I'm Going Back To University, Virtually And Here's Why

Dress - Cotton Collection, similar here

Let's be real, 2020 has not been the year. And I'm still feeling heavy after we lost another King this weekend; Wakanda Forever. 

Pretty much everyone in the world is telling 2020 to, for lack of a better PG rated expression, f*** right off. And I couldn't agree more to be completely honest. I'm usually one person who never wants a year to end because I like what that time teaches me and also, I don't want time to run ahead of me. But this particular year can go fly a kite. 

It's natural at time like this when everything feels as uncertain as it is that you get down and you start to question what you're doing with yourself. Trust me, I was at that point quite early into lockdown. I work as a freelancer and it was so much harder to get work. I work on my blog, which I know doesn't get as much traction as others and I was trying and failing to find the right inspiration. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out, "okay, what next? What do I do with my time? How do I not make this year useless?"

These thoughts definitely did take up a lot of my time because I hated sitting around pretty much doing nothing productive. So I decided that even though COVID has put a lot on hold, there might be a few things I can take back into my own control, just in an alternative way. 

So I made the decision, a late one might I add, during the Summer to actually start my Master's Degree in September like I had originally planned to, the only difference is, I'll be doing it virtually. 

Yes, may the powers of the Internet be thanked at this point in time because if we were living in a world where we didn't have access to it or technology, we'd all be going a little bit loopier. 

I'm so excited to be returning to my alma mater back home in the UK in just a matter of weeks through the comfort of my home in the tropics. My course will be 100% conducted online for the first term, so I have no worries about actually attending classes and even if they do reopen later on down the line, there's no obligation to attend as everything will still be run online. Win-win I say. 

Obviously you may read this and think, "yeah but don't you want to actually be at uni for the experience?" It's something I definitely had to weigh up in my mind because of course that's a big part of taking a course. But what was more important to me was finally actually taking the leap into my MA as opposed to not. I realised I had an opportunity to study regardless of this global pandemic and I thought, why waste any more time? 

If there's anything I've learnt during this time of reflection is that time is fleeting and this year really has been a shit show. I didn't want to feel like that anymore and I know that there's a lot of people that feel the same. So I made a concrete decision that would give the rest of this year more structure and purpose because I didn't want it to be spent doing nothing. 

I know that's easier said than done; people have lost their jobs, can't go back to school and will have to miss out on experiences, opportunities or plans that you had for this year may be put on hold and it's not easy. Mentally this has been a hard time for us all and the reason why I wanted to write this post is to give advice where I can, to the best of my ability.

Things may not be in your control right now, you may be broken or disheartened at this uncertain time - that is okay. It is okay to not be okay. It's okay to not have it figured out because at this point, it's hard to. You need to prioritise your mental health first before you make plans for the future. So take the time to do the little things that make you happy again. It's a little bit harder when there's restrictions like lockdowns or social distancing, which will understandably build the frustration, but if you can safely see the people you love, try to do so. If you can take those leaps into what you had planned for this year, do it even if you have to rearrange the way you do it. It's important you take the steps to make yourself feel like you again. Find something to look forward to. 

I'm not saying you have to go out on the job hunt or go back to school or become an overnight millionaire - no. I'm saying do what you can in your capacity. It doesn't have to be monumental, it shouldn't be for someone else, it has to be for you and make you happy. It can be the littlest things. 

I can say that going for brunch with a friend the other day after the longest time made me so insanely happy. One thing I did two days ago and I still feel the good from it.

I finally read "Normal People" by Sally Rooney the other day and completely fell in love with it, proceeded to watch the series, fell even more in love and that just gave me an overwhelming good feeling. 

These little things can really lift your mood, I can't stress this more. Ever since I got my acceptance into university for my Master's, I have been absolutely buzzing and that has kept me positive in moments where I feel down. So if there's something in your world that can make you feel that way, if you have something you can look forward to, then make sure to keep that close to the forefront of your mind. And remind yourself that this life isn't always going to be this way. It might seem like it for now and for the near future, but know that you can adapt and make the changes you need to feel a bit better. 

So be a little selfish, find the things that make your heart soar and do them. This year doesn't have to be completely crap. 

Sending you lots of love and hoping you're staying safe,

Emily xx

All The Cecilie Bahnsen Style Dresses You Need In Your Wardrobe

                                                                                        IMAGE CREDIT: @CECILIEBAHNSEN

*Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used, this does not cost you any extra when buying products*

Scandinavian style is becoming a new favourite in the fashion world, with Copenhagen Fashion Week being the one to watch after the big four (New York, London, Milan & Paris). More Scandi designers are coming out of the woodwork and making their mark. One of those designers is Cecilie Bahnsen. Though the brand launched in 2015, it was at Copenhagen Fashion Week back in January of this year that Bahnsen's designs caught the attention of fashion lovers everywhere. Her designs of romantic, sweet and voluminous dresses made her the new favourite. These baby doll style dresses presented possibilities for all around wear, whether it was keeping in tone with the pretty femininity or toughening up with edgier accessories. 

