V05 Hot Oil Hair Treatment

Hey y'all, hope you all have a lovely weekend! Since holidaying and dying my hair, you all know that I have been looking for products that can add a bit of life back into my hair. I have recently been using Garnier Hydration Hair Mask and have really liked it- it wasn't too heavy leaving my hair looking bouncy and nourished. Since having used V05 products before, namely the Heat Protection Spray and Tame and Shine Spray, I have been really impressed with the products. I feel that V05 products do exactly what they say on the package whilst being extremely affordable. Picking up the 'Hot Oil' pre intensive shampoo treatment was (admittedly) a bit of an impulse buy. It was there and hot oils are something that I have never used before (I know what beauty blogger hasn't used them). This treatment has been designed for those who wish to use heat appliances, brush their hair frequently and change their hair colour now and again. The oils help to counteract the damage by providing a UV filter for coloured hair and penetrating oil into the cuticle  reducing breakage by 60%! Check out the steps below as to how you can use this product effectively.

Directions for use:
♥ Place the unopened tube directly in the bath (with you) or pop it into a cup of hot water.
♥ Wet you hair, (and before shampooing) massage the oil into your hair and leave on for a minute or two.
♥ Rinse hair, scalp and skin thoroughly. Shampoo as normal. Use Argan Oil based shampoos for greater results.
♥ Use weekly or twice if need be.

This product left my hair looking silky and smooth. I however believe that this product is more effective if you use it twice, rather than, once a week. But then again everyone's hair is different. What I particularly like about this product is its ingredients- the Keratin, Biotin and Wheat Protein helped to add strength to my thirsty ends. Overall, I rate this product 7.5/10.

Do you have any products you recommend for dry and damaged hair?

Much Love,

Eltoria x

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MY FIRST PAY DAY!

Today it is my pay day (wahooo)! After being a skint student for the last three years, it feels fairly odd having a good amount of money coming into my account each month. Something that I will never complain about no doubt . Today's post will be the 'typical fashion blogger' post, which on that note, is something that I have never done before. I have never done a 'wish list' before... how bizarre! So after being paid and feeling like a millionaire, I of course did a little bit of on line shopping! Here are my favourites/wishlist for the oncoming month of September.

River Island, Top Shop & New Look

What are you guys planning on getting with your pay packets this month?

Much Love
Eltoria x

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How To Get a Job in LUSH

Ever wanted to get a job at LUSH? Or have an interview very soon for the Winter season? Having worked in LUSH for three years, in three different stores, I feel that I have great knowledge and tips as to how you can get one! LUSH is a great company to work for and is a heaven to any beauty lover. People used to always ask me, how can you cope with that over empowering smell? Eventually you just get used to it and the LUSH smell will become your natural smell on both your clothes and in your bedroom- ooh la la. If you are against animal testing, like campaigning, saving the planet and all up for going green, this job would be perfect for you. LUSH start to recruit for their Christmas Temp positions around this time of year so have a watch of my YouTube video and get applying!

This video will go through:

♥ What to include in your CV

♥ Research for the interview

♥ The Group Interview

♥ The Single Interview

♥ Your Character

♥ What you are going to expect

♥ The Madness

Hope you find these useful!
Much Love
Eltoria x

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How to Get Blog Views Issue #2

Since you all enjoyed my recent post on Blogging & Writer's Block, I have decided to do another issue. So today lets talk about blog views. When you first start a blog everyone seems to think that you are going to get hundreds and thousands of blog views instantly, but this thought is far from the truth. What tends to happen is this: you start a blog, publish it on your own Facebook/Twitter page, and you'll probably get a good couple of hundred views. Usually these views are from your friends and family who take an interest in your blog, you know, have a little snoop on what you're doing and that. But these views tend to drop off which makes a lot of bloggers quit. Building up blog views takes a lot of time and effort- it just doesn't happen over night. If it did everyone would be doing it and the name of blogging would become meaningless. Blogging is especially hard if you have a full time job or study, I tend to spend most evenings planning and writing blog posts. I just love it so I don't really see it as a problem. This post will give you guys my own tips and thoughts on blog views. But the key word I want you to have in your minds is patience.

