Having A Moment | Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism had never been a consideration through my whole life. My family ate meat, my friends ate meat and so, I ate meat and no doubt ever crossed my mind. This being said, I have always been somewhat of a fussy eater - there were foods I wouldn't even touch and some of these included meats, such as lamb, which I, to this day, have never tried. Things like steak didn't appeal to me either, the sight of anything showing the remote bit of redness or blood making me sick to my stomach. It was very easy, though, to be at home and have an easy meal (that involved meat) to please the whole family. The likes of chicken, sausages and beef mince involved in some of my favourite dishes.

When I moved away from home for University, I was left on my own to cook the food I wanted. I found myself delving into new and different recipes, trying new things and cutting out the meals that I maybe ate at home out of convenience. I discovered new things I loved and, soon enough, the meals that made my list had less and less meat in. I made new vegan and vegetarian friends too, whose lives were so easy and food so delicious, that the thought began to cross my mind - maybe I could do it too. I made the effort to find more veggie meals than meat meals. I still had the chicken and maybe some mince, but I was trying, and I was getting much better at cutting them out. I found in restaurants, I would choose meat-less options more so that not. I did my research - how could I get protein and what meals could I replace my favourite dishes with? I was starting to commit and experiment and I was also starting to see the value of animals.

It came to my attention at this stage; how could I not allow myself to eat a lamb, but a chicken or cow was fine? How could I go to farms and pet animals, and then go home and eat them for dinner? How could I love pets but not animals undomesticated? How could I say I love animals, while helping dig their graves?

I pledged to be fully vegetarian at the start of July, along with my boyfriend Luke, and each day has brought new and amazing meals to my mouth. I feel happy and healthy, and like a weight has been lifted. I've discovered so many amazing foods and tried new and healthier options, which have become my new favourites. I love this new lifestyle and the differences it has made to my health, my appearance and the small steps it will make towards saving animals lives.

A small fish can't make a big splash on its own, but every ripple will contribute towards a big wave. If you don't think you can do it either, the least you can do is try! Every ripple will help make a better change.

Whether it's for health or moral reasons, maybe you could give it a go too! Meatless Monday is the new Fish Friday, after all! 

~ Becca ~

TOP 4: Underrated YouTubers

YouTube is bigger than ever and I am constantly discovering new channels with interesting and exciting content. However, which such a huge variety of channels now available, there can be an overwhelming amount of choice and it's becoming harder to make yourself as known as some of the big names which dominate audiences in different domains. Here are some of the YouTubers I adore and would recommend to anyone in search of new online content!

ONE | Meghan Hughes

Meghan's channel is the most recent that I have discovered but I fell in love with her personality straight away. She is so welcoming and funny, that her videos make you feel like you're talking face-to-face. Her relatable content and personality makes you feel as though she is your big sister, giving advice and having fun whilst doing it! It's clear Meghan loves what she does and her positive vibes really make it enjoyable to watch. Her videos vary, from makeup to lifestyle to spirituality, all of which are right up my street and, her care-free nature and quirky style makes her different from any other beauty guru I've watched - often wearing little or no makeup and standing up for fresh-faced beauty! If you're having a bad day or want a fun, bubbly YouTuber to add to your list, definitely visit her channel!

Click HERE for her channel!

TWO | MegSays

Meg is one of the sweetest people I've come across on YouTube and her soft, kind nature really makes her content so enjoyable. As a lover of all things beauty, Meg's videos revolve around makeup, beauty and fashion, yet not in the overly-produced and set-up ways of a lot of other beauty girls online. Often with a cup of tea in one hand, Meg sits in front of the camera and chats about different products as well as lifestyle topics. Suffering from a chronic illness, Meg spills love and happiness from her videos, channeling self-love and appreciation for the life we have. Not only is she adorable to watch, she is also very inspiring and feels like she could be your best friend. Her honesty and simple videos are an amazing change from the high-production of many beauty gurus, so watch her channel and I'm sure you'll love her personality as much as I do.

Click HERE for her channel!

THREE | Simply_Kenna

I'm not sure how I stumbled across McKenna's channel but her look, her vibes and her content really stands out from the crowd. Like a little pixie, McKenna has cute content ranging from DIYs to makeup to spirituality. Being a buddhist, McKenna seeks to envelope her audience in love and positive messages. She talks about topics that melt your heart and seek to drive you to a better way of living. Her love for animals, the earth and the people on it is passionate and inspiring, and even better, her personality is honest and likeable; she never kids to be an expert on anything, which I think makes her even more inspiring. Her voice is soothing and, particularly in her new poetry series, her videos are relaxing and calming, away from the hustle and bustle of many channels that fill the internet. It's clear she makes the content she loves and so, it's nicer to watch someone love what they do. For a passionate and positive channel that never fails to deliver, subscribe to this beauty!

Click HERE for her channel!

