10 Ways To Get More Blog Comments

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1. Comment on other similar blogs. Don't just leave 'nice post' comments, leave a good comment. Refer to a particular quote, ask a question or share your experience.

2. Respond to comments, this will help encourage conversation.

3. Remove word verification. It's just annoying and puts people off. If you want to stop spam comments you can moderate them. This option isn't ideal either but I have to do it as I get so many spam comments.

4. Ask a question at the end of your post.

5. Reward regular commenters by creating a blog roll of your favourite blogs and top commenters.

6. Respond to a comment by writing a post. Did someone ask you your thoughts on a product they saw in a beauty haul? Write a review for them instead of replying to the comment.

7. Leave comments on the blogs of your commenters.

8. If someone goes out of their way to write you a long, meaningful comment thank them by email.

9. Create content which evokes a response. Maybe you're talking about a sensitive or controversial topic which will make people share their thoughts.

10. For the last tip I want you to let me know what you do to help get more comments.

Other blogging tip posts you might find helpful:

22 Blog Post Ideas
Blogging Tips For New Bloggers

15 Tips For Blogging Everday

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The �5 Skincare Routine

Skincare isn't something I really cared about up until a couple of years ago. I would usually scrimp on face wash and opt for face wipes so I could spend my money on more important things like Cosmopolitan and Topshop jeans. These days I'm obsessed with skincare and actually get excited about washing my face.

My current skincare routine:
AM- Eucerin Dermo Cleanser, La Roche Posay Eau Spring Water, L'oreal Skin Perfection Eye Cream, Avene Moisturiser.
PM- Eucerin Micellar Water, Eucerin Dermo Cleanser, No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser, L'oreal Skin Perfection Eye Cream, Trilogy Rosehip Oil.
There are also some skincare products that I reach for less often such as my LUSH Mask of Magnanimity, Vichy Spot Gel, Jurlique Rose Water Mist and Botanics All Bright Facial Scrub.

Inspired by Annie's $3000 Skincare Routine post, I wanted to try something a little different. I gave myself a budget of �5 to get a whole new skincare routine. With that I headed off into town with a fiver in one hand and some self -doubt in the other.

Man, it was harder than I thought it would be. What was I thinking, a whole skincare routine for �5?

My first stop was trusty old Boots and to my joy a lot of their skincare products were on offer. Even so, I soon discovered I wouldn't be able to pick up any skincare 'treats'. I had to stick to the basics - cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Browsing the Time Delay stand (because it was half price) I came across the Time Delay Daily Brightening Toning Water (�2.24). This is toner/mild exfoliator in one. A possible drugstore dupe for the Clarins Exfoliating Toner? After using this for the past 3 weeks I have noticed my skin appears brighter and this has helped to even out my skintone. A definite repurchase for me.

With just �1 left to spend my thrifty feet went over to Savers. There wasn't a lot of choice when it came to moisturisers with SPF. I'll only wear moisturiser if it contains sun protection but there was nothing. However, I did come across this Nivea Soft Cream (�1.00) which is suitable for face, hands and body. Multi-tasking products are key when it comes to skincare on a budget. This moisturising cream has been my go-to day and night moisturiser. It's really hydrating, sinks in quickly and I love that Nivea scent - so comforting!

Last stop, cleanser. As the two previous product weren't specifically suited towards my skin type I wanted to pick up a cleanser designed for combination skin. Cuticura have just launched a skincare range targeted towards the three main skin concerns. I went for the Cuticura Shine Control Facial Cleanser (�1.79). My skin isn't very shiny but it is prone to breakouts. The wash is enriched with Zinc PCA and Cucumber Extract to combat oiliness. I wasn't a fan of the cucumber scent but this isn't a bad little cleanser. Doesn't foam up too much, removes makeup and doesn't leave my skin feeling tight.

I really enjoyed doing this challenge over the past 3 weeks. I'm afraid the total of this routine is actually 3p over budget, whoops! Out of the 3 products I tried the Time Delay Toner was my favourite and i'll continue to use all of these. I have missed using a facial oil and my weekly face mask. I'm very confident that if you just doubled the budget to �10 you could get a selection of really great skincare products from the highstreet. 

