A white lace summer

I've been lusting over white shorts a ton lately, so I thought I'd put together a quick post on ones I've been loving! I love loose, lacy shorts. They look perfect with a tan on holiday on the beach and also just as gorgeous with a pair of heels for a night out. Dressed up or down these really are a staple for all wardrobes during the summer weather!


Sorry for the short post, but on Sunday I'm thinking of doing the second part of my Becca post. So look out for that. I won't be posting tomorrow or Sat because I'm at work and I'm also going to see Miley in concert, have any of you guys been?

alexandra oxoxo

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Tips for gorgeous skin

Awkward serious selfie, loooool

I've found myself really into skin care at the moment, I used to be one of those girls who found the whole thing boring and tedious, although recently I've been loving it. So here are 10 tips I've learnt over the years to help keeping your skin looking great. Obviously these will only help if you look after it, for example you stick to a skin care routine that works for you and that you exfoliate and moisturise etc, but I hope these help!

#1 remove you makeup- a pretty obvious one, so I'm not going to ramble on about for ages, but it's a key factor when achieving or maintaining gorgeous skin. Even if you don't wear makeup, your skin still gets dirty, from bacteria, oils and air pollution. So this is a really important step!

#2 double cleanse- I never used to do this, I thought it was a gimmick to get you to use more product, so that you'd run out faster and have to buy more. But it seriously has made a difference! The first cleanse is to remove your makeup, and the second is to just purely cleanse the skin under the makeup.

#3 tie that hair back- tying your hair back when in the house, going to bed etc will keep excess oils of your face and will help to prevent breakouts, especially on your forehead.

#4  change your pillow case regularly- again, it will have oils from your hair and general bacteria on it and will again increase your risks on of a break out. (When is say risk of, it sounds like I'm talking about some sort of disease haha)

#5 pat don't rub- when drying your face with your towel, pat don't rub as rubbing is too harsh on the skin.

#6 always sanitise- before doing my makeup or skin care routine, I always wash my hands or use hand sanitiser, to stop extra bacteria getting on my skin. (I sound like a germaphobe, but it all helps)

#7 clean your phone- again, germs, your phone is one of the dirtiest things you own, you place it down in public places, it goes in your bag, other people may use it, and it collects ALOT of bacteria and then you place it on your face! Ew. Try and clean it regularly and not place it directly on your cheek.

#8 clean those brushes- make sure you try and clean your makeup brushes regularly, I'm a hypocrite here, I should do it at least weekly but I'm lazy and do it about every 2 weeks, but it really will help.

#9 drink! - have a cold glass of water every morning, it will help flush out toxins and will help clear up your skin and keep you hydrated. Try and drink as much water every day as you can.

#10 cut out sugar- I'm a sugar addict and do eat a lot of chocolate, but that all I eat (obviously I eat meals etc haha) but I mean the only unhealthy snack I have, I don't eat crisps or sweets or fizzy drinks, ever since I cut out those, my skin has really benefited!

I might do a part two soon, so keep an eye out for that!

What are your fave skin care tips?

alexandra oxox

Becca favourites | The skin edition

Recently I've found myself reaching for more and more Becca products, so I thought I'd have to share them with you. Near where I live there's a beauty outlet store, where they sell products for real cheap, they have brands like OPI, Rimmel, Loreal, Elizabeth Arden and loads others. At first I thought they sold products that were going to be discontinued, but they sell current products like Loreal true match and products that are available on the high street now. I did let a squeal when I discovered this shop, it really is a beauty lovers dream! Anyway, this is where I discovered my love for Becca products. I was familiar with the brand but had never tried it before, and I am so glad I did!

I am going to two posts, this one of face products I've tried and one on eye products.

First of is this Becca Illuminate Wash Liquid Highlighter.  I am seriously in love with this product. It gives the perfect glow to your skin. I put a few dabs on my cheek bone and blend it in and whatever's left on my finger or brush I put on my cupids bow. And if I want a seriously glow-y look I hit the main areas, like the bridge of the nose, brow bone, inner corners etc. It's not glittery but is shimmery, with pink undertones. It says it's for under the eyes, but I personally don't use it for that. It also has a brush applicator which makes it so easy to use and makes sure you don't over apply.

Pros-

Gorgeous highlight that lasts all day

Easy applicator

Not glittery

Cons-

May not suit all skin types, as it's a pinky undertone

I don't use it for its main purpose, it's designed to be use directly under the eyes.

The next two products are primers, the first is the Line and Pore Corrector primer. I don't have particularly large pores, but I don't like the ones around my nose and when I saw this I just had to try it. (also the fact it was discounted made me want it even more!) It's described as an 'silky oil-free fluid [that] creates a perfecting veil to minimise lines and pores whilst providing a smooth surface for make-up' and I do believe it does. It has a silicone feel and is a clear formula and makes the skin feel so smooth. I don't think it makes your makeup last ages, it does help a bit but not drastically with the longevity. I really have been reaching for it a lot!

Pros-

Smooths the skin

Helps to create a nice base for foundation to glide on

Matte finish

Cons-

It is silicone based (I don't mine that, but not everyone does)

Slight smell to it

I don't personally think it adds to the longevity, I don't have a problem with the longevity of makeup but it doesn't take away from the longevity- does that make sense? Haha

The second primer is the Rejuvenating Primer, it's described as a tightening and hydrating formula. It is designed for more mature skin and has anti ageing properties but it appealed to me as it is designed for dry skin. I have combination skin, but do suffer from dry skin around my nose. It is a white formula and unlike the other primer it is more of a creamy formula. It claims to create a luminous finish unlike the other one p, which creates a more matte finish. I do really like this product and I feel it does do what it claims, it does feel hydrating, and does create a dewy base and does make my makeup last a bit longer, compared to if I wasn't to use a primer.

Pros-

Creamy feel

Dewy finish

Helps with longevity

Cons-

Slight smell

Wow, that was a lengthy post, I really do love these products and I really want to try more from Becca!

Have you tried any Becca products?

Alexandra oxox

     

Leather obsession 2.0

In my last post I wrote about leather and how I would style it, so I thought id do a post on the more colourful side of the leather trend. I've been in love with the pastel leather trend, so I put together a quick post on all the pieces I've been loving. 

My next post will be a beauty review on Becca products, so look out for that!

I hope you all had a lovely bank holiday! 

alexandra oxox

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Leather obsession

Even through Spring and Summer I love leather, and recently on Alexandra Does I've been focusing on the bright, pastel shades and I've been skipping the darker more vampy styles. I believe even in summer you can wear black and leather. These Black Vagabond boots (which I'm so in love with) would look so nice with a skirt or summer dress, especially in the UK, the weather is very tempramental and never stays too hot. 

I also love these leather shorts, perfect for a night out, BBQ or even worn casually during the day! The great thing is as well that you can transition these types of piece during the autum by layering. 

During the warmer months I always whip out my Converse and Vans, they are so easy just to throw on with any outfit,  but when I saw these black leather ones, I fell in love again an all year winner. I do think these particular pair are men's, but they are deffinetly unisex in my opinion.

I wouldn't recommend an entire leather outfit, and if you do, I envy you! I wish I had the nerve to wear head to toe leather! Even just a hint, like your bag, jewelry or nail Polish can add a cool edge to any outfit!

Would you wear leather during the spring?

alexandra oxox

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Feelin mellow

Summer is fast approaching and I can't wait. To get into the spirit I've put together a collection of pieces I've been lusting over to get in the mood for the warmer weather. I've been loving this muted yellow, almost green yellow. It's a gorgeous colour for both spring and summer and I just think it screams summer! Plus it looks great with a tan, especially the more neon yellow shades.

Whether you wear a full on yellow top or skirt, or just a touch of yellow with your accessories, I think it'll suit everyone. I'm in LOVE with this cross over skort from New Look. It's in trend with the skort trend, but because it's in a more unusual colour, rather than black or white, I think it will really make any outfit pop!

What's your fave colour for spring or summer?

alexandra oxox

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The Chanel backpack

I've been seeing this Chanel backpack every where recently, so I thought I'd put together some of my favourite, and ALOT cheaper alternatives. And although I couldn't find any really similar styles with the braid key chain detail on the front, i actually prefer the cheaper ones better. I'm loving this River Island, pale pink bag, which they also do in white and a bright orange (maybe black too, I can't remember). They are great for summer and holidays and also Festivals! (I did a blog post on festival must haves, check it out)

I have found some plain and some patterned ones, however I feel the plain styles will go with evey outfit and won't go out of style. I feel that if you think you'll fall out of love with an item that is very expensive, such as this Chanel bag, then it's not worth it. If you want to spend on a plot on a Chanel bag, go for a a style that won't go out of style in a year or two. I love designer handbags, don't get me wrong, but you need to ask yourself, will you regret spending that much on a fashion trend that might not be fashionable down the line. You what to be able to show it off in years to come and still have it be as fashioable and chic as the day you bought it! 



alexandra oxox