Getting Over The January Blues

The January Blues.

January is such a weird month don't you think? You're still dealing with the financial stress of Christmas and you're just starting to settled back in with work. That's why I was so thankful when my Boux Avenue box came with Tisserand Aromatherapy’s De Stress mist. As a trainee teacher (with only 5 months left) I am ALWAYS stressed and I mean ALWAYS.

I forget to eat/drink because I'm constantly doing work or planning lessons that I forget to look after myself, you could say I haven't mastered the work/life balance yet. Which I'm beginning to think I never will. I was the same in my last year at university when I was constantly worried about my exams, thankfully on a PGCE I don't have any this year.

So I've been spraying the De Stress mist on my pillow and around my bedroom just before I'm trying to sleep - because when I'm surrounded by 30 3/4 year olds everyday, believe me I need to be de-stressed. This mist is such an affordable product and smells lovely so it is definitely worth a try!

After the mist there is nothing I love more than room diffusers and candles. When I am stressed and doing work I sit at my table and have my candles going - I'm not sure what it is about them but they are so calming! This one I received is 'ergamot, mandarin and amber' and the smell is just divine. Actually all my candles from Boux Avenue are to die for, I've actually completely used up one I got a few months ago (I was obsessed).

The room diffuser also comes in that fragrance so I have it placed on my bedroom windowsill, as soon as I open my door I can smell it straight away it's loooovely.

 Lets not forget about underwear shall we. As I said in my previous post there is something about wearing matching underwear that makes me feel like I have got my sh*t together. Long gone are my days of throwing on mismatched underwear and I feel like a new women. When I received this gorgeous Chloe Lace Plunge Bra and Shorts a feeling of dread did come over my (I won't lie). I though I am not the person that could pull off the colour Tangerine. But oh was I wrong. It looks gorgeous, I don't think there is any product Boux Avenue can do that doesn't look good on, it's just so pretty!

I did also receive a Panda mini hand warmer however the day after I got my January box it was -1 degree here in Liverpool so these have been worn over and over again already. They are a life saver, especially when I am waiting for the bus at 7:30 in the morning!

So to all my students out there - I know how you are feeling during this January month, believe me I have been there for the past three years! But whether it be having a long hot soak, going to the gym or reading a book, just make sure you take some time out of your day to relax and look after yourself.
Try not to worry about being behind on your work either. Everybody is. Even I myself still find myself writing lesson plans or doing evaluations the night before they're needed. It's normal. It's life. One thing that has helped me is completing a weekly goal of what I need to do urgently and what can wait a little. Fair enough I don't stick to it everyday like when I've had an awful day and I don't feel like doing any work but I just make sure that I do that extra little bit the next day.
And also talk to people - you are not the ones ones feeling this way, trust me, everybody needs help sometimes. It feels like such a weight off my shoulders when I am able to talk to Oliver about how overwhelming it is sometimes. It might feel needy but getting your worries off your chest and having support is so reassuring. 

Elle x 

Why Skincare Is So Important - With Preen.Me and Dermologica

So, I had the absolute pleasure of getting a face mapping analysis by Dermalogica. If you are unsure what it is it's basically gives an insight into your skin by dividing your face into 14 zones.

It was so interesting to learn things about my face that I had no idea about, I learnt my skin was dehydrated and I had little bumps on my forehead due to not exfoliating.

The face mapping only took about 5 minutes by a lovely girl called Jessica - which was so much quicker than I thought it would be. They do get a little up close and personal to your face which was so daunting because I knew my skin wasn't great although I do try and look after it as much as I can. However I do have them night were I sleep in my make up and the nights I just think I cba to do my skin care routine tonight.

You get asked a whole bunch of questions when it comes to choosing the right products for you. As she told me I needed to start exfoliating I was asked whether I wanted a product were I felt like I was getting scrubbed or something more smoother. But I like to feel a product is working on my face so I went for a quite hard exfoliator - this was called 'charcoal rescue masque'. It is life changing, I have used it about 4 times every 3-4 days and I have already noticed that the lumps on my forehead, it is my new holy grail!

Other products Jessica suggested for me were Phyto Replenish Oil and Intensive Moisture Balance. This was due to my dry and dehydrated skin. The intensive moisture balance helps to hydrate your skin, it's SO good! It doesn't leave your face looking greasy and it absorbs straight away.

The Phyto Replenish Oil was recommended as it locks in critical moisture which I definitely needed as well as giving a dewy luminous look to the face. I was sceptical as I thought putting oil on my face would make it look greasy however it doesn't whatsoever - so do not be put off because it is called an oil.

Lastly I got the Special Cleansing Gel, this product helps to remove all the impurities from your face. I have been using this product to remove my make up (not eye make up) and it's a god send. I only use a tiny amount and it removes everything and I mean EVERYTHING. It gives a deep cleaning feeling however it is also extremely soothing on the skin.

