Before, I felt like throwing up and it got worse around the Summer. Especially, after the pressure of having a nice body for the beach and all! Everyday, I'd make my meals smaller until I would go a whole day without eating and only drink water. I shortly became underweight. I always knew this was bad for me and I wanted to stop but I just couldn't. My school found out in November which urged me to start eating more and now I'm in recovery as well as a healthy weight. Please can you tell your followers and readers that if they need any help there are so many sites and forums online where you can talk to others. I swear it helps. Being a teenage girl is hard in as a society which always shows unrealistic standards of women that we look up to but remember these are either fake or their natural bodies. Love x

Do something you love and make new friends. 

I have never been a confident person or an outgoing person. I like my cosy evenings in. Mug of tea in hand, cuddled up in pyjamas after a bubble bath. I much prefer this than spending a night at a party or going out. And that is just me. I like my own company. Being a confident person is a great thing but they're introverts out there who aren't confident people and its okay to not fancy going out after 7pm because you want to watch your favourite Disney film and eat chocolate. The Daffodil Song by Phillipa Hannah makes me feel better about myself. Worth a listen for an instant pick-me up.
I bet you can guess who wrote this one! x 

I'm not a confident person at all, blowing things out of proportion, overthinking and I always feel not good enough for people, including myself. My blog had really helped me feel in control and better about myself. A little corner in the internet where I feel there is not a judgement or hate, just a lovely peaceful place. If blogging isn't for you, (this might sound ridiculous) look into the mirror and say 'I am good enough.' You are good enough. You matter to someone. Treat your body well and realise that what you want to look like, sometimes isn't realistic. Your body is just that, a body.

Say hello and ask new people about themselves. People are more likely to talk to you if you say something to them and show that you are approachable. Try new things and don't be afraid!

Our society is giving these false impressions that girls should look a certain way. Those stick-thin models, coated in makeup with their hair done all nice are NOT real. Have you ever seen someone like that walking around? I have never seen someone like that. Why aspire to be like someone who is not real? Be yourself. You are perfect just the way you are. Take no notice of societies opinion.

Don't compare yourself to others. We are all different and on different journeys. 

Good luck!
Emily and the teen blogging community x

january beauty favourites ft. sophie♡

This December/January I have had a lot of new favourite beauty products that I have been constantly using but again, wanted to change it up a little so I will be featuring a few of my sisters favourites too! Everything wrote in this sideways font is Sophie's opinion!

My first favourite is the Zoella Blissful Mistful perfume. I got this in my stocking for Christmas and I have been wearing it everyday since. It's such a fresh Spring scent so it will be perfect for the upcoming season. The packaging is so beautiful too! Its much lighter than a perfume so the smell isn't too overpowering. It's hard to describe the scent. Very fresh and a little floral. Definitely worth £8. 

Our next favourite is the Expert Face brushes by Real Techniques. We both got one of these in our stockings for Christmas and we have been using them everyday since. They are really good to blend in foundation, concealer and powder. I have been using mine so much as its a lot better than the buffing brush as its a nicer shape and easier to use. 

I have a new concealer favourite! I have rediscovered the Wake Me Up concealer. In the Summer months I wore this constantly as my skin had a bit of a sun kissed glow (still never tans) and I wasn't overrun with spots! In the winter I tend to stay away from this as the Wake Me Up concealer has yellow undertones so on my pale pinky skin it looks very orange. However, for a few weeks I have been mixing this with my favourite concealer - the Collection Lasting Perfection to create the perfect combination. The Wake Me Up adds a brightening effect whereas the Collection concealer adds some coverage! Perfect combo! 

For Christmas this year me and Sophie both got an EOS lip balm in our stockings. It's definitely become my go-to lip balm. I have kept it in my pencil case for most of the month so it's always on hand and its been a clear January favourite as when I need a lip balm I gravitate towards this one. They are very very moisturising, the packaging is really nice and each EOS comes with a lot of product. Mine is in the scent raspberry pomegranate and Emily's is in the scent blueberry accai. 

My current favourite bronzer and highlighter has been the Bojours Paris bronzing powder and highlighter. I heard about this through Zoe's YouTube channel and picked it up in the Summer. I love the cute packaging because it is like a little book and it smells like chocolate. I use this lightly most days to shape my face and add some shimmer but you can build this up for a more bronzy look. It's really worth the money and is my favourite bronzer and highlighter! 

Our next two favourites are something we both bought each other for Christmas. This is the Barry M Show Girl Extra Volume Black Mascara. This adds a lot of volume to your eyelashes and I have worn this everyday since I got it! It's very volumeising, I love the packaging and I have been wearing it a lot this month! 

My favourite for eyeshadow this month has been the Collection work the colour eyeshadow pencil in the colour Vintage Blush. I have been using this SO much. It adds a really pretty wash of colour to the eyelids and is even suitable to wear for school as its not too OTT. This one is a really creamy constancy and I have been wearing this everyday. Its a pinky peachy tone with a subtle gold shimmer.

This is the Natural Shadow and blush pallet from Barry which I have been using a lot this month. I got this again in my stocking for Christmas. It comes with 6 shades and a cool baby pink blusher on the end. This is a dupe for the Naked pallets from Urban Decay. My most used colour is the creamy shimmery white colour. Currently, I've been using this everyday. I really recommend it as it comes with a mix of neutrals and a darker shades too for shimmery smokier looks.

This is my Sleek blush in the colour flushed. Do not be fooled by this shockingly bright red colour that it appears to be in the photo. This is actually a beautiful cranberry colour which is perfect for Autumn/Winter which is why I have been loving it this month! 

My current favourite nail polish is the Barry M glitter nail polish in Rose Quartz. 

I have been wearing it a lot because its a really pretty glittery colour and who doesn't love a bit of glitter? Especially, as it has just been Christmas and the party season. This adds a nice little touch of sparkle to your nails! 

My favourite lip product this month has been the Tanya Burr lip gloss in Aurora. This is a really nice dusty pink colour. I love the formula of these lip glosses as their not overly sticky and are very wearable. It again has come out very dark on camera when really its a lot lighter! It also has a little bit of shimmer which is very pretty. 

My favourite lip product this month is the Revlon Laquer Balm in the shade Demure. I have been taking this everywhere with me and wearing it all the time! It's a lovely frosty nude pink colour on the lips. It's not drying at all - its nothing like the matte balms. It looks like a glossy finish which I LOVE. It's such a gorgeous colour and packaging too. I have since taking these photos bought myself another! 

Emily and Sophie x