My Summer must have's

My Summer must have's

Saturday 30 June 2018

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I love Summer and even more when I am prepare for it properly.
here is some of my must have's that I actually use on a daily basis throughout the year, but find especially handy in the hot summer days.

Coconut Oil. I use it for ...everything, no joke. Its a hair mask, make up remover, body oil, lip balm, cooking help, bath addition. It is great and it is really a wonder product.
I absolutely love the scent of it too and sometimes I even add it to my perfumed body lotions. Another secret I have found is that if you apply a layer of coconut oil and then follow with your body moisturises , it actually absorbs quicker and your skins is twice as soft. Super cool, ha

Aloe Vera. Particularly the juice that you can find in Holland&Barret. I add one cap of it to my water bottle and it adds a slight fresh taste ,plus is super healthy.

Avene Thermal Water. I know a lot of you girls love it and there is a reason for that. It is literally the best unscented drop of freshness you can use to wake up your face.

And finally The Lip Balm. At the minute I am using Burt's Bee's and The Body Shop 'Born Lippy'
I love Burt's Bee's addition in Honey and the classic one and recently I tried the Zesty Orange with crystals that actually exfoliates your lips in the same time, plus it has that sweet taste I find so kissable.
The Body Shop lip balm I use if I want some shimmer and tint. Often I will dap it on my lipstick for an extra lift. it Smells very fruity and sweet and it does give you that hydration.

I am always experimenting with lip balms as the choice is too great not to try a new one now and then but I find these two are my all time favourites.

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Summer Coolers: Grape Fizz

Summer Coolers: Grape Fizz

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This is one of my favourite Summer coolers. I personally prefer using The Sparkling Elderflower, which you can find in Sainsbury's , Waitrose or Tesco.

Enjoy and let me know how did You like it 

x

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Mediterranean Inspo or just 'La Dolce Vita'

Mediterranean Inspo or just 'La Dolce Vita'

Friday 29 June 2018

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 The famous Mediterranean region has always inspired me not only with food but with its tradition and culture too. The historic architecture is rich and offers many inspiration for interior design in terms of materials as well.

My first association when I hear of a mediterranean villa is Wood, stone and simplicity along with history. I love minimal design but it is always so interesting to me how it differs in the different regions of the world, mainly influenced by local's history and culture.

There is something amazing about exploring a new place and scrolling down its streets. It is addictive  as it is wonderful. It makes you dream and altered your vision of the world as you know it.

It is like being in an old Italian movie . You feel deeply  the essence of La Dolce Vita.
One of my favourite actresses I really admire ever since I have discovered Old Italian Cinema are Ornella Mutti and Monica Bellucci.

So I have a thousands word to say about these images but I would love to know what You think and how these make you feel. What do you like or dislike about the Interior or materials.

Wherever you are off to this summer, do not forget to fully dive in the locals culture.

My favourite thing is trying the local food and writing down some new recipes. 

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Hydrate and detox your body

Hydrate and detox your body

Friday 22 June 2018

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Hydration is the most important thing and even more if you are exercising regularly.
One of the things I found out the hard way was that you should hydrate before and after workout because, and trust me when I say this, dehydration is not a pleasant thing to experience.

So after my unfortunate mistake I have come up with ways I can make my water more interesting and tasty and stay on top of my game. One thing I do when I workout is I take small sips of water throughout the workout , instead of of one big load that will only make it hard for you to bounce on the treadmill. Listen to your body and when it tells you it is thirsty stop whatever you are doing and go take a sip, believe me it is important because if you ignore that call your general performance will drop significantly and you risk getting dehydrated.


Of course first thing's first, Lets start with flushing detox.
The perfect time for this in early in the morning, straight after you wake up. Take a big( yes, a big) glass of water and add one lemon. Wait a little bit. I usually prepare my breakfast while the lemon kicks in. Then I energise with some protein rich breakfast and only after this little ritual it is Okay to have coffee. You do not want to upset your tummy by having caffeine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
I have done this and well sickness is not pleasant too.

If you do not like the taste of your lemon water you can add some honey or a spice that you like for that tasty twist you so desire.

Rosemary, Mint, maybe basil or a cucumber for some fresh taste. Whatever you prefer, of course experimentation is necessary in order to find what suits your taste buds. I think I do not mind the clean lemon water anymore, it kind of grow on you, especially if you know it is doing you some pretty good favours.

If you are finding hard to hydrate during the day maybe you can consider an infused water. You know kind of like juice but healthier. And you can have so much fun with it too. You can mix pretty much whatever you want. It gives a subtle taste to your water and hopefully will make it more desirable for you.

I have read in so many articles that a three litres of water are essential, but I find this a bit silly as you will probably spend your day in the toilet . For me the correct amount depends on your body weight and height and how you generally feel. Our bodies are so clever, they do find ways of letting us know what they need. Just pay attention to your own body and never ignore it.

Yep, even if you want some junk food, allow yourself a cheat meal once in a while.

Heres an example of a simple "recipe" if I may say, for a detox water. If you are on a hurry just add everything in your "to go" bottle and its ready for you to consume on your way to work or whatever you are heading.

You will notice though that Lemon, cucumber and mint are the usual suspects and then everything else is an extra you can play with.

Another way of hydrating and getting nutrients is with smoothies.
One of my favourite ones that I use to make like crazy has as a main ingredients: Spirulina. 

Spirulina: the seaweed super food 

Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. In fact, this blue-green microalgae is partly responsible for producing the oxygen in the planet's atmosphere that billions of years ago allowed the planet's originating life forms to develop. Spirulina is the world's first superfood, and one of the most nutrient-rich foods on Earth.

Spirulina has between 55 and 70% protein (more than beef, chicken, and soybeans), 8 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids, as well as high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), beta-carotene, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, phosphorus, nucleic acids RNA & DNA, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin, a pigment-protein complex that is found only in blue-green algae. 

Why is it good to have it once in a while

Spirulina provides a wide range of health benefits almost immediately upon ingestion. It provides a near-instantaneous boost to one's energy, while helping to improve endurance and reduce fatigue. It helps improve the immune system, and provides exceptional support for the heart, liver, and kidneys. Spirulina is also a natural detoxifier, oxygenating the blood, and helping cleanse the body of toxins and other impurities that may be causing illnesses or other health complications.

Spirulina is also a natural appetite suppressant, and it helps to improve the body's digestive system. It also has very powerful antioxidant properties and it helps to balance the body's pH, thereby reducing inflammation throughout the body in a safe and chemical-free way.


Note: Because of its high protein your body will need extra water to help it absorb the green super food. 
Or you can just not take it every day but once in a while. If you do take it every day you can just measure small doses or drink extra water.

I certainly don't drink it religiously every morning, sometimes I am in a mood for it other times i am not. Again listen to your body. If you are in a mood for something super healthy and boosting Spirulina is a good choice.

Here is the recipe for that Spirulina kick ass smoothie:

• The water from a young fresh coconut (or half a glass of coconut water)
• Half a glass Goat or Almond milk
• 1 Tablespoon Acai powder
• 1 Tablespoon Goji Berries
• 1 Tablespoon Spirulina
• 1 Tablespoon Raw Cacao powder
• 1 Tablespoon Maca Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 1 Tablespoon Raw Vegan Protein Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy.

Other super food powders you can experiment with and mix in your smoothies breakfast bowls :

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Why exercise is so important for our Mental Health and Wellbeing

Why exercise is so important for our Mental Health and Wellbeing

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What's the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! 
- says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. 
Get inspired to go to the gym as Suzuki discusses the science of how working out boosts your mood and memory -- and protects your brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Not many people understand what an immediate positive effect exercising has on our brains and most importantly on our mood and ability to focus.
Not only that but in the long run, it can actually protect us from depression, memory loss, and various diseases.

And as Wendy Suzuki's s personal experience in the gym I know a lot of people feel the same way including me. 

From my first class at the gym, I felt how my mood improved, and with each visit I was feeling better and better, this is whats essentially keeps you going back as well. It is like a happy drug that makes your entire being happier.

And that is not all, You also notice that you are gradually getting stronger and more focused in your daily activities. Your body changes that are for sure but not many people realize that along with that your brain changes as well.

One of the things I noticed only after a month regularly going to the gym was that I was able not only to focus but to maintain my attention for longer then I was able to before and my long term memory improved significantly. 
It sure feels good. Just like Suzuki states in her research: " Exercise has such positive effects on our brains: better mood, better energy, better memory, better attention"

"Exercise is the most transformative thing you can do for your health that has an immediate positive effect on your brain. Just from a single workout, you will immediately increase levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. Which is the reason for your better mood after your workout and your ability to shift attention and focus quicker that will last for at least two hours. " says Suzuki.

And by changing the exercise regime by increasing the cardiorespiratory function, we get the long-lasting effects, made possible by the fact that physical activity changes the brain's anatomy, physiology, and function.

What Wendy also says is that the longer and regularly you exercise the bigger and stronger your hippocampus and prefrontal cortex gets. These are basically producing new brain cells that expand and are accountable for your good mood, better focus, and attention for longer. And the biggest benefit of these two areas being stronger is that they are most susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases and normal cognitive decline in aging.
Regular exercise is not going to cure any possible diseases but it is most certainly going to protect your brain and body from them by decreasing significantly your chances of having one. " It will take a longer time for any of this disease to actually have an effect," says Suzuki.

Suzuki also suggests what most people already know: Hit the gym at least 3,4 times a weak for a minimum amount of 30 minutes per session. Mix it up with some aerobic or cardio that will get your heart rate up too.






You can watch her TED talk via the link  Here



It is great that more people are realizing the importance of physical activity. And that it is not only how good your body looks but how good you feel and how healthy you are because of it. 

Do not delay it and if you are finding hard to go just think of the million ways you get to play with your outfit. Whatever floats your boat, as long as you are there working those muscles.

x

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Why caring after bees is so important for the planet and us

Why caring after bees is so important for the planet and us

Tuesday 19 June 2018

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BEE LOVE

I don't like many creatures from the insect family but bees are my top favorite. 

These beautiful and fascinating little insects are vital to a healthy environment and economy.

And here is why and how you can help in saving more bees and taking a step in making the world a better place for us and the new generations to come.

We may take them and other pollinators like butterflies and overflies for granted, but they are vital for stable, healthy food supplies.

They are key to the varied, colorful, and nutritious diets we all need and have come to expect.

Bees are perfectly adapted to pollinate, helping plants grow, breed, and produce food. They do so by transferring pollen between flowering plants and so keep the cycle of life turning.

The vas majority of plants we need for food rely on pollination, especially by bees: from almonds, vanilla, and apples to squashes. Bees also pollinate 80% of the wildflowers in Europe, so our countryside would not be so beautiful and interesting without them.

Unfortunately for us and the planet that needs these little savers so badly, bees are in serious trouble and not many people have paid the right attention to the problem.

Thankfully there is a growing public and political concern at bee decline across the world.

The decline is caused by a combination of stresses:

from loss of their habitat and food sources to exposure to pesticides and the effects of climate change.

More than ever before, we need to recognize the importance of bees to nature and to our lives. And we need to turn that into action to ensure they don't just survive but thrive.

There are so many ways we can support the bees:

from planting more flowers to going to the next level and engaging in beekeeping or by donating to various charities.

I have always admired highly beekeepers, it is a wonderful way to help the bees, contribute to the good of the planet and world and treat family and community to the wonderfully healthy honey.

Bee Info: 

Not all bees are the same. There are over 20 000 known species of bee globally. Around 270 of them have been recorded in the UK. And only 1 of these is the famous Honeybee.

Most Honeybees are kept by beekeepers in colonies of managed hives and the rest are wild, including 25 bumblebees species and more than 220 types of solitary bee.

Thanks to bees we can enjoy a range of foods from apples and pears to coffee and vanilla. And if you are wearing cotton, that's many because the cotton plant your threads came from was pollinated. Guess who?

More than 90% of the leading global crop types are visited by bees. 

(IPBES Pollinators, Pollination, and Food Production The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)

So what is Pollination? 

It is a process or a journey shall I better say.

Bees gather pollen to stock their nests as food for their young. They have a special feature to collect it too. Like Branched hairs called 'scope" or combs of bristles called 'pollen baskets' on their legs. As bees visit plants seeking food, pollen catches on their bodies and passes between plants, fertilizing them, which basically is the Pollination itself.

 Many bees have different characteristics that make them suited to pollinate certain plants.

The early bumblebee's small size and agility allow it to enter plants with drooping flowers such as comfrey. Garden bumblebees are better at pollinating the deep flowers of Honeysuckle( I love that flower so much)  and foxgloves than most other species because their long tongue can reach deep inside them.

Many farmers rely on a diversity of bees to pollinate their produce.

Commercial apple growers benefit from the free pollination services of the Red mason bee. This species can be 120 times more efficient at pollinating apple blossoms than honeybees.

There is evidence that natural pollination by the right type of bee improves the quality of the crop, from its nutritional value to its shelf life. Bumblebees and solitary bees feed on different parts of the strawberry flower and in combination they produce bigger, juicier, and more evenly- shaped strawberries.

In a world, without bees, we would probably survive. But our existence would be more precarious and our diets would be dull, poorer, and less nutritious. And not just for want of honey. 

Loss of pollinators could lead to lower availability of crops and wild plants that provide essential micro-nutrients for human diets, impacting health and nutritional security and risking increased numbers of people suffering from A, Iron, and Folate deficiency.

-IPBES

Governments and food producers talk a lot about food security, yet without bees, our food supply would be insecure. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO) identified encouraging pollinators, particularly bees, as one of the best sustainable ways to boost food security and support sustainable farming.

All this natural crop pollination fills pockets as well as our bellies. The global market value linked to pollinators is between $235 billion and $557 billion each year.

In the UK alone, the services of bees and other pollinators are worth £691 million a year, in terms of the value of the crops they pollinate. It would cost the UK at least £1.8 billion a year to employ people to do the work of these pollinators, and bees do it for free.

Yet I feel governments do not value enough these hard workers that bring them so much profit.

Bees are a fantastic symbol of nature. The fact that they are in trouble is a sign that our natural environment is not in the good shape it should be.

Pollinators allow plants to fruit, set seed, and breed. This, in turn, provides food and habitat for a range of other creatures. The health of our natural ecosystems is fundamentally linked to the health of our bees.

Maintaining our native flora also depends on healthy pollinator populations. This includes wildflowers such as poppies, cornflowers, and bluebells, as well as trees and shrubs. The close relationship between pollinators and the plants they pollinate is evident in the parallel declines seen across the UK and Europe. 76% of plants preferred by bumblebees have declined in recent decades, with 71% seeing contractions in their geographical range.

Don't forget Bluebell and Honeysuckle

One of the very important things we should be teaching the coming generations of youngsters is looking after our environment with love and honest care, as we do rely on its benefits.

*Material sourced from "Friends of the Earth" 

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Mermaid Summer Hair

Mermaid Summer Hair

Thursday 14 June 2018

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With summer in the doorstep and holidays season in its peak, I had to share with you my favourites for gorgeous mermaid hair. Not only looking good but healthy too.
So let's begin.

This is a super soft and cool fragrance. Have you noticed how your hair smells just after you step out of the shower, well this product will blow your mind. The scent imitates that fresh, clean feeling, and the top of the cherry is that is also protecting it from the sun rays and pollution.

    Sachajuan Hair Perfume

Next on the list is the versatile Fragranced perfume mist by R&Co. I am sure you have heard of them and if you have not, please check them out as they have amazing hair products. You can literally spray it anywhere you like, maybe apart from your face. It is super fresh and reminds me of summer walks on the beach.

As seen on their official website  Here

Love David Hockney's Miami vibes, palms, and pink sands...

 This  is something interesting that sounds very promising from the House of Guerlain.



A new-generation dry oil with a uniquely fine texture, ideal for the face, body, and hair.
The three oils of natural origin at the heart of the formula intensely nourish and hydrate the skin and hair, with no greasy effect.
Enriched with Guerlain Tan Booster complex, Terracotta Huile Sous Le Vent enhances the skin's natural tan.

FRAGRANCE

Its Tiare flower fragrance leaves a gentle scent on the skin, instantly sweeping you away to an exotic far-off paradise… Deliciously pleasant after a day in the sun.
The senses are awakened, transported to a faraway land.

INGREDIENTS

The Guerlain Tan Booster complex: derived from the thousand-year-old Mediterranean carob tree, it helps prepare and enhance the skin's natural tan.

3 oils of natural origin at the heart of the formula:
1. Sweet Almond Oil for the body: a source of vitamins A and E, it improves skin suppleness and accelerates its renewal. Its infinite softness makes it an ally for all skin types, soothing the most sensitive to the driest.
2. Camelina Oil for the face: with its exceptional quantity of antioxidants, it helps reinforce the epidermis and combat the visible signs of cell ageing. Day after day, the skin is stronger.
3. Limnanthus Seed Oil for the hair: particularly rich in acids, it is renowned for its exceptional nourishing properties. It is ideal for softening the hair and making it look silky.

Share your Fav hair secrets

Deya 

x

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From Italy: Tiramisu

From Italy: Tiramisu

Wednesday 13 June 2018

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I am super excited to start this series in Food bits as I am going to present some of my favourite cuisine from different regions . And as a start I have chosen Italy and one of my all time top desert picks: The Tiramisu.
I hope you stick with me in this journey and leave your moments bellow.


TIRAMISU

level of difficulty: medium
preparation time: 30 minutes



Serves 4

500g mascarpone
200ml double or whipping cream
5 tablespoons caster sugar
4 egg yolks
200g sponge finger biscuits
4 tablespoons amaretto
( optional)
cocoa powder, sifted



Soak the sponge biscuit in the coffee and amaretto. Whip the cream with a tablespoonful of sugar. Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until they become creamy. Add the mascarpone little by little. Now, add the whipped cream. Assemble the desert by placing the soaked sponge biscuits with a layer of mascarpone cream. Then cover with another layer of sponge biscuits, and cover with the remaining cream. Dust the surface with cocoa powder and place in the fridge for at least one hour.

And enjoy or share with your family and friends.

Interesting info:

Many Italian regions dispute the origin of this cult desert.

Variations depend on the type of alcohol used, which can range from cognac to whisky, rum or coffee liqueur.

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The Valley of the Roses and Idylle

The Valley of the Roses and Idylle

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This Dreamy rose landscape is where I am going to take you today.
The "Rose Valley" is a region, in my birth country Bulgaria. Its located south of the Balkan Mountains and the eastern part of the lower " Middle Forest" chain to the south.

Not a lot of people actually know this but The Rose Valley produces 85% of the world's rose oil.
This Rose - growing industry has been cultivated in this region for centuries, giving some of the best quality rose products. It is no wonder why Thierry Wasser,  Guerlain's famous perfumer, regularly visits The Valley and loves it there.

