Budget Skincare Edit: Nip and Fab Cleanser Review

Finding a good cleanser is not an easy task. You need to have one that removes your makeup and cleanses your skin effectively without stripping it of all its moisture and all this whilst feeling luxurious and kind on the skin.

That's quite a list of requirements, so when you find all of those things, and it's affordable, you take notice. This is one of those products. Normally I find you get what you pay for, so high-end skincare is normally what I lean towards. But sometimes you can find a gem on the high street.

Nip and Fab is a wonderful budget brand and this cleanser was the first product of theirs I've tried and I love it. Founded by Maria Hatzistefanis, the founder of Rodial, the idea behind Nip and Fab is to have premium skincare at affordable prices. That sounds rather like a TV advert doesn't it? But for a high-street brand, it really does deliver.

The packaging doesn't look amazing, but its whats on the inside that counts. This is an all round great cleanser. It removes makeup effectively, cleans your skin, leaving it feeling nourished. It boasts 6 different uses which are:

1. Removing makeup
2. Deep cleansing 
3. As 10 minute mask
4. As an overnight mask for intense hydration
5. For direct use on blemishes 
6. For exfoliation with a muslin cloth

I mainly use it to remove my makeup, with a muslin cloth and follow that with a second cleanse, to make sure my skin is clean and makeup free. It is a very creamy formula, and breaks down any makeup easily, which makes a huge difference especially with waterproof mascara. It has no scent, so if you find you have a problem with scented products then I would recommend giving this one a go!

Even on my sensitive skin it is very gentle and cleans without stripping the skin, meaning my skin feel fresh and hydrated. You get a lot for your money, it's in a big pot and a little goes a long way so it lasts ages. 

If you are looking for a cleanser that isn't going to break the bank, and yet deliver on quality then definitely give this one a go!

Are there any other budget cleansers that you would recommend ?

Love, Olivia x

Post Workout Smoothie

I used to struggle to get in enough carbs to refuel properly after a training session at the gym. So I came up with this carb loaded, post-workout friendly smoothie, which tastes amazing and is perfect for refueling energy stores and building lean muscles.

Not only is it delicious, but it has simple carbs from the banana, which helps to refuel your muscles quickly. The oats provide a slower release of carbohydrates keeping blood sugar levels stable and making sure you don't have a slump in energy levels.

Whey protein is the perfect post-workout food. It is absorbed quickly by the body, so it gets to your muscles immediately after training, to help rebuild and repair. Try hemp or pea protein powder if you need a vegan alternative.

It's also super simple to make. I'm loving using ice in this hot weather, and if you use frozen banana it comes out really thick; a little like ice cream. What could be better?

You will need:
Handful of ice (if you use too much I find the flavor isn't as strong so don't go too crazy)
1 Frozen banana
40g Oats (feel free to adjust the quantities so they are inline with your own energy requirements)
1 scoop whey protein (for this one I used MyProtein Impact Whey in Chocolate Caramel)
150ml Coconut or almond milk

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend

Pour or scoop, depending on how thick it is into a glass and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this smoothie recipe, what's your favorite post-workout snack? I'd love to know!

Love, Olivia x

Macros - What are they and are they important ?

Macros are being talked about more and more nowadays and I am always asked what they are when I mention them. So I thought I would do a brief guide to macros if you are new to them or just want to know more about how to use them.

Macronutrients are the building blocks of your diet. They are the 3 main sources of energy and are hugely important when building a strong, healthy body. Cutting any one of them out with leave your body deficient of energy.

They are:
1. Protein
2. Carbohydrates
3. Fat

Protein
Protein is used by the body to:

• maintain the structure of cells and tissues 
• repair and grow muscles 
• support our immune system
• produce hormones
• balance metabolism 

In the body, proteins are broken down into amino acids. Complete sources of protein are things like eggs, fish, chicken and red meat because they contain all the essential amino acids the body needs. 