Source: Google at https://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpuffkay/9161273349/

Is the 100,000 views a month myth true? I have seen some people say that you can get '100,000+ views' in just one month of blogging, which in my opinion, infuriates me. The only way this can happen is if your social media platforms or blog have a crazy amount of followers. As a newbie, with no social backing, you are all on your own. The only way you can gain 100,000+ views a month as a 'newbie' is if one of your blog posts get spammed which makes the views artificial (not real). Whilst this may look fantastic on your own stats, it doesn't do or look any good to your SEO or analytics (so be careful with it). Another way to get 100,000+ a month is if one of your posts goes viral which of course, is an amazing thing to happen because it can gain followers too.

So what are my own tips in gaining blog views? Keeping your content consistent, regularly updated and unique will always attract new readers. These new readers may be generated from current readers who enjoy your posts or from companies that regularly like to promote your blog too. Another important factor is your image. If you can gain your own unique identity, name, and style this can tremendously help in gaining your views. Back in February I completely changed my blog design and look (see above) which helped a lot. I decided to make my blog more personal which captured my personality, and not to mention, my love for facemasks! I believe that this gave my readers more of an identity and personality to my writing, which perhaps, made the whole experience a lot more real. Another tip is the use of good photos. Blogging is becoming more and more competitive so ensure that your pictures are well focused, placed, and lit. You don't necessarily need a fancy camera for this but the care for your photos will always show in your blog posts. Finally the obvious one, the use of social media. Social media is a huge part to blogging so keeping your sites up to date is essential. Good content will always lead to sharing and liking- it is true when they say that social media is a powerful tool.

So there we have it guys. I really do hope that you find these tips useful! We all have different ways in doing things so if you have any tips then please comment below. These tips have really helped me throughout my blogging journey and I will be revealing very soon the results ;). So keep an eye out. If you want to contact me, please do not hesitate to drop me an email to eltoriasecrets@gmail.com as I would love to answer any questions that you may have.

I will be doing more of these posts so let me know what you want issue #3 to be about!
Much Love
Eltoria x

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Skin Routine: Night Version

Now that we are well into the latter half of the year, as you can probably tell, the months have started to become frosty and chilly... get those jumpers on guys! Not only do we have to re-evaluate our wardrobes, but also our skin care routine. The colder air tends to make skin appear redder and slightly more blemished (which I hate with a passion). So today I have collaborated for you all a video showing you my current skin routine (night version). This routine will take you no longer than 5 minutes so there are no excuses! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Here are the products that I have used in the video:

Johnsons Baby Lotion: Bathe a cotton pad/muslin cloth in lukewarm water and then use the lotion to take off any make-up. This is so much more healthier for you skin (not to mention will last you so much longer than the ordinary wide!). Ps: Make-up wipes are a massive no no!

Skin Chemist Rapid Facial: Ah you guys have seen this one before! This is a facemask from the lovely brand Skin Chemist. It makes your skin feel ever so soft and purity free. You can read more about this product by clicking here (& get a huge discount by clicking here).

Tea Tree Cleanser: My skin has been slightly more spottier recently (probably due to the lack of vitamin D here in the UK). Tea Tree is an amazing antibacterial property so get it on your faces guys!

Clarins Toner: Oh goodness me. This is a new product that I have been using recently which has added so much more hydration to my skin. Toning is ever so important because you will always have left over dirt on your face (even after cleansing). Get into the habit guys and girls.

Skinbreeze Blemish Serum: This product has to be my current favourite product at the moment. Serums are a great way to give your skin that extra treatment. You can read more about this product by clicking here.

Vanishing Cream: This moisturiser is low fat which makes it a dream for blemished/spotty skin. It also contains rose and lavender which is great for redness and blemishes. I have been using this product for almost 4 years now and it has never let me down. Good ol' Vanishing Cream!

Been Venom Repair and Protect: This is like a 'spot destroyer' which is great to pop on infected areas. You can read more about this product by clicking here (& get a huge discount by clicking here).

Enjoy the video guys! Please subscribe by clicking here.

