July Favourites 2020

Hi guys, so lately I’ve been shopping a lot. Honestly, now work is a little more normal I’ve felt so much more relaxed in regards to my financial situation, so have splurged a little more than normal as I hardly brought anything for 3 months. Therefore, I thought it might be fun to show you guys what I brought! Plus I feel quite nostalgic when it comes to these posts, as its what my blog was very much made up of in the early days back in 2016. Anyway, without further a do, lets get started.

• Nakd Strawberry Sundae bars. In the past, I have tried some Nakd Bars before, like the cocoa orange one and carrot cake one, but haven’t been overly impressed with them. However, this new one is a game changer! It is lush, honestly it reminds me so much of the creamy part of strawberry cremes from Quality Street. Its heavenly, definitely worth a try if you want a healthier snack.

• Next, I brought these little black floral shorts, with a white daisy print. When I first picked them up, I assumed they were a cute floral skirt. However, once I got home and tried it on I was even more happy with this purchase. These are probably the comfiest, light weight shorts I own, and go so well with their a black, white or yellow vest top. Mine are a size 10 and cost £9.99. You can find them here. https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/shorts/black-floral-print-flippy-shorts/p/651396609

• Another item from Newlook, is a white floral peplum top. I wasn’t too sure about this purchase when I first tried it on, however it has grown on me. I got it in a size 12 to be on the safe side ( I’m technically a 10, but some materials don’t quite have enough stretch so I have to size up.) and i’m so glad I did. It hides my tummy for when i’m feeling self concious or bloated, but also has the most adorable frills on the sleeves! Again, it is super light weight and comfortable to. You can find it here, for £15.99 https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/white-floral-and-spot-peplum-top/p/659968619

• Onto skin care, i’ve decided to change my skincare routine a little bit for the first time in years. Now, twice a week ill mix some of the Revolution Vitamin C Serium in with my Simple Light Moisturiser, and apply it all over my face. I’ve found that since coming off the pill my skin has really struggled, so this serum has helped the texture and brightness of my skin improve so much! You can buy it here for £8. https://www.revolutionbeauty.com/uk/en/skin/serums-and-oils/revolution-skincare-3pct-vitamin-c-serum/1137461.html

• Finally, I have been loving the Revolution X Skincare, Jake Jamie Strawberry Donut Face mask. Firstly, this smells just like real strawberry donuts, its heavenly! Secondly, it comes in a little glass pot which makes it feel so much more expensive and luxurious. This has easily become my go-to for pamper evenings. I just rub on a small, even amount of this all over my face with my fingers and wait for 15 minutes, before washing it off with a hot cloth. It always leaves my skin feeling so soft and glowy, so makes the perfect pick-me-up after a tough week. You can buy it here for £8. https://www.revolutionbeauty.com/uk/en/skin/face-masks/revolution-skincare-x-jake-jamie-strawberry-donut-face-mask/1183185.html

Thats all guys, what have you been loving this month? Let me know in the comments below.

Take care,

~ Emma x

Self Care Tips, and why its important

Hi guys. Lately, quarantine seems to have been taking its toll on everyone. Life is weird and so many changes are happening, and some people don’t take too well to change. I know I don’t, and so I’ve tried to take extra good care of myself in these challenging times – and have found these things work the best. They may differ from person to person, but I hope you can benefit from something from this post, if not all of it. So, without anymore rambling, lets get into it.

Firstly, have a bath. Make it nice and hot, and stick lots of bubbles, bath salts, or bath bombs in. My choice was an Avon Lavender Bubble bath, along side this robot Lush Bath bomb that has lots of really calming properties. Its also full of natural ingredients that are good for the skin. I find baths to be so essential in my self care routine, because its one of the best ways to calm down, the heat and bubbles seem to give me an instant relief.. It’s really quite difficult to explain, but once I had a really stressful 5 weeks, and when things were finally getting resolved I decided to have a bath. Got in with all the weight of the world on my shoulders, and came out a much calmer, new woman. If you know, you know.

Next, I also value the importance of a good skin care routine. Mine is nothing too crazy, and it hasn’t changed too much in the past few years. I just use the Simple Refreshing Face wash, or a Loreal Face Scrub ( the kiwi one and brown sugar one are my fave at the moment) depending on what my skin needs. I then use the Hydrating Simple Moisturiser, and Simple Soothing Eye Balm to finish. Although my routine is rather basic, I make sure I do it once every day, because i’m a strong believer that if you don’t take care of yourself on the outside, then you’re plgoing to feel even worse on the inside.

Another thing I think is important, is to eat comfort food whenever you’re taking time to practice self care. Of course this is subjective to the individual and their circumstances, so it may or may not be for you. I find that chocolate is not the way to go with this. Although small amounts are good, if I eat too much junk I feel gross – which can lead to me feeling even worse about myself. Instead, when I say comfort food, I mean filling, wholesome meals that are balanced but can still bring comfort. A good example of this can be home made pasta bake, or vegetable soup. Very easy to make, and minimal effort which is what you might need when you’re sad – but is also full of goodness so won’t leave you feeling gross afterwards.

