Since the last update on my current picks for everyday make up was all the way back in Autumn - my how time flies, and as I'm no longer craving full coverage foundations and berry lips (and for that matter dark colours and warm layers) I thought we were about due a revisit of my go-to look. Instead it's a lighter hand and more glow inducing products that I've been cramming into my make up bag, and this month it's all about keeping to subtle shades and soft blending, while not forgetting the necessary slick of liquid liner that I've been all about recently and some seriously plumped up lashes. Natural skin meets defined eyes, think of it as the 5:2 approach to make up!

Last week I definitely had one of those surreal 'pinch me' moments when I found myself not only sitting in the same room as a handful of blogging babes that I've been reading and looking up to for years - but also, at the head of a perfectly decorated table, Charlotte Tilbury. It's days like this that really have me thanking my lucky stars that my blog has come from posting pictures of Subway cookies and Friends quotes to something that has allowed me to meet one of me absolute idols.

Gushing aside, we were there to preview Charlotte's SS15 collaboration with Norman Parkinson, renowned fashion photographer and the king of vintage Vogue covers. The four piece collection features a gorgeous cream version of the famous Film Star Bronze & Glow, a dewey, brightening Colour of Youth cream blush and a highlighting powder that I'm pretty much planning on marrying, as well as a make up bag (which I'm already making full use off, as seen in today's video), all packaged in beautiful rose gold compacts printed with some of Parkinson's most iconic images.

Unfortunately the collection doesn't land in stores until July which right now seems ridiculously far in the distance - although I know it'll be here before we know it, so expect to see a more detailed review closer to the time! I also vlogged most of the day, which included catching up with Suzie, a naughty Zara purchase and a Nutella filled cookie that left us both drooling, plus a mini hair transformation that happened later in the week, which can all be seen here!

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Probably the only thing more satisfying than stepping away from the mirror, make up routine complete, liquid liner flicks symmetrical, is the moment at the end of the day when it comes to taking it all off again. A fresh face after clocking a few hours of make up wear-time is just about the most freeing feeling ever, but when it comes down to the actual process of removal I'm ashamed to say that I've been known to put it off for as long as possible to avoid the hassle of reaching for the series of different steps needed to break those layers down.

This is where I turn to micellar waters - I'd be willing to bet my mascara collection that there's now a bottle of the stuff and a stash of cotton pads hiding away in nearly every room of my flat for such times when I'm craving a make up free face, so it goes without saying I get through the stuff pretty quickly. Luckily for my bank balance, these days there are a whole host of budget friendly options available on the high street and after trying just about all of them I have to say it's the Nivea Sensitive 3-in-1 Cleansing Water that comes out on top.

Aside from the fact that this really does remove make up like no other - one soaked cotton pad per eye, held on gently for a few seconds has you covered for melting away every scrap of mascara, shadow and tough-to-budge liquid liner (Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner, I'm looking at you), it's also so gentle and kind to my skin.

Stressed out skin and sensitivity is something I'm having to deal with on a day to day basis at the moment (let's say one too many episodes of The Walking Dead before bed isn't helping my levels of calm) and the cooling formula of the cleansing water works perfectly to soothe away any redness or irritation, especially as it's free of perfumes, parabens, alcohol and all those nasties! Best of all though, being infused with grape seed oil it actually leaves my skin feeling plumped, fresh and hydrated, giving me the time to potter around without any uncomfortable feeling of tightness while I give my skin a chance to breath before continuing with the rest of my routine.

For me it really does tick all the boxes when it comes to finding the perfect micellar water. Super speedy to use, amazing removal power and kind to my skin all at the same time! Plus, the budget price really comes in handy with my quest to fill every available corner with a bottle of make up remover!

NIVEA Sensitive 3-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water. Put it to the test. #NIVEAMagicWater

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Nivea via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nivea.

Another Sunday, another trip to The Tenth Hole in Southsea followed by a few hours spent in the inevitable food coma. This time we went for the savoury option (although a slice of cake may have made it onto our plates later on..) and probably the best mac & cheese I've ever eaten - gooey, cheesy, carb loaded goodness which was definitely worth the fifteen minute wait in the cold you're likely to find most weekends.

After a start to the week that, lets be honest, mostly revolved around food, the next few days turned into a bit of a whirlwind after finally tackling a backlog of blog posts that I've been meaning to get out for weeks - expect to see more regular content soon! On Thursday I found myself on the 10:30 train to London where, after a quick rendezvous with Suzie, I got the chance to preview Charlotte Tilbury's latest collection in collaboration with Norman Parkinson - details to follow next week!

For now though I'll be spending the rest of the weekend at home with family and a box of Maltesers that, although intended as a Mother's day gift, I'll no doubt be polishing off myself around the time this post goes live.. I hope you and your Mums are all having a lovely day!

Like most hauls, this one started off with a single innocent purchase that spiralled into a full fledged raid of Space NK - once again confirming the fact that I should not be allowed into that store unsupervised. The newest drop from NARS in the form of their All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (which F.Y.I I'm loving at the moment) may have been the only thing I planned on purchasing last month, but like a moth to a flame I was drawn in by the likes of By Terry, Laura Mercier and Hourglass as well. Oh how easily I can be swayed by shiny gold packaging...