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Auburn Hair & Life Up Date

Don't know about you guys but my jumpers have come our early! The crispy air, the darker nights, and generally feeling a lot more cosy, I now officially announce (for me) that it is now Autumn. Even if you disagree, Eltoria has gone all Autumn on you. Yay or nay? Now with my temperature gage plummeting to an all time cool, I felt that I needed to add a little bit of 'warmth' into my life. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you will know that the last few months for have been pretty hectic! From graduation (I said the 'G' word again), to getting my first graduate job and passing my driving test- I am officially no longer a student which is kind of daunting. So with life being all very 'new' I thought that it was about time that my hair got an update too. I have ALWAYS wanted to go this colour but always chickened out, I mean, it's pretty different because I have never (really) changed from being brunette. But with my premature timing for the change in Season, I thought that I needed some 'Auburn Autumn' hair. What do you all reckon'? ♥

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Now what can you guys expect from Eltoria in the near future? Some of you will know that I am planning on blogging more. I am fortunate enough to have a lot more time now so I can't wait to start delivering more content for you all! I also have some very exciting projects, prize giveaways and new partnerships coming in the next few weeks/months so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for that. If any of you have any suggestions for any future posts then please do contact me (or comment below). I love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! After all, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys! 

Drop me a comment below!

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Anna Sui Lip Pallet

Last week I was sent a lip stick pallet by Anna Sui and boy, aren't the vintage pallets coming back! I think nower days us ladies are so accustomed to 'lip sticks' because they are extremely mobile and ever so easy to apply. However finding the perfect lip stick can still be a struggle. I find some lip sticks to be ever so drying- the colour may be gorgeous but its lasting effect leaves my lips feeling tarnished. Some dryer lip sticks cause no bother within the Summer months, but once the air turns slightly crispy my lips are the first to know about it. Despite it still being August, I have certainly felt a difference in the atmosphere's temperature which can only mean one thing... AUTUMN IS ON THE WAY! Autumn is my favourite season- the hot chocolate becomes the favourite beverage and the logs on the fire start being lit. But my chipped and chappy lips slowly start to look like shredded wheat, or in non metaphorical words, start to look like a flakey mess. In these situations a little change to the make-up bag is in order. Anna Sui lip palettes are ever so buttery containing the best ingredients, which makes them a great alternative if your lips become easily chapped in the colder air.  ♥

I am completely in LOVE with this vintage box!

So what are the benefits in having a lip palette rather than a lip stick? Well the first obvious reason would be that you get more for your money. Most lip palettes contain 10-12 different colours whereas with a lip stick you are stuck with just the one. Most good lip sticks cost between £15-30 whereas a lip palette will cost you around £28.00 (or in this case just £14.00!). If you are someone who isn't a big colour wearer then a palette like this would be ideal for you. As you can see in the images (above and below) these lip sticks are incredibly pigmented feeling ever so buttery and moisturising on the lip.What I particularly like about this palette is the pearlescent white which adds extra shine and gloss to the finish. They almost look like paint on an artist's wooden palette!

'Containing 10 wonderfully glossy, pigment-rich lip colours, the versatile palette allows you to endlessly customise your look. There’s a shade to suit every mood, from rich brick reds and playful pinks, to sultry corals and sophisticated nudes. And to top it off, a pretty pearlescent white to add a new dimension to your other colours.' 

You can buy this palette at www.escentual.com for £14.00! RRP £28.00.

Which colour do you like on the palette?

Much Love,

Eltoria x

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Blogging & Writer's Block Issue #1

I get it all the time, why blogging? Blogging for me is therapeutic and was one of the only things which made my degree a little more exciting. I took an entrepreneurship module at university where I decided to focus on the marketing aspects of social media, and what do you know, I am still here loving every second of it (one of my greatest choices of all time). But what came from blogging was something more than just gaining a degree, traffic, and popularity but it also tested other aspects to my life. In other words, it highlighted the 'fakery' and put into perspective all the people and endeavours that I should concentrate my efforts on. But all of that will be revealed in my pre-prepped journey post which will be published one day in the future. However, some people see blogging as a vain thing to do but I struggle to comprehend why. Everyone takes 'selfies' these days which could be considered a vain thing to do. But with the whole blogging world being fairly new to the 21st century, any critique of it (for me) is very judgemental. Now, as some of you will know I post fairly regularly. Currently 5 times a week with two of them (usually) containing videos from my YouTube channel. If I were to give any advice towards any of you who are thinking about starting a blog, do not do it if you think that you are going to get free products, gain immediate results, or just start one because a friend has done so. To be a blogger you need to love writing, love about the topics/genres that you want to write whilst being able to post fairly regularly. Blogging really isn't for everyone, but by all means always be encouraged and inspired to give it a go! It's ok to be inspired by someone else, but to be pushed and made to feel that you should start one (perhaps out of jealously), isn't the right way to go about it. You can always tell when someone wants to take it seriously. ♥

Now a 'writer's block' is something that you have to learn to overcome being a blogger. We all scratch our heads from time to time contemplating what our next set of weekly posts are going to contain. But if I am honest with all of you, I so rarely plan. If anything I never panic and thrive off inspiration! The only time when I do plan a blog post is when I receive a product off a PR company- that way I want a good amount of time to use the product and write the review. If you fish around on the internet, instagram and read other blogs you should have no problem in gaining ideas. Also look around you- the world is your oyster bursting with content ideas. Never be afraid to re-create an outfit that you once saw on someone- forage around in charity shops and be inspired to turn a second hand item into your own. Never feel that a blog post is going to make your friends judge you, if it does, then they weren't your true friends in the first place. ♥

I hope you were all able to take something away from this post. Please comment below your own experiences of blogging and any tips that you may have in overcoming the dreaded 'writers block'.

Much Love
Eltoria x

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Worst Chat Up Lines Ever

We've all heard them, whether we are male or female, those cheesy pick up lines never usually do themselves any justice. If anything, they are hilarious, embarrassing and usually end up as a great piece of gossip to tell the girls at the end of a night out. So here's 20 chat up lines to look out for this this weekend! If I'm missing any good ones drop a comment below. Have a lovely weekend everyone! ♥

Source: Google

1. If a fat man puts you in a bag at night, don’t worry I told Santa I wanted you for Christmas

2. Are you a parking ticket? Because you've got FINE written all over you

3. I like your dress, but it would look better on my bedroom floor

4. I'm looking for treasure, can I have a look around your chest

5. If you were a hamburger at McDonald, you would be McGorgeous!

6. Is it hot in here, or is it just you?

7. I'm not drunk, I'm just intoxicated with you

8. Your eyes are like spanners, every time I look at them my nuts tighten

9. Are you an interior decorator? Because when I saw you, everything in the room became beautiful

10. Do you have a Band-aid? I just fell in love when I saw you and scraped my knee

11. If I could rewrite the alphabet I would put 'u' and 'I' together

12. I wanna live as your socks so I can walk with you every step of the way

13. Do you like raisins? How about a date

14. Feel my shirt... that's boyfriend material

15. Did it hurt falling from heaven

16. Remember me? Oh, that's right, I've met you in my dreams

17. Is your name Google? Because you've got everything I'm searching

18. You look cold; maybe you should use me as a blanket.

19. Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only ten I know I see!

20. Life without you would be like broken pencils... pointless

Which ones have you come across?

Much Love

Eltoria ♥

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Instagram Story Issue #1

A lot has happened in the last few months and I've come to realise that my own Instagram tells this story. From working with Michael Kors, drinking a lot more smoothies, graduating from university and featuring on Select Fashion's Instagram page, these Summer months have been blooming. So here is my Instagram Story Issue 1!

Select Fashion ♥ Eltoria Discount Codes ♥ Smoothies ♥ Beach ♥ Graduation ♥ Gym ♥ Leaving Law School ♥ Working With Michael Kors ♥ Eating Healthy ♥ Springer Spaniel ♥ Spain ♥ Fashion Posts ♥ Weddings ♥ Shopping Hauls ♥ Fashion Inspiration ♥ Lipsy ♥ Domino's Pizza ♥ Bare Minerals Blogger's Event ♥ SELFIES ♥ More Shoes

Send me your links to Instagrams/Istagram blog posts! 

