THE PRiMER OF ALL PRiMERS

I am a huge fan of primers. Aside from bases, I have loads of primers to cater to my different needs. I have a list of trusted primers that I can always rely on but I am always on a look-out for a good primer. The Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer has been sitting on my Space NK basket for a long time. I have been in doubt of wheter to get it or not due to hefty price tag. Due to the recent Space NK discount code, I finally take the plunge and bought the primer.

AUGUST FAVOURiTES

I'm here again with my list of monthly favourites. August has been pretty manic life and weather wise. I had a very busy month with loads of social activities going on. I also made a wee change in my blog and I feel a lot happier about it nowadays. I also need to stop saying that time is going too quickly to my liking. Anyway, roll on September and let's rock this.

QUiCK MORNiNG SKiNCARE ROUTiNE FOR LADiES ON THE GO

Skincare morning routine is an area which I used to only do when it takes my fancy unlike my night time skincare routine in which I do all the fuss. I, however, noticed, that the more religious or consistent I am with my morning skincare routine, the better my skin is. I am also the sort of person who prefers to stay in bed the longer that I can so I always end up rushing the rest of the morning. Finding a quick skincare routine that works took me sometime to develop. My current one is effective and it will only take less than 10 minutes. I can even finish within 5 minutes. For reference, my skin is a classic combination and is also sensitive.

WHAT'S iN MY MAKE-UP BAG: SUMMER EDiTiON

I love doing what's in my make-up bag posts  and I also equally love having a nosey at what other people's make-up bag stash. I think you'll get a small glimpse of the person's personal choices by seeing what they've got in their make-up bags. For this summer, I have been enjoying using this pretty, pink make-up bag from Primark with my initial on it which makes it appear personalised. It comes in all letters so you can definitely get one for your name. It looks so dainty and it only comes less than £10 which is really fantastic. It has two compartments which made the bag even better. On the first compartment, I put things that gets scratched easily and on the other one is a mixture of everything.

FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER COOKiES

Two weeks ago, due to the London tube strike, I ended up having an unexpected afternoon off. Due to the lack of things to do, I decided that I could do some baking for once. Baking and I doesn't get on well at all. I just couldn't get things right and I gave up a long time ago. As I was scouring Pinterest, I saw a very easy recipe for flourless peanut butter cookies. I am one of the biggest fan of peanut butter so it immediately caught my attention. The steps are also very easy to do so I thought why not give it a try. At first try and after managing to eat plenty of batter (ooops), I manage to get it right which is a big relief. It is beyond delicious as well. If you are a novice baker or a fan of peanut butter, this might be of interest to you.

THE REBEL ROMANTiC

I am hopelessly obsessed with anything that comes in rose gold. I am also equally obsessed with new makeup collection so when I saw the Kiko Rebel Romantic Collection, my heart skipped a beat or two. It is probably one of the most gorgeous packaging there is as most of the product in the collection comes with a rose gold packaging. Aside that everything looks so dreamy from the collection, the products doesn't come with a hefty price tag. A beautiful packaging and an affordable price is not always seen together in the beauty world. With a lot of excitement, I tried the new collection from Kiko and I am now ready with my report.

THE CLEANSER EDiT

Skincare is one area in which I became very fascinated these days. My skin is a little devil that when I started slacking on my skincare routine, it hits me back with very unpleasant breakouts in the most noticeable places. One department in my skincare routine that I am very at home with is cleansing. There is nothing so satisfying having a clean skin after a full days work. The skincare market is filled with countless cleansers which is quiet baffling. With this post, I'll give a roughdown of my favourite cleansers in various forms and for different skincare needs.

THE iVY CHELSEA GARDEN

I don't go out that often and when I do, I am a stickler to my favourite restaurants. The relatively newly opened The Ivy Chelsea Garden has however piqued my curiosity. I don't want to leave it too long to visit the place as I want to enjoy the garden atmosphere during summer. Seeing their website made me more excited as the garden also have an orangery.

LiGHT SUMMER BASES

For me, summer skin is all about flawless and radiant yet natural looking skin. Light bases are often the ones that I usually reach out for. Aside that it makes me feel that my skin can still breath, it also gives a more radiant look. Summer skin for me is all about tinted moisturisers, bb, and cc creams.

THE EYESHADOW PALETTE EDiT

Aside from lipsticks and blushes, I also hoard eyeshadow palettes. Let's just say that it is a weakness. It is very rare for me to get individual eyeshadow as palettes are more practical and more value for money. Amongst so many eyeshadow palettes in the market, you might be baffled of what to get and what is the best eyeshadow palette amongst the rest. An afternoon of pure idleness lead me to choose my top eyeshadow palettes. That is so difficult, I must admit and it feels like I'm betraying my other eyeshadow palettes. I also planned to have a top five eyeshadow palette post but I just can't cut down it into five but nearly there. I hope though that this post will be able to help you to decide on what eyeshadow palette you may want to get. Limited edition eyeshadow palettes are also not included.

MY PRAGUE GUiDE

See:

John Lennon Wall: Thanks to my father, I was raised listening to the Beatles. Top on my list on my Prague itinerary is seeing the John Lennon Wall. Aside from the John Lennon graffiti, the wall is rich in history which leads to Czech Republic becoming a republic. Don't expect too much when you see it as it is not really a very big wall but just wide enough. The graffitis though are beautiful and it represents love and peace in which I think is what we all need.