Other plant-based sources include: tofu, lentils, chia seeds, hemp seeds and lots more

Carbohydrate
Think of Carbohydrates as the body's main energy source. It is stored in the liver, brain, blood and muscles as glycogen.
The body uses Carbohydrates as:

• its main source of energy during exercise
• to help the nervous system, kidneys and muscles function
• they contain fibre which is important for digestive health
• they are also key to brain function

Sources: Sweet potato, quinoa, brown rice, fruit, vegetables and lots more

Fat
Fat has got a lot of bad press, but it is not the enemy. It's actually essential to maintaining a healthy body. As the most energy-dense macronutrient, it's important source of energy which keeps blood sugar levels stable. It takes longer to digest so it also keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Fats are used as:

• Energy. It is the body's prefered energy source at rest or when performing low intensity activites, like walking.
• Allows fat-soluble vitamins to be used by the body
• protection- around organs, nerves and tissues
• stablises body temperature
• every cell in the body needs fat as protection but its also used to grow new cells 
• used in hormone production
• keeping skin, hair and nails healthy

Sources: red meat, oily fish, nuts, coconut oil


Having an idea of what the different essential elements of our diets actually do in our bodies is so important and can help when making informed decisions about our nutrition. Learning about why you need to eat carbs, protein and fat has helped me so much. Not just with my relationship with food, but my training has improved because I am actually Fuelling my body properly. Allowing it to recover and have enough energy to perform at the gym and outside it. You don't need to obsess over counting them, but just have an idea of why you should include all three in your diet!

This is a different kind of post for me, I would love to know if it has helped you!


Love, Olivia

New to the world of fake tanning?

Is anybody else coming out of winter feeling like you could audition for a part in Twilight?  As I am currently unable to escape for 2 weeks to acquire a beautiful natural bronzed glow,  I am calling in the Calvery; St Tropez.

I should start off by saying that I have always been a little sceptical of fake tan. I can't say the idea of looking like an Umpa Lumpa has ever really appealed to me. But being able to get a natural golden glow without running the risk of looking like I just stepped off the set of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has made me a convert.

Before I get to the fake tan, lets talk skincare. Having exfolilated and moisturised skin will mean your tan will last longer and you won't get those horrible patches of colour on dry areas!

The night before you plan to fake tan, exfoliate your whole body, focusing on your knees and elbows. I then follow this a mositrusier, again focus on your knees and elbows. I am currently obsessed with this body butter from Dirty Works in Coconut Caress - it smells delicious.

It is not an essential but I would say invest in a tanning mitt. They reduce any risk of streaks and you get an even colour all over with no coloured palms.

I am currently using St Tropez's Express 1 hour tan, which I love. As its a foam you are far more likely to get an even tan, and it is also aborbed into the skin really quickly.

I use a little straight onto my tanning mitt and starting with my legs I work upwards in circular motions. Keep going all over your body, but you might need to ask someone to with your back - unless you are super bendy and can reach yourself!

You then leave it for an hour if you want a light colour, 2 for medium, 3 for dark. An hour tends to give me that sun-kissed glow. If I need a darker tan I leave it for an hour and a half Max. Then jump in the shower and wash off with warm water. It is that easy.

The only misleading thing about this product is the instant part. While you do get an instant colour, it is not the finished product. The tan will develop for the next 8 hours so don't expect the full effect straight away. I normally tan the night before and let it develop overnight, that way I am ready to roll in the morning.

Like most tanning products there is a slight smell which is most obvious when the tan is developing- another reason I leave it overnight! I then slather on my favourite body lotion in the morning and ta da- no fake tan smell!

The great thing about all St Tropez products? The colour has golden/bronze undertones rather than orange - so no tangoing to worry about.

If you have more time on your hands and don't want to jump in the deep end, try a gradual tanner. The best I have used is the Palmers Natural Bronze Gradual Tan. Not only does it smell Amazing - a chocolate scented body lotion? Yes please. Its super easy to use and gives a lovely subtle natural colour.

Don't forget to moisturise so your tan lasts as long as possible.

What are your favourite tanning products? I would love to know!

Love Olivia x