Aside from pampering yourself and eating, it’s also very important to make sure youre moving your body. Of course, this can depend on the individual and circumstances again – but I find yoga to be the best thing for when i’m in a bit of a funk. When I’m sad, the last thing I need is to jump around doing hiit, but a few simple stretches while focusing on breathing, can be so relaxing. It can also stop you feeling stiff, and if done enough can promote flexbility and strength too.

Next, if all else fails have a cry. Honestly its never good to hold it all in, it can only have a worse impact in the long run. So just let it out! Watch a sad film if you have to, it’ll be worth it in the end.

Finally, forgive yourself. We all make mistakes. Sometime times we say or do the wrong thing but that’s okay – so long as you haven’t seriously hurt anyone. Take a deep breathe, and try and take logical steps to solve thr problem. If it cant be fixed, just be kind to yourself both physically and mentally. ( However, I am no professional so if its something deeper, always seek help if you need too.) A quote that sticks with me is “Practice Reckless Optimism.” So remember, no matter how hard the situation is, it will get better if you believe so.

That’s all guys. I hope this was helpful. Leave me your thoughts in the comments down below.

Take care,

– Emma x

Personal update… do I stop being an anonymous blog?

Hi guys,

As you know, this blog has been anonymous for 4 years. I call myself ‘little harto’ as I was very much inspired by Hannah Hart a few years ago  – and was also too scared to show my real self as I was scared of people in my real life finding this and bullying me for it.

However, I have now come to a time where I want to expand this. Although theres lots of comfort in being anonymous, I want to show full makeup looks like everyone else as I feel very restricted right now. But most importantly, I want to see how this grows if I start showing my true, authentic self rather than hiding behind ‘little harto.’  I am 22 now. I am out of college, and I am a grown adult who has a lot more confidence than I did at 17/18 years of age. I want to be more free and see where this takes me. I think im ready for that adventure.

I really hope I will have your support through this, as this is a big step for me. You guys have made me feel so validated and good about my content, so I hope this change is something you can all accept.

Thank you guys, see you soon x

 

-littleharto x

 

 

My new years resolutions. 2019

Hi guys. So as I write this, I’m currently feeling pretty Meh. the fun of December is gone, its gloomy outside and today is my last day off before I’m swept back up into reality.  Therefore, I thought i’d shed a little bit of positivety and light onto both myself, and those of you who may have found yourself in the same position as me. So, lets begin.

My resolutions.

1. To start my driving lessons. I know, I know, I’ve been saying it for years. ” Yes, ill start driving”, ” Yes, ill be driving by next year”, ” yes, I want more freedom, i’m getting a car!” however have I actually done that yet, or have I instead procrastinated the idea for a little over 6 months where I could’ve actually used that time to get started? Yep, of course I have. I’m in full time work now so there are no more excuses. Once my tattoo is payed for in February and all of that is finished, I shall start putting larger chunks into my driving lesson savings and gets started. Realistically I may have been a little harsh, I may need more than a year to learn, pass tests and get the actual car – but as long as I make an actual effort to get lessons in then that’s what matters.
2. Be kinder to myself. Towards the end of this year, I’ve become harsh on myself again. I know its good to hold yourself to certain standards, but quite frankly, at this point I’m getting myself down. Almost too worked up to do anything about my feelings, and instead stay in bed with the covers over my head, wallowing in the feelings. That’s no good. Its not healthy. As long as i’m trying my best that’s all that matters, if any problems come along the way then talk! Be more forgiving and gentle to myself, and i’ll be fine.
3.  Leading on from this, do talk to friends and family if things become too much. Don’t keep it all in, that never ends well.  I am not a burden, and my friends to care about me. They want me to be okay and care, there’s no shame in asking for help/speaking out.
4. Self care!! My oh my I’ve been slaking on this towards the second half of last year. The first half I was so good. Baths every Sunday night, and cleansing and moisturising every day. If I want to do better mentally, I must stop neglecting that side of things.
5. Excersize. Again its another one that I do say every year but honestly, this year its become more important than ever that I do excersize. I find myself becoming very stressed, and the pill i’m on (Microgynon 30) can be known as the grumpy pill for its side effects, so I need all the better hormones I can get to relieve stress and feel better. For me, physical benefits are all just a bonus as i’m okay with my weight currently anyway.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading this. What are your new years resolutions? Leave them in the comments down below.

littleharto x

Mini LUSH haul- March 2018

Hey guys!

So a few weeks ago, I went shopping in Stratford, and visited Lush. I always enjoy going into Lush, the people who work there are always so lovely and give amazing recommendations – so I thought i’d share the few things I brought. Also, I will add a little twist by showing how they look in the bath and what I thought of them, incase youre on the fence of buying them.

Right that’s enough rambling, lets get started.