Jewish Synagogues: The Jewish Synagogues in Prague has a very rich history and I would highly recommend to allocate a day just to see everything related to the Jewish history. You can also save money if you purchase one ticket for everything. My top favourites are the Spanish Synagogue and the Jerusalem Synagogue. The Spanish Synagogue is made of elaborate and intricate gold interiors which is so beautiful and yet if doesn't even look overwhelming. It also has an adjacent small gallery featuring silver wares that dated since the mid 18th century. The Jerusalem Synagogue is a burst of colour with art nouveau facade. It is like a little surprise in the street as it is located in a back street of the Old Town of Prague.

Astronomical Clock: The infamous astronomical clock of Prague is a must-see. When the hour strikes, the Walk of the Apostles happen and the crowd usually gather 15 minutes prior to that. Too tip, see it before 10am or after 5pm as the crowd is lesser during these times otherwise the crowd is definitely huge. Whilst you are in the astronomical clock, definitely visit the Old Town Hall Tower. I highly recommend this one as the view from the top is priceless. It gives you a 360 degree view of Prague's Old Town Square and the rest of the Old Town. If you are wary of the stairs, worry no more as there is an elevator for direct access.

Do:

Segway Tour: When you are out and about, Prague is loitered with so many Segway Tour. Don't book it online as you get a more competitive price when you haggle face to face. There's so many of them that you can certainly find a good deal. Segway is a lot of fun plus you get to see the tourist sights that you want. I was a bit scared the first time I did it but it is actually easy to navigate and quiet safe actually.

Hire a Classic Car: Another fun thing to do especially when you have the boyfriend with you is to hire a classic car. We had the opportunity to rent a 1920 Ford Classic Car in which all the parts are all original apparently. It was a good fun actually. It is quiet expensive so do haggle and you'll get a better price. You can book and hours tour but the more hours you book, the better the deal. I don't shy away from haggling as I want my money's worth. This is another fun way to tour around Prague.

Eat:

Red Pif: Red Pif is located in the backstreet of Prague but is definitely worth a visit. It is also a wine bar and it house an extensive list of wines that outsourced from various places. It has a chic, laidback interior and its the type of restaurant that makes you feel so comfortable. The staffs are amazing and the best thing about it? The food is beyond delish. I love it so much that in a space of a week, I dined in there three times. The food is a mixture of French European. The menu varies every now and then and it is always written in a board. The wines and the food are priced reasonably and the staff are very knowledgeable of the wines that you can get their opinion if you are not very sure.

La Terrassa Restaurant and Tapas Bar: If view is your thing, the view of La Terrassa Restaurant is unbeatable. It is situated in the Vlatava River and has the perfect view of Vlatva River and Prague. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal with a good wine. There was a bit of a blip on my booking but the staff rectified it very well and was so gracious about it. I would recommend to book a table in advance as there is no place for you if you are just dropping by. I even want to dine again but it is just fully booked. A booking a month in advance is necessary so that you can choose the time that you like. The outdoor seating is also the best spot. The meal is amazing and the lovely breeze from the river is so relaxing. The food is a mixture of Spanish, Mediterranean, European.

Ginger and Fred: Ginger and Fred is another restaurant with an amazing view. It is situated in the infamous Dancing House. It reminds me of Duck and Waffle in London due to its view. It has the most amazing view of the Vlatava River, the Old Town, and Prague Castle. The view alone is priceless. Reservation is also a must on this restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is quirky yet elegant. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list. The food is French, Czech, Central European and their menu sticks to what is listed in their website. Aside from the view, the staffs are excellent and they make you feel welcome and comfortable. The food is also unbeatable and I left with a really full tummy.

XoXo,
eLLa
every LiTTLE thing07

HAiRCARE ROUTiNE FOR A STRONGER, LONGER HAiR

Haircare, like skincare, is a bit tricky for me. I think it is my penance for all those crazy styling and colouring on my teenage years that my hair is quiet rebellious. After three long years of looking after my hair, it goes back to its healthy state. However, like I said earlier, it is quiet sensitive to change. At the beginning of June, I went to Prague where the temperature is mostly over 29Celcius and the on and off heatwave in the UK is making my hair cray-cray again. I tried my old trusted hair products but nothing seem to work on my fast becoming frizzy hair. It doesn't help as well that I'm growing my hair longer so I really need my hair strong and healthy. After introducing some products, I finally manage my hair to stay calm and healthy again. If you are having to fight frizzy hair or you just want a healthy long, hair then you might pick some tips in here.

THE NUDE LiP EDiT

Nude lips are like the easiest lip look that I can pull off anytime of the year. It is effortless and appropriate in all occasions. It can tone down dramatic eyes. It is also very low maintenance yet it always look elegant. It's like I can never go wrong with a nude lip. As a fan of nude lips, I have tons of nude lipsticks and tried countless products. From my nude lip stash, I narrowed it down to five of which I think are the best from the rest. It also caters for all budgets. If you are looking for a good nude lipstick or you are just starting out into lipsticks, I have a few recommendations that might help you.