FOUR | Rose Ellen Dix (and Rosie) 

When I tried to explain Rose and Rosie's videos to Luke, my boyfriend, I realised 'they just sit there and talk and they're hilarious' didn't really sound like much, but, without a doubt, I can't watch wives Rose and Rosie without laughing. Their channel holds similar values to that of daily vloggers, in the sense they don't have a topic or script and just place themselves in front of the camera. However, where Rose and Rosie differ, is that they don't follow themselves around, but rather sit and chat about the things that spring to mind and funny stories and ideas they want to share. Their videos are so easy to watch and natural, completely breaking down a barrier between creator and consumer to show they are just like us. Bouncing off each other, this couple are sure to brighten your day and, if anyone can make just talking to the camera interesting, it's these two. What's more, they're pushing LGBT positivity too, which just makes me love them even more. I was lucky enough to bump into them at the cinema about a month ago and they are just as lovely and genuine in-person as in their videos online. A channel unlike any other, Rose and Rosie are simply comedy gold without even trying, which somehow makes it even better!

Click HERE for their channel!

So these are YouTube channels I would recommend in a heartbeat. Hope you check them out and show them as much love as I do!

~ Becca ~ 

Daily Skincare Routine | Part 1: Morning

I love being nosy into what products people use and how these fit into skincare routines, as I'm always on the look out for new tips and tricks to try! Being a student, my budget can't always stretch to the limits of a lot of bloggers' skincare items and so, I thought it would be helpful and interesting to share the cheaper products I use daily to look after my skin and show you don't always need to splash out for a good result! These products are all available in shops such as Boots and Superdrug and definitely won't break the bank! If you're just starting out in skincare and would like to build up a routine to start your day, these are some of the products I recommend!

| STEP ONE |

The first thing I do is take the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, drench a cotton pad and sweep it all over my face to remove any dirt and left over makeup from the night before. The cotton pads are use are an oval shape and I buy mine from Primark for just 90p - definitely recommend these if you are on a budget! As well as cleansing your skin, this also very cooling and refreshing so perfect to wake you up in the morning! After this I just get another cotton pad with warm water and rinse off any residue - the bottle does say this isn't necessary but I find it feels more refreshing!

| STEP TWO |

This isn't a step that I do everyday but when my feel is feeling more groggy and I'm in need of a freshen up. I take the Boots Essentials Cucumber Facial Wash, which at an amazing price of £1.50, isn't life changing but definitely worth investing in to leave your skin fresh and awake. I have normal/combination skin and find this facial wash gentle and uplifting. The cucumber scent isn't too intense and the gel like consistency is easy to apply and foams up when washed onto wet skin. As I said, this range is very basic, but a nice way to leave your skin feeling clean without being too vigorous or drying! I normally take a small amount onto my palm, smooth over both hands and massage into damp skin. Once smoothed all over my skin, I add more warm water to create a lather and then splash off the product with cold water, to awaken my skin and close pores!

| STEP THREE |

After washing my face over with a flannel and warm water, to definitely remove any product excess and towel drying, I apply my eye cream around the contours of my eyes. For over a year now, I have been using the No7 Early Defence Eye Cream (Read a review of that here!) which I love and has really helped brighten and smooth my eye area. Recently, I have changed to try out the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream, at about half the price, to see if there's any difference in the outcome - so far, so good!

| STEP FOUR |

The last step is moisturising my skin ready for the day ahead. My all-time favourite moisturiser, which I have used for years now, is the Ponds Hydro-Nourishing Face Cream, which is so creamy and hydrating, leaving my skin feeling drenched and smooth all day long. Sometimes, especially when my skin is feeling particularly dry, I will mix a drop or two of Bio-Oil into my moisturiser to give an extra burst of hydration. I normally do this on days when I'm not wearing makeup so my skin has a chance to fully appreciate and soak up the extra moisture! As the days become sunnier, I have also been applying SPF onto my skin to help with sun protection. The one I am currently using is the Boots Soltan Protect and Moisturise SPF50 Face Cream, which is easy to smooth over the skin without feeling as greasy as normal suncream while still hydrating and protective!

So, that's my super easy and budget-friendly morning skincare routine. Most of these products have been in my collection for a while now and I trust them all, so would definitely recommend you give them a try! Thank you for reading and stay tuned for part 2!

| Products Mentioned |

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 
~ Micellar Water Link ~

Primark Oval Cotton Pads
~ In-store Only ~

Boots Essentials Cucumber Facial Wash
~ Facial Wash Link ~

No7 Early Defence Eye Cream
~ Eye Cream Link ~

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream
~ Eye Cream Link ~

Ponds Hydro-Nourishing Face Cream
~ Face Cream Link ~

Bio-Oil
~ Bio-Oil Link ~

Boots Soltan Protect and Moisturise SPF50 Face Cream
~ Face SPF Link ~

~ Becca ~ 

TOP 4: Tips for Perfect Skin

Throughout school, work and even now, at University, the number one question that I get asked all the time is: How is your skin so perfect?! I'd never really put a lot of effort and time into my skincare routine, which shows that looking after your skin is much easier than you think! So, I thought I'd answer this question with my Top 4 tips, that have saved me all through my years, to keep your skin looking flawless and fresh!

ONE | Wash Away

For as long as I can remember, I have washed my face - not with fancy products but simply with a flannel and warm water - both morning and night, everyday and I genuinely believe this has really helped my skin be (and stay) in the condition it is! While you sleep, your skin becomes dirty and oily from sweat and dead skin etc. and to think about waking up and not washing that off really puts into perspective how bad simply not washing your face can be in the long term for building up dirt and bacteria on your skin! And then think about at the end of the day, all the dirt that will have built up on your skin! Getting in the habit of washing your face twice a day will really help keep your skin clean, which in turn will help to keep your skin clear.

TWO | Take the Day Off

By this I mean, never forgot to take off all your makeup before getting into bed! After a long day or night out (even I am guilty of sometimes!) it can be very easy to worry about your makeup in the morning, but this can be very bad for your skin, as the pores become clogged and the skin suffocated while it tries to repair itself overnight! The bacteria from your face, that has built up over the day, as well as the ingredients in the products not only dry out your skin and clog pores but also make your skin much more blemish prone. This point follows up the last on the importance of having a fresh face for when you're asleep! So ditch the day-old makeup that's masking your skin from any goodness and pack on the moisturiser to leave your skin healthy and healed in the morning!

THREE | Forget Foundation 

People are extremely surprised when I reveal to them I have never worn foundation; I am, though, proud of this and hold my skin's current condition to the treatment it received through my teenage years, as well as now. As difficult as it may be, foundation is not good for your skin, and the sooner you ditch it, the sooner your skin will thank you! Drying and pore-suffocating, foundation sits on top of your skin along with dirt from your fingers/brushes when you apply it and the sweat from throughout the day. Particularly through teenage years, although hiding spots, foundation really makes them worse by building up oil and not allowing them to heal. I know many people who have really benefitted from embracing their skin for how it is and letting it breathe. Your skin is constantly ridding old skin cells, so why leave these trapped under a layer of makeup? Choosing against foundation is the best decision for my skin I ever made and, as scary as that first step might be, drive yourself with all the positives and the result, to help motivate you to put that bottle down! Being comfortable in your skin isn't an overnight process, so of course introduce BB creams or concealers in the meantime to help build up that confidence to strip your skin bare! Give your skin the space it needs to develop and heal and, before long, you might not even want to wear foundation!

FOUR | Stay Hydrated

Water is a key part in not only making you feel great, but look great too! When you are dehydrated, your skin looks dull and feels dry and lifeless. As many 'glowing primers' as you try, nothing will make you look as healthy as drinking the right amount of water a day! Try to drink 6-8 cups (or in the region of 1.5L) to help your skin look plump and bright. Hydration is important for keeping your body awake and banishing tiredness throughout the day, so drinking water will help your skin look glowing and fade the dark circles under your eyes to help you not only feel, but look more awake. What's more, drinking water (teamed with a healthy diet) will mean less fat and sugar put into your body, for example through fizzy drinks or alcohol, which will make your skin less spotty from all the unhealthy oils that build up in your body. I have only in the last few years been able to manage and consume the right amount of water each day and my skin has only got better since I made this change. Honestly, there is no wrong you can do with this step and it's as easy as filling a bottle and taking it everywhere you go, or setting a reminder on your phone!

These are the tips that I believe can help you, as much as they helped me! I believe they are relatively easy, all being free of expensive products, just in need of perseverance! Of course, nothing happens overnight so be patient, see if there are any other life adjustments you can make (like exercise or dietary changes) and you'll be glowing soon enough!

~ Becca ~ 

Current Fave Five: Spring 2016

I've been juggling time over the last few months of my life, assessments consuming most of my days and work piling up. I have, however, found a variety of products and other things to share with you, that I have loved since the start of the year.

ONE | Makeup Revolution London, Ultra Blush and Highlight Expert Gift Set - Highlight Palette

Having had this blush, highlight and brush set on my Christmas list, when browsing the after-Christmas sales to reveal this beauty on offer down to a mere £3.99, I didn't hesitate in spending what little of my money I had left on it. The whole set is amazing and such great value for money, but in this Fave Five I have to emphasise the highlighting palette. With 8 differently shaded and pigmented shimmering highlighters, this gives you such a varied choice of colours and finishes to complete your look and leave you glowing. My favourite combination for applying these highlighters onto my face have been mixing the two shades to the bottom left of the palette to sweep over my cheeks and tops of my cheekbones. Here this creates a golden glow, with pink/salmon undertones which compliments my pale complexion and the blusher I tend to wear on an everyday basis. For under my brow, I always apply either the white, shimmering shade located to the top left and on occasion, the lavender shade located just to the right of this, if I want a less-intense highlight for natural makeup look. The two shades situated to the lower and upper right of the palette are gorgeous, with flecks of glitter running through both the rich white and sweet pink tones. These ones I have definitely reached for on nights out and when giving myself a more glamorous look! The pigmentation and payoff for each of the shades is amazing quality. They are all buildable allowing either a slight shimmer of intense strobe of shine. These products are definitely value for money and if this set is still available and I could recommend it more! 

TWO | Makeup Revolution London - Redemption Palette Iconic 3 | RRP £4.00

I purchased this palette a few weeks ago from my local Superdrug and have used nothing else on my eyes since. This palette consists of 12 shades, 9 shimmer and 3 matte, and ranges from neutral browns, sparkling golds and beautiful pinks. Eyeshadow has to be one of the most important things to me when doing my makeup, I feel like it really defines and brings a look together and this palette almost feels as though it was made for me! I love, even on an everyday basis, using shimmers as I really feel they compliment my eyes and their shape, making them stand out and look bigger and brighter. This palette definitely doesn't hold back on this front and gives an amazing array of shades that look stunning as solo acts or dazzling combined together for a more dramatic look. What's more, the matte shades, although limited in this palette, work beautifully well together or blending through the crease with a few of the other shades. In term of payoff, the pigmentation is excellent, really staying true to the colours and looking incredible on the eyelids. I have noticed that after a while they begin to crease but this is a small price to pay and may be easily fixed with a primer (which I don't use!). All in all, this palette is a great dupe for some higher-end eyeshadows and definitely is worth every penny paid. What;s more, there is such an array of palettes to choose from, ranging from lights, darks, shimmers and mattes, all at an incredible price! I haven't used much from this brand before but I know I will definitely be heading back to explore the range more! 

THREE | Marks and Spencer - Butterfly Body Mist | RRP £6.50 

(Didn't get a chance to snap a picture before using the bottle up!)

I have always loved the range of scents that Marks and Spencer have available - maybe not the first place you'd look for fragrances either! I had run out of my Ted Baker Pink Body Mist, which I had fallen in love with for most of the past year and so set out to find a new signature scent. When it comes to fragrance, I love soft and sweet scents, usually with subtle floral notes. This body spray reminds me a lot of the Marc Jacobs range, with a fresh and floral delicate nature. Of course, it's always difficult to describe fragrances but this definitely exudes a sense of youth and will be perfect for the spring. I have already received many compliments and for the price, you can't go wrong! 

FOUR | Troye Sivan - Blue Neighbourhood | RRP £7.99 (for deluxe) 

For many months now, I have fallen in love with Troye Sivan's music, therefore he couldn't not receive a shoutout in this favourites! You may have heard of Troye from his popular youtube channel Troye Sivan. But, having always had a passion in music, following his single Happy Little Pill which was released a few years ago, has now brought out his first album, titled Blue Neighbourhood. Before I came to University, I discovered Troye's single 'Wild' and instantly fell in love with the song and video. I was eager to hear more from him and was waiting for him to release the new videos in the trilogy and new songs. Once the songs we released I was hooked and went days and days listening to him on repeat. His music is so passionate, emotional and inspirational. I've fallen in love with his voice and the way he carries emotion through this lyrics too. Each song holds Troye's distinct sound, while bringing something new with every one. I would definitely recommend you listen to his mix of relaxing and upbeat music, perfect to fit parties, studying and even chilling in the sun as we roll into the summer months!

FIVE | Best Fiends App | free to download 

My boyfriend is rather addicted to his phone and is constantly finding new ways to entertain himself on it. The other week, he was completely committed to this game - Best Fiends - and insisted I downloaded it too. After finally giving in, I, too, was sat with him playing level after level of this game for the days that followed and I couldn't believe how addictive and fun it was! The game entails matching icons to give power to little characters that you use to battle slugs and complete levels. As simple as it sounds, each level has various tasks to complete too and with more and more fiends available to unlock, the game keep getting better level by level. Luke and I have now managed to encourage our housemates to download the game too, so I'm sure social gatherings will be a lot less sociable now we're all addicted to battling the slugs! If you're looking for a new game to pass the time, or are a fan of games such as Candy Crush or Angry Birds, it's definitely worth a download! 

So, that is a catch up on a few things that I have been reaching for and loving over the months that have flown by! I have many new products to try and hopefully fall in love with, as well as lots of adventures and trips planned to keep you updated with. Thank you for reading, until next time! 

~ Becca ~

How to become Popular on Instagram | Gaining Likes and Followers

Instagram is an amazing platform to share your passions and hobbies - from photography to makeup to cooking! It allows you to reach a wide audience and using it in the right way can help get your name known and build a following of people with similar interests. What's more, it can help you build upon your own knowledge by sharing and interacting with others in the same domain.

I have always had a love for photography and, when I developed my Instagram account, I found myself striving to take my photography to the next level and getting my name out there for this hobby! I have found 3 tips and tricks that, although my account is still small, is helping me grow day by day and also allowing me to get the most out of my Instagram experience.

| Hashtags |

Hashtags are a great way to lead people to your account, as they search for similar interests and themes. The hashtags you choose will depend on the concept behind your Instagram feed, for example, if you are promoting a makeup-themed feed, you will use hashtags to relate to the brands, products and look you are creating. There are lots of 'set' and 'known' hashtags for certain areas of Instagram, that will allow a lot of people and popular pages to see your content. These can be found by searching Google or even searching popular, similar Instagram accounts for the tags that they are using, as well as popular pages, that have their own hashtags. My boyfriend, Luke, who is an avid, photography Instagrammer, found a selection of photography hashtags through these methods which we post with our pictures, that never fail to bring in a range of people to like, follow and comment on our pictures. The hashtags we use are: #streetdreamsmag #instamagazine_#thecreatorclass #jointheclass#hypebeast #illgrammers#hsdailyfeature #shoot2kill#createandexplore #artofvisuals#killeverygram #featuremeinstagood#hstakeover #urbanexploration#peoplescreatives #exploretocreate#archdaily #agameoftones#highsnobiety #hboutthere #mkexplore#visualsoflife #ontheroofs#inspirationcultmag #moodygrams#mg5k #mood #streettogether#fatalframes #illgrammers@oneshotkillaz @streettogether@moodygrams @heatercentral@createcommune @fatal.frames@illgrammers. 

In all honesty, I still don't understand some of these! But, many derive from popular accounts and link to certain types and styles of photography, and so, reach a variety of people across the platform. These also include tagging popular 'feature' pages that could see your pictures re-posted to massive followings of thousands! Do your research to see which hashtags relate to and will add to the pictures you post.

| Spread some Love | 

Instagram is a community and, to make the most of your account and gain popularity, you defintely need to take advantage of this! This means exploring the other similar accounts that you can find either through the comments of popular pages or the 'discover people' page (press the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of your screen and then the icon of a person with a '+' next to it in the top, right corner!). From here, click through the various accounts that pop up on your screen. When you visit a page, 'like' a section of favourite pictures and maybe even leave a happy comment (something like: love this picture or great feed, rather than asking for a follow!). If you are a big fan of the account, give them a follow, too. This will make a positive impression of not only your account but the person behind it and therefore encourage people to follow you back or like your pictures in return. If you focus on similar accounts, this will prove even more beneficial as people are more likely to engage with feeds that give off the same vibes as theirs! And, at the end of the day, even if people don't return any likes or follows, you've still taken the time to brighten their day and that's just as rewarding! 

| Stay Active | 

Maintaining your account is probably the most important part of attracting and keeping an audience. This means posting and interacting with other photos regularly - if possible, everyday! This means your following won't forget about or get bored of your account, with new content always available to view. The best way to attract new followers, also, is for accounts to see a variety and large amount of content to persuade them to follow! The best way to keep on top of this is to regularly take pictures and keep on top of the pictures you want to post. I often go on adventures to take lots of pictures, so I have some in the bank for later days. Also, finding a regular time to post will get you into the habit of posting and will also allow your following to see your name and pictures appear on a recurring basis - so hopefully it will stick in their minds! Have fun with this and play around with different times; I have varied from morning to afternoon and have now landed upon around 9pm (UK time). Instagram is all about having fun and pursuing something you love! If it is something you really enjoy, it won't be difficult to stay active and interact regularly and, from this, your account can do nothing but grow! 

So these are my best tips that I have found very beneficial to growing my Instagram account. As I said, Instagram is a community, so have fun with it and explore and try lots of styles. The more you use and enjoy having it, the more your Instagram will grow and develop, and hopefully these tips will help you find the people who will appreciate and love your content as much as you! 

Follow me on Instagram: @beccabeee 

Follow Luke: @_lukeadcock

~ Becca ~ 

TOP 4: Tips to Rescue Frizzy Hair

For too long, my natural waves have faced a battle against frizz. I completely fell out of love with my hair and for years, reached for the straighteners everyday without fail to banish the flyaways and smooth out my lack of love. Over time, this ruined my hair -  it was dry, frizzier than ever and thin. It looked horrible and I knew I needed to make a change. I started to take better care of my hair and, I still find it unbelievable that I actually choose to wear it naturally over straightening now. I have embraced the way my hair works and have transformed the way it looks, to the point where the frizz is barely noticeable beyond the sleekness I have created. If you're facing a similar war against your hair, hopefully these tips will help you transform not only your locks but your relationship with them too!

ONE | Condition, Condition, Condition 

My hairdresser told me time and time again the importance of conditioning and, of course I never skipped this step, but I never gave it the attention it deserved. I have found leaving on my condition for much longer than normal has made my hair so much more sleek and luscious. Conditioner is designed to really heal and nourish your hair, so the longer you indulge in the treatment, the better the  outcome! I keep my conditioner on for about 10 minutes while I faff about in the shower with washing my body and shaving my legs, sometimes even turning the shower off and sitting out while the conditioner works its magic. I have found this to really benefit my hair,, leaving it slick and smooth, especially in the long term, so stick it out and your hair will thank you! The conditioner I use is the Tresemme Moisture Rich Conditioner.

TWO | Give it a Treat 

I started using treatments on my hair about a year ago and have seen it develop and develop to reach the amazing condition I find it in now. I really neglected my hair and have seen how just adding this simple, pampering step into my haircare routine to really turn that hate into love. Treatments seek to stride one pace further than conditioners and nourish deeply to repair and rescue your hair. Just like with facials, hair treatments come in a variety of forms, from masks to deep conditioners, each with different properties to save different problems. Frizz normally lies with dry and broken hair and so, you should look for a treatment to target these problems. Oil based formulas seek to nourish dry hair, without leaving it greasy - these can be particularly helpful for brittle hair too, that feels almost crispy to touch! Look for ingredients such as coconut oil that will hydrate your hair and tone down the wispy, dry fly-aways. What's more, keratin is also an ingredient to smooth out hair and banish frizz. Treatments with this as a base will act a therapy to leave your hair silky with each use. The first treatment I tried was the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Treatment Mask that showed me how vital this step of haircare is to rescue your hair routine and leave you the locks you dream of. I am currently using the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner, that not only smells lush but has calmed and repaired my hair. I try to use this maybe once a fortnight or if I notice my hair is being particularly difficult and I always notice how soft, sleek and frizz-free the outcome is. When using treatments, try not to use them too regularly as this can let your hair get used to the ingredients and it will no longer work it's magic!

THREE | Ditch the Heat

The most important step for allowing your hair to heal and, in the long term, look and feel better is to use as little heat as possible. I used to blow-dry my hair after every wash and straighten it everyday! This left it dry, thin and brittle, even my hairdresser told me I needed to desperately cut back and learn to love my hair without styling it so intensely. I began to cut back on straightening and wearing it in ponytails or buns in order to avoid this styling. While I was working, I found this particularly helpful as I had to tie my hair up and it allowed me to experiment with different styles, including plaits and other braids. Today, I have embraced the way my hair falls naturally, as it has had a chance to heal, and don't even blow-dry it anymore! I maybe straighten it once or twice a month, and only really if I'm on a night out. This has not only made it less dry and so, less frizzy, but has also made me love the way it looks naturally and encouraged me to opt for natural hair over heat-styling. 

FOUR | Style it Right

My last tip is to find styling products suited for frizz-prone hair to give it that final boost to reach it's sleek potential. This starts with a heat protection product, incase you are styling it using heat, so that your hair locks in moisture and doesn't become damaged. These come in a variety of forms, from sprays to creams, all of which will over time, protect your hair and leave your finish smooth. What's more, oils and serums designed for dry and frizzy hair will contain ingredients to target the problems that leave your hair frizzy. These formulas are much more concentrated than conditioners so a little often goes a long way, as well as being specifically formulated to work with hair as it drys, so the outcome is smooth and shiny. Focusing these products through the lengths of your hair can help repair and moisturise split ends and avoid oily roots. I have been using the Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Creme Serum, specially designed for dry and curly hair, that not only keeps my hair hydrated but shapes my waves to look sleek rather than frizz out and look untamed. When searching the market for your styling products, keep an eye out for products formulated for your hair style (for example, if it is wavy/curly or if it is straight) and to help banish frizz, those that hydrate and rescue dry hair, which is what often leads to the cause of flyaways! There are plenty to choose from at a variety of prices, so do your research and see how adding this step into your haircare routine can transform the outcome of your style.  

That's all my tips, and from personal experience, how to look after and rescue how that just won't be tamed. It's hard to change habits straight away so try implementing these ideas slowly into your regime to see the difference it can make. Frizz-less hair is as simple as paying attention to the steps you are taking in your haircare - learn to love your hair and you will be surprised how you ever used to treat it like you did! 

| Products Mentioned | 

Tresemme Moisture Rich Conditioner 

~ Conditioner Link ~

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Treatment Mask 

~ Mask Link ~

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner

~ Conditioner Link ~ 

Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Creme Serum

~ Serum Link ~ 

~ Becca ~ 

P.s: 'Top 4' is a new series I will starting here on Beccaful, to share 4 tips/products/ideas for a range of beauty, makeup and lifestyle concepts! Hope you have enjoyed reading the first instalment and the layout etc. Thanks for reading! 

Outfit and Face of the Night | Summer Ball 2016

| Outfit |

Red Bardot Dress from Boohoo.com

~ Dress Link ~ 

Silver Glittery Shoes from Next 

~ SIMILAR Link (1) ~
~ SIMILAR Link (2)  ~ 

Jasmine Mirage Body Mist from Hollister 

~ Body Mist Link ~ 

I saw this beautiful, bardot dress in red, online and knew I had to have it for our University's Summer Ball, to stand out in a classic and elegant way. I sent the link to my boyfriend, Luke, and he surprised me by buying it for me for Valentine's Day! That, however, meant months to build up my excitement to wear it on the evening, but I couldn't have been happier with the look I waited to create. I teamed this gorgeous skater styler dress with sparkling shoes and accessories to create a bright and timeless look for any theme. 

| Make-up |

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair 

~ Concealer Link ~ 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow

~ Powder Link ~

Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Chance from The Nick of Time, Ready 2.0 duo 

~ Eyeshadow Link ~ 

Sleek Contour Kit in Light (as contour, highlight and through crease)

~ Contour Link ~ 

Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette in Hot Smoked (4th shadow from the left)

~ Palette Link ~ 

Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette in Day to Night (2nd shadow from the left)

~ Palette Link ~  

Soap and Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen in Carbon Black  

~ Liner Link ~ 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Very Black 

~ Mascara Link ~

Makeup Revolution Blush Palette from Ultra Blush and Highlight Gift Set (2nd from the right, top and bottom shades mixed) 

~ SIMILAR Link ~

Rimmel London Provocalips Lip Colour in Kiss Me You Fool 

~ Lipstick Link ~ 

To match my outfit, I chose a simple and classic look, channeling simple eyes, fluttery lashes and a bright, red lip to match the dress. I blended two different brown shades through the crease before applying a light dazzle of gold across the lid to add a touch of glamour. With sleek liner on the top lash line and lots of coats of lengthening mascara, the look was pretty and sweet, playing a great accompaniment to the shocking lips that pulled together the neutral colours across my skin. The lip colour lasted all night, through the sipping of cocktails, sweating in the colourful lights of the dance floor and kisses here and there - I would definitely recommend this product for all night wear!

| Hair |

Tresemme Moisture Rich Shampoo 

~ Shampoo Link ~ 

Tresemme Moisture Rich Conditioner 

~ Conditioner Link ~ 

Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Creme Serum 

~ Serum Link ~ 

Wella Shockwaves Ultra Strong Power Hold Hairspray 

~ Hairspray Link ~ 

For my hair, I left it nice and natural, embracing my waves. I styled it with a serum for a sleek and smooth finish to fit my look and a touch of hairspray to keep it in place all night long! 

I had the most amazing time, dancing and laughing with friends, as well as embracing a new, bold look (especially lipstick-wise). I can't wait until I can dress up again and style this beautiful dress in different styles for fun occasions to come! 

~ Becca ~

Having a Moment | Instagram

I had previously dabbled in Instagram; posting selfies, the occasional food picture and sometimes supporting my blog, while above all, stalking all the celebrities, whose pictures were much more artistic than my own. In all honesty, Instagram didn't grab me as something I couldn't live without. It wasn't until I got to University that I found a new love for the social media and pursued it as a hobby I never thought I would have.

I have always loved photography, pictures of sunsets, sky and beautiful scenery filling my camera roll. And, of course, I'd always thought of sharing these, I just never knew the right way to do it. A month or two into my University life, influenced from a few of my friends' love for the app, I downloaded it, as @beccabeee, and posted my first picture - one of a firework I had taken at a display a day or two prior. I was proud of that picture and, with editing knowledge, the reception was great. My friends all began to follow my account and like the pictures I was posting, my artistic eye and love for pictures finally coming to life. 

From here, I wanted to create a theme, posting three pictures with similar editing (like 'black and white' or a certain tone). I thought this would give a cool effect to my feed and, although I was eager to uphold this, I was still finding out what sort of Instagram-er I wanted to be and what content I wanted to be posting. I tried a variety of things, even a selfie and pictures of everyday life. I knew, though, that although this might suit some, this wasn't where I wanted my Instagram to head. I wanted to have a space to feel like a photographer and show content you wouldn't see everywhere. 

At the start of 2016, my boyfriend Luke, a keen Instagram fan himself, told me he wanted to take his account in a much more artistic direction. He, too, was unsure of what this meant exactly, but we both took steps to pursue the opportunities Instagram can give, and develop this into a hobby we would learn to love. 

Luke showed me the ways of hashtags. Of course, I'd heard of these before, but hadn't known of the great influence they could hold over your work. We found a selection of photography hashtags that we could attach to our pictures to help reach people we didn't know and share our pictures with a wider audience. The first time I tried this, I was blown away at the feedback I received - 55 likes in a single day for a newbie isn't bad. My likes shot up, my notifications flooding with names I didn't know, rather than the friends I normally saw. Comments, too, from new people gave me a confidence to follow this through and begin transforming my photos. 

We began adventuring, seeking out photo opportunities and the found a desire to capture the mundane in an artistic light - sharing things Instagram might never have seen before. I was enjoying Instagram in a way I didn't think I could and I loved it. I loved the way it grew my confidence and the way it let me unleash an artistic passion I'd never had the opportunity to. 

I'm so proud of the content I have produced, my current success (just breaking 200 followers and with several pictures over the 100 like mark) and how I have progressed since that first firework picture. I'm learning how to edit better, capture with more ingenuity and have fun. 

I'm also so proud of Luke and the progress he has made. He's found true love with photography and it's so exciting to watch him throw himself into a hobby and love it so much. The dedication he has is inspirational and I can't wait to see where this will take him. If you want to have a look at his feed, be sure to follow his account @_lukeadcock. Also, if you're looking for tips and tricks to drive your Instagram in a similar direction, he has set up a blog to help everyone find love in photography - https://underscorelukeadcock.wordpress.com. 

I'm sure this post won't be the last of my updates regarding my Instagram journey. Hopefully I'll get round to sharing my tips with you. For now, I'm proud and excited to see where this will take me, so be sure to follow me @beccabeee to join me on the journey. 

