LIFESTYLE: SPINNING DOWN SOUTH

Followers of my social media will be well and truly aware of my recent fly-in visit to the South of England, which included a trip to beautiful Brighton. Often the picturesque appearance of a city captured in photos doesn't always translate into real life but Brighton differed from the vast majority, even on a crisp chilly Winter's evening. As we approached the outskirts of the city i was already mesmerized by it's appearance and whilst we left the city centre untouched, the lanes and Brighton Pier were where our hours were consumed.

My infatuation with sunsets is already undeniable, and when i got to witness the sunset over what i now claim to be the prettiest city i have ever stepped foot in, my euphoria was unmeasurable. As dusk approached, the slowly darkening sky became littered with flashing lights from the amusements. The crystal clear blue water glimmered under the suns rays, and i struggled to believe that an area of such sheer beauty lies so near, yet so far from my nest in the West of Ireland.

Equipped with my new DSLR, it was the ideal setting to give it a good road testing. While i still remain a little daunted with the techy side of things and i'm adjusting to the different settings best suited to certain conditions, i've opted to throw myself into the deep end and take all pictures on manual mode and using manual focus in order to get the best out of it, even if its proving a little tricky at the moment - i'm sure it'll eventually become a sixth sense with a little googling and toying with the various options!

My fleeting visit really got me pondering the future and what lies ahead, now with my brother nestled down South just a mere 30 minutes away from Brighton i was made brutally aware of the unhesitating passing of time. What career path i will be choosing this time 18 months, still remains unknown. However, something inside me has sparked a need to reside in Brighton for at least a year of my life. I haven't yet out-ruled the possibility of applying for college down South, but would i be mentally ready for moving across the water at what seems like such a young age? Only time will tell..

Until next time Brighton, i have no doubt your beauty will continue to beam through as the crisp Winter evenings evolve into Spring sunshine..

BEAUTY: TRAVEL SKINCARE WITH REN

Packing for any type of holiday is stressful enough, without the worry of deciding on the skincare products that will win their place of glory in your travel beauty bag. On top of that, for long haul flight goers there is the worry of having products that will not consume all your hand luggage space. However, the REN Clean Skincare Travel Kit(€30)* is the perfect thing to lessen the stress of these issues for gals' on the go.

This limited edition travel kit contains 5 sample sizes of the brands best selling products all housed in a beautiful blue toiletry bag. From makeup remover to eye gel this carry on friendly kit has got all travel skincare needs covered for all skin types, be it for spontaneous weekends away or a long holiday getaway.

This kit contains both a makeup remover & cleanser, both the foundation to any good skincare regime. The Rosa Centifolia 3 in 1 Cleansing Water is infused with rose in order to leave the skin feeling soft and refreshed. Alcohol, soap and detergent free this cleansing water avoids leaving the skin feeling tight or dry. The Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel also rose infused with the addition of Aloe Vera, this natural gel cleanser is designed with protective properties to leave the skin feeling purified and soothed.

Along with that, packaged in this kit is a moisturizing day cream and a night serum oil both designed to increase radiance and re-energize the skin cells.  Vita-Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturizing Cream, is a moisturiser enriched with nutrients such as cranberry, zinc, copper and shea butter, in order to give a glowing complexion while protecting the skin leaving it looking fit and nourished. The Vita-Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil is intended to optimize your skincare routine while improving moisture levels. This serum oil is also targeted at relieving the skin of any damage caused by natural environmental stress.

The last product in this travel kit is the one for the holiday goers who want to look fresh and beady eyed every morning, even after partaking in some late night holiday banter. The Vita Mineral Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel is said to reduce the appearance of puffiness and under eye circles while brightening the area and leaving it feeling refreshed.

The REN Skincare Travel kit has got you covered where ever you venture to this Summer while having the benefits of your usual regime. With it's affordable high-end skincare price tag for everything you need, it's also the perfect way to delve into the worlds of REN skincare with the generous size samples being enough to gather your thoughts and opinions on each product before splurging.