Since Cecilie Bahnsen gracefully but boldly came more prominently into the fashion scene in these last months, her dresses are everywhere and rightfully so. They are gorgeous, timeless pieces that are unique amongst the rest of what fashion has to offer. And that uniqueness of course is wanted for fast fashion too.

Now as much as I am not a fan of fast fashion, and I'm not especially when it's a direct rip-off of a designer, I do find that sometimes trying out a new style from a brand that has less of a steeper price point is better. For me personally, I would simply buy straight from Cecilie Bahnsen because it's the kind of style I've always love and will always wear. But for others, you may be on the fence. Which is why, while browsing the internet, I've seen Cecilie Bahnsen inspired pieces that will allow you to dip your toe into her style without full committing just yet. 

While you may consider these style of dresses more for the Spring Summer season just passed, I feel that they are perfect for any time of year. For this Autumn Winter, I suggest pairing them with tights, combat boots and a jacket of your choice to toughen up an otherwise very sweet piece. 

 

  

  

 

SHOP CECILIE BAHNSEN ON MATCHES FASHION

 

 

 

 

 

So are you a Cecilie Bahnsen fan? And if you weren't before, are you now? Because I personally cannot get enough of the designer. I hope you enjoyed the dupe finds and the original pieces. Which one is your favourite and has you thinking you need it in your life? Let me know in the comments below. 

Hope you're all staying safe and sending you lots of love, 

Emily xx

Let's Talk SPF - The Importance of Adding Sun Protection To Your Everyday Skincare

Shot on iPhone X

When it comes to SPF, we usually associate the product with slapping on sunscreen to sit in the sun during the Summer months. But here's the thing about SPF that more and more beauty gurus, influencers and the like are telling us; SPF is an every day product for the skin, regardless of season and you need to have it as part of your daily skincare routine. We ignore the fact that even though we may not see the sun in the cloudy skies, it still lights up what we see and it's UV-rays are still ever present. 

So here's a rundown of the importance of SPF and why you should be wearing it everyday. 

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the little number that always comes with it on a bottle is the indicative number for the measurement of time and how well that that SPF protects your skin. So you've got your 15, 30 and 50 and those little numbers give you different measurements. The way these numbers are defined is by the way scientists test the skin through patch testing; the measure how long it takes for the skin to 'burn' under UV lighting on skin applied with SPF and skin that isn't.

What SPF only really indicates is the protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn and play a strong role in the development of skin cancer. The other rays we have to worry about are UVA rays; these are the cause for tanning, skin ageing and wrinkles, with its short waves also attributing to sunburn. 

Here's why they say to always read fine print because not all SPF products protect you against both sets of rays. Make sure to find the print on the bottle that says "broad spectrum" because this indicates that the SPF includes protection against UVA and UVB rays. 

How protective are the SPF numbers? 

Most commonly you will find that SPFs come in 15, 30 and 50 (or 50+) and each of these give  you a different level of protection. 

SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.

SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays.

SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. 

When you look at the numbers, though the SPF seems higher, the amount of protection it gives is not that much greater. However what this does indicate is that the SPF number gives you a touch more protection and time out in the sun without having to reapply. 

This does not mean to say that you can slap on your sunscreen once for the day and you're done. Nope. It is suggested that you continuously apply every couple of hours in order to continue that protection on your skin. Also, just because you've bought a higher SPF concentration does not mean that you should apply less - always apply the same amount regardless of the number. 

Does SPF protect different skin tones differently?

With the array of beautiful skin colours in the world, the way our skin reacts or adapts or protects can differ. It is considered that people with darker skin tones are less likely to sunburn and have minimal sensitivity to the sun's UV rays, due to the melanocytes in the skin that produce melanin - giving us our different pigmentations. 

However just because some of us may have a little bit of melanin doesn't mean we are immune to the sun's shine. 

Whilst darker skin tones are less likely to burn, sensitivity levels are lower and risk of skin cancer is less than lighter skin tones, they are not immune. It's also seen that some darker skin tones and their risk of skin cancer is increasing. So it's still important for us all to wear sunscreen & SPF regardless. Even us brown and black girls have to protect our skin on he regular.

What SPFs should I use for the best protection?

Something to remember; the skin on your face is most likely to have the most sun exposure on a daily basis. Let's be real, we aren't all always running around in swimwear or sunbathing but the sun's UV rays are always there. It's important to have an SPF specifically for your face and not just a moisturiser that includes it. See the thing is, as great as those products are because it's an easy "one and done", products that include SPF also have a whole array of other attributes which means SPF isn't always the key ingredient. Therefore it's important to have a specific SPF product for your face that you apply every day. 

