Get your sweat on with Bikram Yoga

Okay so its one of those phad's that I feel a lot of people gave a bash, but with the craze being over the question is who is actually doing it still? Well I can tell you that the people who are still doing it are the ones benefiting.
Bikram Yoga, for those who don't know, is a set routine of positions that lasts for an hour and a half. Sounds okay right? Let me just add that you are doing it in a 40 degrees Celsius room (yeah, that is the catch). The first time I went into the room I was sweating before the class had even started!

So what does it consist of exactly?

Well you undergo 26 postures including the two breathing exercises at the beginning and end of the class. It's always the same postures which, I at first thought it could get a bit dull and repetitive, but actually really helps you get into the flow of the class. Before you know it you're ready to move from your Camel to your Rabbit instinctively without being told (although it is important that you stay at the same speed as the rest of your class to share the energy. )
One of the best things about Bikram is that you are allowed to go at your own personal pace though, there's no need to keep up with the most flexible. The first few times you go, your main intention may be to simply stay in the heat for the full 90 minutes.
My local Bikram offered a 30 day trial for £30. My friend and I both did this together going 5 times a week for the duration of the trail. I realise now looking back at this that you really do see the benefits in your flexibility and general well being the more regularly you go.
On the note of flexibility, being in the heat actually helps you with this! This is great for people that are put off regular yoga due to worrying about their flexibility.



What are the benefits?

Well if you want the full extensive list of everything Bikram claims to do then Google will have all your answers. I however am going to speak about what I personally found rewarding.

• My skin was clearer after a week or so of sweating it out.
• I felt more flexible and could see myself improving on the postures.
• I felt more relaxed on a day to day basis.
• I enjoyed having an hour where there was nothing else I was focussing on, I couldn't check my phone and I would try my best not to let my mind wander during the class (which I found easier in Bikram than normal Yoga classes).
• It got me drinking more water. Its very important to stay hydrated before and after the class. I made the mistake of not being one time and ended up with a splitting headache, however I learnt from my mistake and it was plenty of water from then on in. 

Another pro to Bikram is that it can be a social activity. I found everyone was very supportive and chatty with one another before and after the class. Herbal Tea was provided for everyone outside the room once it was finished and people would sit and talk through their Bikram experiences; it's a really nice community atmosphere. 

So, you convinced to try it yet?

The only draw back I would say is that Birkam can be expensive, therefore it's worth checking out to see if they offer student discounts or trail sessions. 

It also gives you the excuse to use some of that cute gym gear that you bought for the gym at Christmas and haven't made use of yet!

Thanks for reading x  

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Inexpensive Skincare Routine for Teenage Skin

My skin has always been combination. Whilst my T-Zone gets very oily, I also have dry patches here and there plus it is often sensitive to new products! So finding a routine that works for me is a difficult process. However, I think I have done it! My skin has improved immensely over the past 6 months, and I think this is due to stripping my skincare back completely and then slowly introducing these new products which have worked wonders. What I like also about this skincare routine is that it is inexpensive. So without further ado, here's what I have been using! 

1) First off we have my Waitrose Pure Face Polish. This fragrance free product works as a great exfoliator. In the past I have found most exfoliators break me out, but this one hasn't caused one blemish. I use it twice a week and find it works best after coming out the shower. It is one of the only products I have found that I have seen a noticeable difference in my skin after I use it. My skin looks brighter, cleaner and more smooth in tone. This product only costs £3, and is better than a lot of higher end exfolators that I have tried!

2) Secondly we have my L'Occitane Hydra Vital Gel. This is the most luxury of the products at £32 for a 50ml jar. I only use this one a week or so, on any particular dry patches that emerge that I think need some extra TLC. Whilst this is a good product with a "cooling" feel to it when applied, it is the leas necessary out of everything in my skincare routine. 

3) Moisturiser is always something that I have struggled with, having combination skin. I understand the importance of moisturising, but many moisturisers made my skin too oily feeling. I then tried a few 'oil free' moisturisers but I didnt feel that they did much. My skin was beginning to look much older than a 17 year-olds should, with fine lines appearing. However, I seem to have finally found one that works for me. This Garnier Moisture Match makes my skin feel soft and refreshed, exactly what I needed! The particular one I use is for Combination to Oily skin, but I know that they do a few different types also, so it is worth checking out!(Think there is an online quiz, to help you know which one suits you best at the above link) Also at under £4, it is a real bargain!

4) Finally we have my Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner. I have been using this for years now and it is definitely my go to. I use this to take off my make up, and then go over my face again with it along with a fresh cotton pad just to double check that my face is clean. Only £3.29 from Superdrug!

So that's it! I only use four products but that's what works for me! Nowadays I see people who seem to use a thousand and one different lotions and potions, but my skin simply couldn't handle that much! This is what works for me! I'd also like to point out that it the mornings to wash my face, I simply use warm water on a flannel and clean my face this way. My next mission is to find a Face Mask that works for me! I really do recommend that if you are having trouble with your skin, strip it all back to basics. Find a cleanser that makes your skin just that little bit better, once you've found that, find a moisturiser that works for you, and so on! 

My skin is a long way away from being perfect, but in comparison to how it was this time last year it is so much better. Keeping good skin has more to it than the products that you use; its no secret that a good diet and plenty of water are important also. Not to mention the important fact that, especially as a teenager, hormonal breakouts effect some more than others and this does tend to get better with time. It is important not to compare your skin with others. I'm sure that my skin's improvement is partly to do with getting older. 

I hope you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful! If you have any questions or requests then please leave me a comment and I'll be sure to get back to you! 

Thanks for reading! X 

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Happy Booster- Glow & Mood Boosting Illuminating Bronzing Veil

The main thing that grabbed my attention with the Happy Booster  was the packaging! It's so cute! It also comes with a small brush to apply the product with which was good as far as the supplied brushes that tend to be included in these kind of products, however I prefer to use my own. It also comes with a puff to use also.

So along with the packaging, I also like the smell (although its not for everyone). I can't smell it once  it is on my face, but it is quite strong when applying. It is claimed that this makes it a good experience in applying the product, thus making that person happy- hence the name "happy booster."

As for the product itself I do like it. Its not something I would rave about to everyone I know, but I do like to use it now and then to give myself a nice golden glow. It is very easy to work with and thus a great product for beginners to try out as it is easy to blend and quite versatile. Although remember that it is a loose powder product when buying!

I mostly dust this across my cheeks and find that I use this product mainly in the summer. 

As I mentioned, I do love the packaging and I'd say this is probably the best thing about the product in itself. However, whilst it is sturdy and I can't imagine it breaking, it is also quite bulky which 

may annoy some people in terms of fitting it into their make-up bags. 

When buying this don't expect a heavy pigmented bronzer, it is quite light (again might be a plus for those new to working with bronzers.)

Also I personally don't believe that the natural plant extracts in this that are claimed to mimic the effects of endorphin's had much of an impact on me, However, I guess that that would differ from person to person.

This bronzer retails from around $9 to $15 dollars depending on where you buy it from. 

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed! X

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NYX Blusher Review

So I may be a bit late on the Bandwagon here but I just have to say that I love these blushers! This one is one of my favorites and is in the colour Peach. The reason I decided to write a post about this was to let all you fellow UK folk that NYX is now available in store at Next- I was so excited when I found out.
If you haven't tried anything from NYX before the blushes are a great way to start! Retailing at £6 they are affordable and you get a great amount of pigment for what it is you are paying for! Definitely check them out if you haven't already!

Thanks for reading! X


P.S - If there is ever any product you want review just drop me a comment and I'll give it a try for you!

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