Holiday Prep!

As I go through the multiple (more like way too many) parcels from ASOS and missguided that I have received in the past month due to the urge to buy everything because it is simply 50% off ( a girl just can’t resist)  I decided that although I want to bring my nine new bikinis to add to the other hundred I must have (just a slight exaggeration!) they aren’t essential and at the end of the day I’m not going to the Mexican white sands to  change outfits five times a day, I’m there to soak up the sun and make memories!

So I’ve condensed (what I can down into 23kg suitcase!) my top tips for everything you’ll need for a trip to Mexico or any long distance trip you might be making this year:

1)      Vaccines for Vacation -

Generally you will need to check what vaccines you will need approximately 8 weeks before your trip to ensure that they will be effective. If you are unsure what vaccines you may need contact your local GP as most of them will be free through the NHS. For those with a fear of needles, believe me it will be over in 10 seconds and save you from a potentially ruined holiday if you did catch something.

2)      Mozzy Mania –

This is just one of the very few downfalls that comes with the Mexican palm trees and endless amounts of Piña colada’s (first world problems ayy) but there’s nothing worse than sun kissed skin and itchy mosquito bites. So I’ve made sure I’ve loaded up on Jungle Formula Maximum Aerosol Insect Repellent and Mosquito Bands (from Amazon) which can be worn in the day and have a braded bracelet effect which is stretchable making it suitable for adults and children.

3)      Flawless Skin –

We all want flawless skin both at home and on holiday but I always take advantage of not having to wear heavy foundation as once the ‘slightly red’ complexion has turned into a bronze goddess I like to maintain the tan by using nourishing moisturisers. A few of my favourites are the Soap and Glory The Righteous Body Butter and to sooth any burns or bites aloe vera gel will be your savour, I use Holland & Barrett Aloe Vera Gel.

In terms of makeup which is definitely one of my favourite parts of getting ready on holiday either for an evening out for a relaxed dinner which can simply require no makeup at all or if you want to go for a glowy golden complexion. My go to products are MUA’s Highlighting Powder as not only does it stay on all night long but it is only £3 – yes all night makeup for that price! Another essential in humidity is Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray which will keep the smokey eye smokey and the bold lip in place!

I hope this tips have helped you prepare for any place you maybe jetting off to this year!

Henna Party Pamper with Asma

Henna. A traditional body art that dates way way back to the ancient Egyptians (It's said that Cleopatra was a big fan of Henna...Go Cleo!) It is so pretty and such a lovely addition to a cute outfit. 

Growing up, any time I was exposed to Henna (I was lucky enough to have Indian neighbours who would always invite me round during Diwali to get some Henna done with them!) it was the traditional style of brown dye that once dried would peel off and leave an orange like stain in a beautiful design. I remember always looking at the women how precise & quick they would be and how freely designs would come to them. It really is a cultural talent and a unique art piece.

In April I attended a event called Table Bay (look out for details of the next one for sure an event I would recommend you attend!) where different business owners and service providers all come together under one roof to promote their brands and services for a discounted prices for attendees. 

Thats where I met Asma - she was doing a beautiful free hand henna design on a lady and it was with white ink which I had never seen before! I didn't have time to get a design done but took her details and decided I wanted to host my own girly Henna night! (As an event planner, I adore putting on little events for my friends and I love doing things we have never done before - so this for me was a perfect excuse for a get together, some wine, snacks and some to die for Henna!)

Asma was great to liaise with - she knows what she's talking about and theres no uncertainty with any questions I had to ask her. After a bit of back and forth with questions, designs and dates - we were scheduled in for a all white henna party!

The evening was so fun - the girls were getting creative with the designs they had in mind, we were in deep discussions - frequently bursting into fits of laughter and Asma fitted right in with the evening - a lovely, down to earth and bubbly character which was great. There was 16 of us and Asma managed to do great in detail designs in just over 2 hours (I even managed to squeeze in both of my hands which was great!)

We all loved it and had a great time and were very happy with our designs. With festival/wedding/party season aka summer fast approaching I would for sure recommend some henna as a perfect addition to your outfit. White henna especially is such a head turner and I had so many compliments on my design from various different people. I would say if your going on holiday for longer than a 2-3 day trip I would maybe recommend you get the darker traditional henna as it lasts a bit longer due to the henna staining your hand where as the white henna is just on the surface so doesn't last as long - so for me its perfect for a wedding day, festival, date night or cultural events. 

Asma is also really reasonably priced and travels to you - which is always handy. Here are a few pictures of the henna she did for us - but be sure to check out her instagram for all type of henna and various designs (you'll peep some celebrity hands on there too!) @henna_by_asmaali

Essentials For Every Event!

With many of us jetting off to different hot spots this summer, it is sometimes difficult to resist not packing the whole of the bathroom cupboard with lotions and potions that realistically you will not need for that “just in case” moment.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of staying in multiple hotels for a birthday celebration, although I knew these hotels would be providing adequate toiletries at our disposal, I still had the urge to pack as if I was going on a 2 week holiday but instead I packed ‘sensibly’ and loaded up on miniature products which are not only convenient especially for a short stay trip but I think you’ll agree anything miniature is just a thousand times cuter!

Miniature beauty products are easier to collect than you think as the beauty and body gift sets you receive at Christmas time will finally be put to use! Alternatively you can put your favourite products into small pots and bottles for a short stay or alternatively for your long haul flight essentials.

Some of my beauty essentials are by the skincare company Simple, they have full size and miniature versions of their number 1 products such as face wash, toner and moisturiser and are great for all skin types in particularly sensitive skin.

Not only are smaller products convenient for holidays (so I can pack more unnecessary pairs of shoes) but they are also ideal for your handbags when going to events from a night out with your friends to a wedding.

When going to any kind of event there are some handbag essentials I always pack, these are;

1)      Portable Charger – these are available almost everywhere, but my favourite one is by the brand Anker found on Amazon. It is lightweight and available in a range of colours and so if you want to ensure you can take memorable photos whilst at a wedding or snapchat all night long, this is a handbag must have! (Gents, they are also fit well in a trouser pocket so you’re not missing out!)

2)      Refillable Perfume – with the summer heat rising, we all want to stay and feel fresh and so having refillable perfume bottles lets you change between scents and stay smelling sweet all day. They are available from eBay as little as £2.99 but also available at Selfridges, House of Fraser and Feelunique.  

3)      Mint Spray – for any upcoming bridesmaids reading this, this is a good idea to keep in a beauty bag for the bride. As mints and chewing gum are not the best idea when countless amount of photos are being taken but she’ll still want to stay fresh for her guests and her new husband!

If it is your wedding coming up, why not think about creating a hamper with beauty miniatures that would be placed in the bathrooms at your venue so your guests can freshen up throughout the day. They are inexpensive to create as you can include any products you would need in an emergency such as bobby pins, hair bands, blotting paper, nail file and mints which are all under £2 each. Take some inspiration from these hampers below: