Back To School / Beauty Essentials

I've published my Back To School Stationery Essentials and Fashion Essentials so far - the only thing left for me to publish is this - my Back To School Beauty Essentials. Not many people really discuss the 'beauty' element of school because when you're waking up at 6 o'clock each morning, 'beauty' isn't really on your mind - sleep is the overbearing thought and desire. Therefore, in a half zombie manner, we make the most of our 'au natural' look and slap on some quick makeup and scrap our hair up under the countdown of the ticking clock. So, here are my Beauty Essentials for going Back To School - simple but definitely 'essential'. 

1. Clinique Chubby Stick £17.00 - I am dying to try this new Clinique Chubby Stick, it looks like the perfect splash of subtle colour to give you a burst of energy to kick start your day!

2. Clarins Truly Waterproof Mascara £21.00 - I don't really have to justify the purpose of a mascara, do I? Well, it will make your eyes pop in the mornings instead of those eye bags! Tempted? You should be, we'd all do anything to detract from those hideous morning eye bags, right?

 3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau De Toilette 50ml £50.00 - Perfume is a must, it doesn't matter what situation you're in, I always think that smelling good should be high on the list of priorities. So, a great excuse to buy this gorgeous new scent by Marc Jacobs - Daisy Dream!

4. Soap & Glory Drama Clean £6.00 - A wake me up morning shower - you'll have no greater soap companion than Soap & Glory. I adore all Soap & Glory products, so the fact that they've released this new 'Drama Clean' product excites me more than words can express. I definitely need to try this soon!

5. Burts Bees Honey and Grapeseed Oil Creme £9.99 - This is my all time favourite hand cream - it smells divine. This product is way overdue on my ' to re-purchase' list and I can't wait to get my mitts on it again soon. I always find that when I go back to school, for some reason my hands get super dry - I think it's the transition from Summer/Winter. So, to avoid having dry, chapped hands (because who can call that attractive), I always rely on my trusty Burt's Bees Creme - and you should too!

6. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm £2.99 - As well as my hands needing extra nourishing, my lips also need some TLC. I love the Baby Lips collection by Maybelline, their balms are so nourishing and I especially love the scented flavours! This is perfect for popping in your school bag or pencil case for a nourishing top up!

 7. Barry M Matte Top Coat £2.99 - I always try and keep my nails in good condition. I'll often have them painted but when I have less time to sit down and decorate my nails I'll opt for a protective Top Coat like this Matte Barry M polish! The Matte effect will also give your nails a bit of texture!

 8. Sleek Makeup i-Divine Palette Au Natural £7.99 - This Au Natural Palette has the perfect collection of natural colours to blend into your lids for a natural look. I love this palette and I will be uploading a review of my recently purchased Sleek Palettes very soon!

Back To School / Fashion Essentials

I've posted my 'Back To School' Stationery essentials but, although I do love stationery, my love for fashion and beauty is far greater than my love for a few pencils and pens. Therefore, it was only logical for me to do a series of 'Back To School' fashion and beauty essentials. To start, I'm going to showcase a range of practical and quirky school fashion essentials - keep your eyes out for my Back To School beauty essentials coming soon! 

If you want to go a little more daring this year when you're strutting around those school corridors, why not try a chunky sole? I've collaged together a range of different school shoe styles which don't have to be traditionally boring. Get inspiration from some of these fashionable school shoe ideas!

1. River Island Black Patent Square Heeled Ballet Pumps £25.00 / 2. John Lewis Dune Lyndon Suede Pump Shoes, Black £75.00 / 3. River Island Black Patent Pointed Loafers £25.00 / 4. Topshop Kind Box Leather Lace Up Shoes £48.00 / 5. River Island Black Chunky Cut Out Sole Shoes £35.00 / 6. ASOS Miley Flat T Bar Shoes £28.00 / 7. River Island Black Chunky Cleated Sole T Bar Shoes £35.00 / 8. Topshop Southheart Pointed Shoes £36.00 / 9. John Lewis Dune Lyncoln Suede Tassle Detailed Loafers £69.00 

A school bag does not have to be a boring, plain old rucksack. In fact, I never use a rucksack and have always opted for a shopper/tote style bag to carry my huge arch levers and files around! However, a satchel is a little bit more practical and sturdy and these fashionable rucksack ideas are both practical and stylish!

1. River Island Black Quilted Rucksack £30.00 / 2. New Look Black Slouchy Bowler Bag £22.99 / 3. New Look Grid Pattern Backpack £22.99 / 4. Ted Baker Large Woven Icon Bag £38.00 / 5. River Island Black Large Satchel £30.00 / 6. ASOS River Island Black Leather & Suede Mix Shopper Bag £45.00