As the Valley spreads on a significant area hugged by The Balkan, the center of the Roses is Kazanlak City,  followed by not less important Rose cities: Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofer, and Pavel Bath.
These cities are also rich hubs of the country's history and heritage. If you visit, which I recommend, You will see that a big part of the architecture there is kept as it was from the town's birth.

Each Year People from all parts of the world, that are familiar with this region, travel to the Valley to witness the Rose Festival in its peak Harvest time, which is from May to June.
The harvest itself is a very difficult process that requires a great deal of patience. It can take hours and trust me it is exhausting. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are then sent to the distilleries.

I should also say that if you decide to give it a try in your spring/summer travels, you won't regret it.
It is great fun and the smell of roses is in the air all the time. Locals even produce rose jam. So by the end of your stay, you might be even dreaming roses in your sleep.

The Valley is great for walks and if you catch the sunset you are in for a treat.

Do not be shy and do take part in festival activities. It will be a lifetime memory and the locals will treat you to a lot of gifts as they love the enthusiasm from visitors.

In the picture above you can see some of the local traditional costumes. Different areas of the country, these would vary in detail and often villagers will participate in costume making competitions.

This is Roza Hotel( Rose Hotel) where you can accommodate during the harvest months. Sometimes some of the locals will offer you a room in their own houses, which of course is a cheaper option for your next visit, so make sure to make friends while there.

Back to Guerlain and Thierry Wasser. Not so long ago, while I was searching for rose-based perfumes I found " Idylle" Guerlains creation that most certainly intrigued me a lot.
The main base ingredient was sourced by Thierry Wasser exactly in the Rose Valley of my country I just had to have this perfume and try it out.

Idylle opens with a shower of flowers, a fresh and joyful bouquet composed of lily of the valley, peony, freesia, and white lilac.

The heart reveals a jasmine mixed with a blend of Bulgarian roses. 
The base adds a sensual chypre accord composed of patchouli and white musks.
The perfume represents the Idyllic romantic drops of time that occur in our life.

As soon as I tried it, I really loved how warm and flowery it is.

Guerlain also offers it in its signature Bee Bottles which are oh so super cute.

Happy Shopping!
Leave a comment and share in which fragrance you have discovered a Bulgarian rose.
What other Rose fragrances you have tried and love, maybe from France, Britain or another location?

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Darphin's Secrets

Darphin's Secrets

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Here I am going to share with you some very useful tips straight form the Darphin Institute on How to apply face products and activate their ingredients through specific manage movements.
It is also really relaxing and distressing ritual you can perform at home.

The first time I purchased products from Darphin I intuitively followed some of their massage techniques or shall I say application tips, I also got my three favourites to perform this ritual with.
Here they are:

I have tried all three products and I absolutely loved how my skin felt. As I have mentioned in previous posts, keep it simple in terms of quantity of the products you apply on your face. I personally would treat myself once max twice a week to the chamomile oil.
Of course a good moisturising can be only done after a good cleanse of your face and here are some gadgets you might want to consider in getting those nasty dirt bits out of your dermis.

As seen on Darphin's official website. And it comes with a replacable head .

So you have your own beauty spa at home. I also feel this is a good investment as it is a quality product that will last you a long time.

 Darphin also have an amazing range of face balms that are just divine and give you the glow you have always wanted.

Aromatic Purifying Balm

Overnight treatment

12 Essential Oils from plants, spices and flowers act in synergy in this 100% natural aromatic care with a fresh scent and a rare texture. Targeted for skin prone to imperfections, its 12 Essential Oils formula clarifies and promotes pure, healthy-looking skin, helps reduce the appearance of imperfections and rebalance skin's appearance for a more even complexion.

You can always combine them in your shelf the way best suits your skin type. The chamomile oil I find its super good for all skin types, and you won't regret adding it to your vanity corner.

http://www.darphin.co.uk/index.tmpl

I would love to know what do You guys have on your vanity corners and what are your secret rituals. 

Hope You find this useful and please leave a comment bellow .

Deya 

x

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