You can follow me in Instagram just by clicking here.

Much Love

Eltoria x

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University Expectations vs Reality

Hola ladies and gentleman! Now I know that some of you in a few days time will be receiving your A level results (how exciting) and I wish you all the very best of luck. As I was you three years ago, I was extremely excited for University and my perceptions of uni were very stereotypical (almost like the American movies). Which I must warn you is very far from the reality. So to make this post easy on the eye, I decided to spell out the realities of university through imagery (not like university students actually enjoy to read :p). If you are also in two minds as to what to take to University, just under a year ago I wrote a post on the 'University Essentials'. I wrote that post during the beginning of my third year (so you could say that I was very knowledgeable by then). You can check out that post just by clicking here. Please let me know in the comments if I am missing anything vital! I love hearing about university experiences!

Expectation: Student Loans (Money Money Money)!

Reality: Who Took All Of My Money?

Expectation: Independent Living

Reality...

Expectation: Sharing Food/Tea With Your House Mates

Reality...

Expectation: A Lot Of Lectures To Attend

Reality...

Expectation: Everyone Will Be Keen To Answer Questions In Lectures/Seminars

Reality...

Expectation: Joining A Sports Team

Reality...

Expectation: Attending Posh Socials

Reality...

Expectation: Making Your First Flat Sunday Roast

Reality...

Expectation: Joining The University Challenge Team

Reality...

Expectation: You'll Love Everyone You Meet

Reality (You'll Come Across At Least One Regina George)...

Expectation: Meeting 'The One'

Reality (You'll Meet Some Right Jerks!)...

Hope you enjoyed this post! If I'm missing a few please drop a comment below!

Much Love,

Eltoria x

Disclaimer: all the images above are not my own. They were found and selected off from Google.

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Bugbears!

Sunday has come around way too quickly. Unfortunately this weekend I've been pretty sick where I've slept for most of it- dam you stomach bug. This Sunday I've taken a different approach to my YouTube video- I think when I filmed it I was in need of some sort of rant. A rant to the world about my 'bugbears'. I've even decided to take a minor dig at the tabloids which may become a regular thing to my YouTube videos. So if you like it please drop a comment below. So yeah, without yet knowing what this video is all about... enjoy! Please link, like and subscribe- I upload every Wednesday and Sunday.

Click to play

Do you have any bugbears?

Much Love,
Eltoria x

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Bare Minerals: Review

Phew I've got that Friday feelin' and I am certainly ready for the weekend. Now that I am a new graduate who is in full time employment, although I love my job, I now get that Friday feelin' like everyone else does. And what a feelin'. Two Fridays ago, some of you will know that I attended the Bare Minerals Beauty Blogger event in Bristol (Cabot Circus). I met some lovely new bloggers and the whole event was such a success. You can read that post by clicking here if you missed it. I was fortunate to walk away with a Bare Minerals goodie bag which contained these two beautiful products; Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in colour Speak Your Mind and Flawless Definition Mascara. Here is what I thought of them.

Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in colour Speak Your Mind

 A gorgeous satin finish which makes your lips feel silky and soft- this colour certainly reminds me of satin ballet shoes. Before this event, not only had I never tried Bare Minerals lipsticks before, I didn't know they existed. I know... I must live under a rock. Bare Minerals lipsticks feel ever so hydrating which remains crack free on your lips. For me, this is extremely important as some lipsticks end up feeling uncomfortable and dry. This lipstick is jammed packed with Vitamins A, C and E which delivers an antioxidant defence and butters which add to that silky touch. I really do recommend trying out their lipsticks- the colours are just so gorgeous! (Especially the orange toned ones!)

Va va va va va vaaaavooom! Wow my lashes are prominent and luxurious. What I love about this mascara is its brush- the fine toothed combed character gave my lashes that lifted look. Its pointed nose also made it easier to reach into those corners which are usually a nuisance to get to. I love this mascara and I am certainly going to purchase it in the near future.

Will you be trying out these beautiful products?

Much Love,

Eltoria x

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