I am so lucky to be a part of this as it has educated my so much and I now actually own products that I know are helping my skin. It has changed my morning routing completely - although it takes a little bit extra time in the morning, I do not mind as I know it is completely worth it. I have had many struggles in the past, from breakouts all the time and dry flakey skin so it has been an amazing opportunity and experience to learn how to look after my skin.

Breasts with Boux

Use my code 'ELLEBOUX20' to get 20% off full price items!

Claudia Chemise 

Boux Avenue this month is all about Breast Cancer Awareness - they have teamed up with partnered with Breast Cancer Care for the forthcoming year, with the aim of raising at least £25,000 for the charity. How amazing is that?! They also hope  hope to raise awareness (particularly among younger women) of the importance of regularly checking for signs and symptoms of breast cancer. So get feeling yourselves ladies.

As it is also Halloween they sent me some items to vamp up my lingerie, first off is this gorgeous Claudia cut-out chemise in violet - it's so sexy!!

Briony Satin Body

This Briony satin body maybe the greatest thing I now own - I could lounge around in it all day, it makes me feel like such a women, the low back, the lace, the black it just all works. 

Body mists

Smelling great is a must for me (I mean isn't it for everyone?) Boux sent these three body mists and they are all to die for. I've been complimented on them so many times that it's difficult to have a few. However if i HAD to it would be Miss Boux - it is the one I take to university and am constantly spraying. It is black rose, orchid and musk, isn't that just a match made in heaven.

Tara Pleated Plunge Bra

Tara Pleated Briefs

Lastly is the Tara bra and pleated briefs. The colour is a dream, I'm not normally a one for bright colour however this one has taken my fancy, it's SO comfortable too!! 

Why You Need To Splurge On Yourself (And 20% Off Boux Avenue)

Girls and Boyfriends REJOICE. You can get unlimited 20% off Boux Avenue with my code ELLEBOUX20.

It seems so long ago since I was heading off to uni as I am now a fourth year student (yikes). It was so important to me to get far away from where I am originally from so I settled here in Liverpool, which I love! You think going to university is only about the basic essentials (stationery and cutlery etc..) but really you need to spend money on yourself. You are setting up a completely new life, new friends, new home, everything. That you need to make an effort on yourself.

 There is such magic in underwear, it can make you confident and sexy, which no one can stop you when you feel that way. It is something so discrete that no one apart from you will know about (unless you want them too of course...) Lets talk about this lingerie set, its electric colour and lace detailing just oozes femininity.

If you are lucky (and cursed) like me you can wear super delicate unpadded bras day to day, then welcome to the itty bitty club! This set is one of my all time favourites, it feels like I am part of the Free The Nipple club and it also feels like I'm not actually wearing a bra which is always a plus.

Even though it's a joy to wear delicate underwear now and again, comfort is KEY, especially if you have a 8-10 hour day at university. As boring as the lectures may be as long as you are comfortable you will be able to make it through, (trust me I have been there!)

I don't believe in purely buying underwear to impress and attract your partner. I often enjoy impressing myself and feeling like a women. Queue the most amazing body ever. Boux Avenue hit the nail on the head with this piece, I can't explain the love I have towards it. The floral detail, the cut out back and the mesh number, what more could you want?! I wore this before with some high waisted trousers and heels, I felt so daring and like I could rule the world.

This teddy is also one of my new favourites. Lace detail ALWAYS is a yes from me. The simplicity and the feel, it will always be a personal favourite of mine.

An essential for me is being comfortable, especially after having a breakdown due to assignments, exams or a dissertation. There is nothing like crawling under the duvet with some chocolate and a glass of wine (always) to make the day feel better. PLEASE do excuse me getting a picture of my nightshirt of the Boux Avenue website, but I have worn mine to death!

If you end up being in the same situation with me when you first move into halls then you may not end up with the cleanest housemates, which let me tell you isn't great. You may not think about it now but believe me within the first few weeks it will be, but ever since then and even in mine and my parters home, fragrance has been a huge thing. I love coming home after a long day at university to a welcoming smell.

So I guess you probably figured it out that I am a Boux Student Ambassador - how exciting is that! So on a monthly basis I will be showing you guys what I have received and giving you my honest opinion on them all. And hopefully providing you with tips on how to survive university because I have been through it all!

P.S Boux Avenue are taking part in Student events throughout September and October! Mine is in my local Liverpool One on September 28th and it is on all day so make sure you pop in. Because if you do you will get 20% in store and a Free Limited Edition Goody Bag when you spend £50 or more. If you aren't local to Liverpool then check this link to find out your closest store!

Elle x