My Top 5: Mascaras

   I love a good mascara. It's one of those staples of my makeup collection that really helps to lift and pull together any makeup look, whether it's something casual for work, or a more glam look for a night out. I definitely have a good mix of trusty high street branded mascaras, and those from the more high end sort of brands like Benefit and L'Ancome, with each one ticking off a different must have. With this in mind, I've put together a top 5 of my favourite mascaras from my beauty drawers!

1) MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL MASCARA 

£8.99, Feel Unique

• This is probably my favourite mascara in my whole collection, it gives my lashes an amazing lusciousness whilst also making them look super long. The formula means it really helps to condition my lashes instead of drying them out and making them go clumpy, which means that on the go touch ups are quick and easy!

2) L'ANCOME MONSIEUR BIG WATERPROOF MASCARA 

£22, Feel Unique

• This mascara is a bit more on the pricey side, but in my opinion, it's definitely worth it. It's 'intense black' colour isn't one for the faint hearted, so if you want something softer then I'd go for a brown mascara instead, but I love the sultry colour statement. It lasts all day come rainy weather or sunshine, so doesn't smudge at all and won't budge an inch.  

3) BENEFIT BADGAL BANG VOLUMISING MASCARA

£21.59, Feel Unique 

• This is another mascara that is a bit more on the pricier side but something that is worth it. I will admit, this is something I bought because I'd seen a lot of rave reviews about it on YouTube and Instagram- not a good reason for buying it I know, but I was reeled in. It gives these big, luscious looking lashes with only a few coats and doesn't transfer onto my eyelids and ruin my eyeshadow at all, even in baking hot weather. Win-win. 

4) L'OREAL CASTOR OIL-ENRICHED PARADIS VOLUMISING MASCARA

£11.99, Feel Unique 

• I love how this mascara coats my lashes with a castor oil enriched formula and leaves them feeling silky and soft without becoming flaky throughout the day.  What I also love is the fact it's super buildable, so I keep it light and casual for work, and for dinner with the girls or a special occasion, all I need to do is add a few more coats and voila! 

5) CLARINS WONDER PERFECT MASCARA

£23, Feel Unique 

• The ingredients in this like the Rose Wax means I can strengthen and protect my lashes whilst creating that volume and intense colour I love. The smaller wand has enough bristles to catch even the tiniest of lashes so they get a nice coating of mascara, and its handy size means it easily fits in my handbag for on the go touch ups. 

What is your favourite mascara?

Get the Look: Moroccan Garden

   We could all do with a holiday this Summer, and Morocco is one of my top places I want to visit. The food, the stunning surroundings and the amazing shopping on offer, and I cannot wait to make my dream a reality and hop on a plane and go there and explore! But, until that happens, I am in love with the idea of creating a lovely Moroccan garden to bring a bit of Morocco to me. Read on to find out my top tips and hopefully gather some inspiration to help you bring a snippet of that holiday feeling to you!

TICK LIST

>A water feature 

>Using plants to create structure 

>Relaxed sofa seating 

>Tile Flooring 

WATER FEATURE

• A water feature is a fabulous element to base your garden around. It creates a focus, and as water reflects the sky, it creates a sense of space in even the smallest of gardens. I love the soothing sounds that are created by the soft flow of water cascading down through your water feature, it's perfect for relaxing with a good book and listening to the water on a sunny afternoon. 
• You don't need to go mad and by the biggest water feature you can find, even just a smaller version beautifully decorated can be used to create a stunning statement piece and really capture your guests eyes. Try your local garden centre for inspiration. 

USING PLANTS TO CREATE STRUCTURE

• Lots of leafy evergreen plants are amazing for creating structure and adding interest your garden, and interspersed with cacti create a striking display for the eye. Succulents are great for low maintenance, and require very little looking after, perfect if, like me, you aren't such a fan of plants that require too much upkeep. And even better, you can bring them indoors in the cooler months and then just introduce them back into your garden when it gets warmer. 
• It's not all green, green, green though, a pop of colour in amongst greenery is perfect to create a stunning landscape. A few roses give off a fabulous scent, and mixed in with a terracotta and white colour theme, provide a tropical feel to your garden. 

RELAXED SOFA SEATING

• Soft, comfy, squishy sofa seating is a must-have for any garden, not just Moroccan ones. From homemade ones from reclaimed wooden palettes and custom designed and made cushions to l-shaped delights, they are fabulous for those lazy summer evenings spent out in the garden, a glass of prosecco in hand or a cocktail, chatting away with friends. 
• The most noticeable elements of outdoor sofa seating are the brightly coloured cushions in gorgeous reds and sunshine yellows, decorated with intricate mandala patterns in contrasting darker chocolate tones or sultry dark blues. I like to add a paler splash of colour with light blue or a nod to the nude colour spectrum with champagne additions. For ultimate Moroccan styling, add in cushions decorated with tassels. 

TILE FLOORING

• I love the intricacy that white and blue tiles create, they help to create a clever trick of the eye as they look like rippling water,  providing a poetic sense of calm and harmony just like the water feature. The tiles are also perfect for the Summer when there's a heatwave, as they are super smooth and cool underfoot, perfect for barefoot gardening or relaxing. 
• Don't be afraid to go bold with colour, choose bright to go full of for statement, and then neutralise with terracotta and white accents like plant pots and seating to soften and bring everything together. 

What are your top tips for creating a Moroccan garden?