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How To Prepare Your Skin For Autumn

How is it already August? It feels like Summer has flown by and I'm cursing myself for not making the most of it. But now is the time to make the most of the warmer weather as you only have a few weeks left. Make plans, see friends and just have fun.
August is also the time to get your skin ready for the upcoming season. Here are a few beauty products you'll be wanting to reach for this month.

Guiont Glamour Sun Gel SPF 15* �30.50
A gel-to-oil sunscreen is just what you need to add a touch of luxury to your Summer. The light-weight formula glides on effortlessly leaving skin silky smooth and satin-like with a subtle golden glow. I love the sweet scent this has, it feels like a real, luxurious treat for your skin.
Wilkinson Sword Bikini Razor �10.99
Get your bum down to the beach before it get's too cold and you'll have to pack away your bikini for another year. The Wilkinson Sword Bikini Razor is a doubled ended razor which allows you to get beach-ready in a flash. One end has a trimmer and the other has a razor. Not a bad little gadget.
Cocoa Brown Lovely Legs* �7.99
This product was designed for those 'because-I-live-in-the-UK-and-the-sun-is-a-rare-sight' moments. This genius product from Cocoa Brown is like makeup for your legs. You simply spray onto a tanning mitt and apply to your legs for instantly bronzed pins. This is also water resistant so it won't streak if you get caught in the rain!
St. Ives invigorating Apricot Body Scrub �5.49
I'm such a huge lover of scrubs. I've had this chunky tub from St Ives for ages now so it is proving good value for money. The creamy formula contains fine walnut granules which buff away dead skin cells. The scrub isn't too abrasive so you can get away with using it 2-3 times a week. If you wanted a harsher exfoliation I recommend rubbing this onto dry skin before rinsing off.
Beyond Organic Rejuvenating Serum* �30.76
To help sun-soaked skin heal after a Summer of holidays, beach parties and festivals you need a restoring serum. This highly concentrated serum from Beyond Organic gives skin a slight golden glow; perfect for the post-summer months. It contains Rosehip oil, Sea Buckthorn fruit and Macadamia oil which softens and restores the skin.

What beauty products do you like to use after the Summer?

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ScentChips Review

If like me you love scented candles, you're going to love these. ScentChips are little wax leaves which melt when heated and fill the air with a luxurious, beautiful scent. There are over 70 different fragrances to choose from and you can melt them individually or blend them together to create your very own unique fragrance. I've always wanted to make my own signature fragrance so I love Scentchips.

I've been burning Magnolia, Freesia and Sunflower which produces a fresh, clean scent. I used just two Scentships at first and the wax is lasting ages! I've used 6 tea light candles and I can't see me needing to replace the wax any time soon. The fragrance is very powerful considering the chips are quite small. Scentchips are the strongest fragrance melt on the market and the scent will travel over 250 metres!

Scentchips* are available at selected Holland and Barrett stores in pre-packed kits at �2.99 and will hopefully be available on their website soon.

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Collection Work The Colour Lip Butters Review

These lip pencils are proving popular with beauty brands. They are ridiculously easy to apply, hydrating and are very affordable - what's not to love? Collection are the latest brand to launch their own versions. There are 4 very different shades to choose so there's something for everyone from a natural nude to a vampy purple.

The Collection Work The Colour Lip butters are a hybrid between a lipstick+lip gloss+lip balm. They have great colour pay-off, a glossy finish and are super moisturising. I love that these don't require sharpening - just a twist at the end to reveal more product. The creamy formula makes these glide on effortlessly. 

My favourite out of the bunch has to be Popping Pink, it's a very me colour. It's one of those 'pair with a swipe of mascara and be done' shades. The darkest out of the four is Perfect Plum which is a very Rimmel Kate Moss 107-type colour. Lastly is Cappuccino which is a 'your lips but a little nuder and glossier shade'. It looks very natural making it perfect for everyday wear. There's a little snap of me wearing it on IG here.

I really like the new Collection Lip Butters. They're so effortless and easy to use, great for on the go. The lasting power isn't fantastic so you will need to reapply after eating!

Collection Work The Colour Lip Butters* �2.99 from Superdrug and Boots

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Degustabox July Review

Forget about subscription beauty boxes - food boxes are where it's at. Degustabox is a unique, monthly food box service which delivers a boxful of delicious treats for you to test out. If you love food & discovering new brands you'll love Degustabox. This is my first ever Degustabox and I was not disappointed. Here are my thoughts on July's contents.