The first thing I picked up was the Dragons Egg Bath Bomb. I brought this a few years ago, however I made a very stupid mistake. I left the bath running and we ran out of hot water. I’d been faffing around making hot chocolate and getting my bath-time set up all nice so didnt even think to check the water, before dropping it in. So unsurprisingly, its not so fun in cold water aha.

However I have learnt my lesson, so brought it again as my experience was a bit sad last time. The smell was lovey, its so sweet and reminds me of sugary lemon sweets you might get find in old fashioned sweet shops. I also loved how colourful it is on the inside. It looks a bit plain in its white shell, but inside is a mix of red, blue, pink and yellow, which turns the bath into a lovely orange colour at the end. However, this did have a lot of fine glitter in and i’m not the biggest fan of glitter, so if you’re not either then I’d skip this one.

Next, I purchased the Baby Bot bath bomb. This one is so adorable, and smells like lavender and chamomile – making it perfect for sleep and calming anxious minds. Although the picture below doesn’t do it too much justice, it turns the bath a beautiful, bright blue colour, adding to the calmness of it all. However, although it smells lovely in the water and as it is, the smell doesn’t really stay on your skin afterwards. I’m not too bothered though because although it would’ve been nice, it did make me clean and calm so its still done its job.

Finally, I purchased the Sex Bomb Bath bomb. Firstly, it has such a lovely light, floral, jasmine scent. The smell stays on your skin ever so slightly after getting out of the bath, but it doesnt really last that long. Next, although it does turn the bath a beautiful colour, the rose in the middle does turn into a weird gooey flubber thing once it comes apart from the bathbomb itself (if youve tried this before then you’l get what i mean) . Like i kind of get where they were going with the whole idea of it – but it was weird feeling a slimy blob tough my thigh. However if youre into bathbombs leaving bits floating in the bath, you might like it.

Thanks for reading, let me know which LUSH product is your favourite in the comments below! x

~littleharto x

My Current Skincare Routine

Hey guys.

So lately, ive really been getting into having a good, consistent skincare routine. I know ive always had a thing about having clear, youthful looking skin. However, as soon as I turned 20 I realised I needed to be more consistent with my routine if i wanted clear, fresh skin that id be greatful of 15 years down the line.

As my skin doesnt tend to need super intense products to stay clear, I like to stick with the brand “Simple.” – as its gentle on young skin, but still does the job. You can find this on the boots and superdrug website, and in stores.

I like to use the Simple Refreshing Facial Wash every day. Ill put a tiny pea shaped amount onto my fingers, then gently massage it into my face – before washing it off after a few minutes. This just does a lovely job of cleaning my face and removing any dirt/makeup from my pores. However, twice a week I like to swap this with the Simple Exfoliating face wash, to keep my skin free of any dead skin, and balance the oils in my face preventing spots.

Next, I like to exfoliate my lips using the LUSH. Honey lip scrub. usually do this twice a week, as the cold winter air makes my lips prone to getting all dry and sore. Not only does it taste really good; but it also helps to remove any dead skin cleaving my lips feeling brand new!

After, I like to use 2 different moisturisers for my face daily. I use the Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser for my face, as it prevents my skin from drying out, and leaves it feeling so soft and nourished. However, as that can encourage my eye lids to be quite oiley, I use the Soothing Eye Balm under my eyes, on my eyelids and brow bone instead. This helps to brighten my under eyes so i look more awake, and is really refreshing.

Finally, i like to put a thin layer of Palmers Dark Chocolate and Mint Lipbalm on my lips to keep them moisturised and hydrated – protecting them from the harsh, cold winter air.

What skincare products do you love? Let me know in the comments below x

~littleharto x

My Tattood skincare routine

Hey guys, So on this blog, I have already dipped into the idea of tattoos. I only have one so far (but would love to get more soon) but have found myself slipping into a bit of a routine, in order to keep my tattoo looking as new as possible, for as long as possible. I mean tattoos are expensive so it really does pay to take care of them. As soon as my tattoo was completely healed, I was already in a bit of a routine (wash, dry and bepanthenal it) so just had to tweek it the tiniest bit.

Firstly, as the tattoo starts at the top of my ankle, When I shave my legs every 2/3 days – I like to make sure to go over the part of my tattoo that gets stubley. That might seem like an obvious thing to do, but I just feel like the tattoo looks better when its completely hairless. (This is obviously personal preference though – you do you.)

Next, I like to exfoliate my tattoo once a week, as dead skin can make tattoos look duller than they really are. As the tattoos already healed it doesn’t matter too much which scrub you use, so I use the Soap and Glory Pulp Friction Foamy Fruity Body Scrub as it smells so good.

 

Finally, I like to pat my tattoo dry and apply some moisturiser to it, to prevent the tattoo going all dried up. Again, I don’t think it matters what moisturiser you use, so I use the Soap and Glory Righteous Butter as it always leaves my skin feeling so smooth and pampered.

Do you guys have any tattoos? And if so, what products do you like to use to care for them?

 

~ littleharto x