Face

SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defence SPF50 - The next level of SkinCeuticals' cult classic SPF product, that includes 1% Tranexamic Acid that helps diminish discolouration and 2% Niacinamide that helps with redness and inflammatory conditions. With broad spectrum and high protection at the forefront, this SPF is perfect for your everyday skincare routine.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist - Another broad spectrum sunscreen that is perfect to slip in your bag and carry with you throughout the day for top-ups every few hours. La Roche-Posay is renowned for it's skincare and sunscreen products, with a great selection of SPF products but the reason I chose this one for my list is because it's a mist. It has a light and fresh texture that keeps you refreshed but also protected.  

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defence SPF 30 - I have heard enough and more about Drunk Elephant that it had to be included in this list. It's Oxybenzone-free, non-toxic to marine life and loaded with antioxidants - basically a small miracle in a bottle. Whilst also protecting your skin from the sun, you'll be moisturised and fresh.

Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect Anti-Ageing Moisturiser SPF 30 - I was trying to steer clear of SPF infused moisturisers, but I read about this one and I think it might actually be a good option. As well as being a protective against UV rays, it also tackles pollution and blue light. It's also cruelty free, vegan friendly, paraben free and more. So a good option to check if you wanted an all in one that actually did work. 

Body

There are all sorts of classic sunscreens/suncreams on the market that we've probably been using forever on our holidays, which you can also adapt to your everyday wear if you're showing off a bit of extra skin. My family have been using the Nivea range forever and I still use it, especially as I split my time between London and Sri Lanka, where in the latter the sun is always shining. But I thought if you were after something a little more, shall I say boujee, then I've found a few products to try out on Cult Beauty.

Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 - This sunscreen is 70% organic and is made without allergenics oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are found commonly in sunscreens. It also includes the brands "EcoSunComplex", which is a formulation of red algae and Vitamins C & E, that work to keep the skin firm, smooth and bright. 

Coola Eco-Lux SPF 50 Unscented Sun Spray - This Coola product comes in various scents, but I thought I would simply share the unscented first. It's water resistant up to 80 minutes, which means you can swim and sweat for nearly an hour and a half before you need to reapply and continue your sun fun. It's also another sun mist that is full of organic components, which means it might be ideal for anyone who's got any allergies. 

Alpha-H Protection Plus Hand Cream SPF 50+ - This one stood out to me because I have never seen an SPF hand cream but I think it's a genius idea. We all love to carry a hand cream in our bags to keep moisturised and having something with an SPF in it will be even more perfect because you're give your skin the extra protection it needs. It's broad spectrum, so protects against UVA and UVB rays and also includes vitamins C & E which retain elasticity and smoothness of your skin.

Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen Glow SPF 30 - This product is more of a moisturiser, so if you're not a mist person, this is a great option for you. Alongside Soleil Toujour's EcoSunComplex formula, this sunscreen also includes the antioxidant ubiquinone that helps build collagen and elastin. This one is going to give you a sunkissed glow as well as protect you from the sun's rays. 

How & when do I apply SPF during my skincare routine?

This is something I had to figure out because I genuinely had no idea. Do I apply SPF at the beginning and then apply the rest of my products? Or do I do it last? But what happens when I put make up on after? If you haven't had these questions when it comes to sun protection, then you're either a genius or you know all this already. But I didn't, so I thought I'd share this with you. 

Sunscreen or SPF products should be the last layer of your skincare routine and it also takes the longest to absorb. So go about your normal skincare routine and leave your SPF until the very end. Then give it at least 10 minutes to set into your skin before you apply make up and you should be all good!

Things To Remember:

1. Always go for an SPF with 30 or above - even though the difference is minuscule, there's still a difference.

2. Check the label for "broad spectrum" so you're getting protection against both UVA and UVB rays!

3. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside so the product has time to kick in. 

4. Reapply every few hours and make sure you generously apply to the skin for the best protection. 

5. Check the "use by" and "expiration date" because if it's out of date, you're really doing yourself a disservice. 

6. Implement SPF into your everyday skincare routine, both girls and guys! It's important to look after your skin, not only for how good it looks but how healthy it stays.

Sending you lots of love and hoping you're staying safe!

Emily xx

Switch Out Your Sweatpants For These 26 Pretty Summer Dresses

Dress - Cotton Collection (similar linked below) / Earrings - old

We've been living in sweats and leggings on the regular for a good few months now. Well at least I know I have and I'm not alone. And it's got to the point where I'm actually genuinely sick of wearing sweatpants and tank tops. Yep, I never thought I'd see the day either. 

As we've moved into Summer now and I'm dreaming of a holiday in the Mediterranean, I thought it's about time to switch up my look to reflect the feeling. The weather is getting warmer across the board, plus circumstances of lockdown are starting to ease up and so we are starting to make changes. It's about time our wardrobes get that change too. 

I've put together all my favourite summer dresses that are not only perfect for days out in the sun but also for being extra whilst lounging around. Click the images to shop now!

                        

Sending you lots of love and hoping you're staying safe!

Emily xx