~ Becca ~

First Year of University | A Reflection

After working for an entire year for my gap year, my place at University hanging in the distance, I was desperate for the days to fly by so I could begin my University life. I became bored of the mundane, working life that consumed my everyday, and longed after the pictures that flooded Facebook of my friends having the time of their lives as freshers. When September finally rolled around, I was spiralled into my first year of University, arguable the most amazing time of my life so far.

First things first, I was blessed with an amazing flat. We have shared some incredible times in our kitchen, dancing to music and laughing until we couldn't breathe in the small corridor that became my home. There were times when we struggled of course - 8 people confined amongst a communal kitchen and little corridor were bound to disagree at some point. But, I was lucky to have found friendships and overcome the problems that this new life flung at me. It was weird to adjust to living with new people of course, walking into a life I'd be sharing with strangers was terrifying. I'm a chatty, love-making-friends kind of person and I thought to myself, this is the first year of your life, don't go into it half-heartedly. I don't regret the choices I've made and the way I approached this new life; if I had walked into it timidly, afraid of making the wrong decisions, I can guarantee that I wouldn't have enjoyed this year as much as I have. In terms of catering, I was scared to fall into the 'pasta and noodles' diet everyone jokes about. It took some adjusting to (I was still used to thinking, well I wonder what time dinner will be, when really I was the one to be cooking!). I got into a shopping routine, planned my meals and wasn't scared to be adventurous and it all turned out great. Some meals, of course, weren't quite up to scratch and other times takeaway was far too tempting, but, I have found some amazing recipes to share with friends and flatmates and easy meals to whip up in a rush.

The work is definitely a step-up from A-Levels and College, and as much as I knew this would be the case, I'm still not sure I was entirely prepared. At first, it was hard to get to grips with, I hadn't written essays in over a year so, it took some time to warm up. Something I have learnt over my first year, not just from my experience but from those of my friends and fellow classmates is, if you love your course, your course will love you. I love what I'm studying and, even if something wasn't exactly my favourite module, I tried to engage nonetheless for the enjoyment I get from what I do. If you find yourself not enjoying what you're doing, then you aren't going to throw all your effort into it and therefore, the results won't show. Having seen friends dropping out for not engaging with their course, I can see how lucky I am to have found a course that suits me and makes me excited to pursue. I was, also, surprised at the deadlines and the way assessments take place. This might just be the university I attend, but the time between having enough information and seminar support to complete the assessment and the deadline is so short, something I was, luckily, able to adapt to. I have also found a great structure for essays and working routine that has eased me into each assessments and made them a lot less stressful than the beginning of the year.

When they say you make friends for life at University, they aren't lying! Living with, working with and seeing these people everyday encourages you to embrace each friendship you make and you share the most amazing, heartbreaking and unbelievable times amongst people from all over the country, some you thought you might never click with in the first place. University is not a place for prejudice, walking into the friendships and relationships I made with an open mind made my life so much easier and the bonds so much stronger. At the same time, I'm glad I've embraced new things I never thought I'd try. From alternative music night outs (definitely not my taste) to midnight adventures walking around the city, I found my spontaneous side, something I had forgotten in the mundane life of my gap year. If you can't do it now, when can you? University life has shown me to never take anything for granted and seize every opportunity that comes across my path.

So, I'm glad the life I imagined from University lived up to what I experienced since September. There were times where I laughed and of course, times where I cried, even times where I considered, is this the right path for me? I've learnt so much about myself and the person I want to be and I can't wait for the rest of my years here, amongst a group of friends I know I can never be without. So, well done Uni, you did well.

~ Becca ~

Happy 2016!

I can't believe it's that time again - a brand, new year! It's such a cliche to say the time has 'flown by' but, from knowing that this would be the year to start my University adventure, to now, having finished the first three incredible months, I can't believe how much I have accomplished in 2015.

I'll keep this short and sweet, but this year has been one I won't forget. I've grown so much as person, travelling further and further from my comfort zone the more days that rolled by. I've taken on some huge responsibilities such as: a full-time job, learning and achieving new positions at work, travelling up and down the country and even abroad on holiday, as well as concluding the year by moving away for the first time to University. But, I can't say this year has been easy; I've struggled with frustrating and heart-breaking moments, like I'm sure we all have, but I don't regret a single point in the year. I have strived to let these bumps in the road shape me, mould me and make me the best I can be. As I have learnt before, life has a way of working itself out and untangling the messes we make. I've learnt to stop overthinking, stop overestimating and start believing. I've chosen to believe in the life I want to lead - believe in the things I choose and I want. I've become active in my opinions, stronger in my confidence and happier in my body, and I couldn't thank all the experiences from 2015 enough for that.

I've ended the year on a high, surrounded by a supportive wall of family and friends that fill me with so much joy. So here's to you, the people who have been my shoulders to cry on, my 2am laughter cures and my favourite minutes of the day. I'm so grateful to have created so many amazing memories in 2015 and I'm hoping 2016 won't see the end of these!

Hope you all have a happy and healthy 2016!

~ Becca ~