Zeo Drinks
I'm a fizz fan but these were a little different to your normal soft drink. I tested out all three flavours and they have a crisp, dry taste. My favourite was Citrus Crush and I love the packaging.
Portlebay Popcorn
I was so happy to see these little bags of happiness in my box. I'd tried the Maple Syrup & Bacon popcorn once (4 times) before and I absolutely love it. I've tested the Salt & Sweet variety which is also delicious. Just need to pluck up the courage to test the Chilli & Lime flavour!
Maggi
There was a total of 6 Maggi sachets in this month's box which I thought was really generous. I tried the Peri Peri Chicken sachet and was impressed with how easy they are to use. I'm not a great cook so these are perfect for me!
Dr.Oetker
I wish I was into baking more as these little edible decorations are adorable! I've received some Eton Mess and Violet Crystal Sprinkles to have fun with. Now The Great British Bake Off is starting again I'm sure I'll put these to good use.
The Berry Company White Tea
Last month it was just too hot for a proper cuppa. I'm exited to try this iced tea out, it's something I haven't tried before and the peach flavour sounds yummy.
Hornsby's Cider
I'm a cider drinker and I'm ashamed to admit I let out a little squeal when I saw this. I can confirm these do taste of blueberry, a thumbs up from me.
Green & Black's Lemon Chocolate
I've tried Green & Black's chocolate a few times before but I wouldn't treat myself to it  so it was great to see it in July's Degustabox. The lemon really compliments the dark chocolate and I had this melted over a poached pear - nom.

I love the idea of trying new types of food each month and discovering new brands. Unlike beauty boxes, Degustabox uses full size products and you receive 9-14 products. It only costs �12.99 per month and I'd definitely recommend the service, plus you can get �3 off your first box with the code - 096SF.

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Back to School Sale

Maybe you're going back to school, maybe your kids are getting ready to go back, maybe you just like a good sale. But let's be honest ... are you realllyyy ready without some nail polish?

Use the code BACKTOSCHOOL for 10% off any order and help me clear out some old stock so I have room to finally bring in some new polishes! The code expires 8/18, no minimum purchase required. Enjoy lovelies. :)

This code will also work on my Etsy and my Storenvy shops but stock is limited there and you won't be able to buy any of the discontinued or seasonal polishes except on our new site - spellboundnails.com. So definitely give there a browse first.

Until next time,
Ashley

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Weird lipstick names

Actress, prime minister and makeup product name-er were just some of the jobs I wanted to do when I grew up. I'd love to work for OPI or Essie and help them come up with crazy product names. I've spoken about weird mascara brushes recently but now I'm about to delve into my makeup bag and rummage for the lipstick with the weirdest name.

(l-r)
Rimmel Vinyl Gloss in 'Snog'
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in '06 Pink Pong'
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick 'In Love With Ginger'
Loreal Glam Shine Lip Gloss in 'Magnetic Nude Glow'
Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint in ' Nothing But Nude'
Loreal Glam Shine Stain Splash in 'Romy'

It seems I either own a lot of Rimmel and Loreal products or they just make lipsticks with weird names. I had to include the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet which I picked up yesterday mainly because the colour is so beautiful I had to show it off.

If you had to name your own lipstick what would you call it? It's a lot harder than I thought it would be. I imagine it's the kind of stress you go through when thinking of what to name your child or what to call your first album. It took me 2 days to think of mine - That's Not My Name. Because I've spent my life correcting people on how to pronounce my name (k-eye-er) and I like The Ting Tings.

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Favourite Facial Mists

Aaah facial mists. How can something as simple as water in a can bring me so much happiness. A few spritzes pre-moisturization and my skin is left balanced and hydrated. They are also great when my skin is feeling sensitive and I need to calm it down. Or if this sunny weather is just too much these instantly cool you down. I'm going to talk you through my top 3 favourite facial mists!

La Roche Posay Thermale Spa Water and the Avene Eau Thermale spring Water are very similar products and I love them both equally. I keep these in the fridge for an extra refreshing boost. Both are perfectly hydrating and the application of which exerts that 'aaah' feeling that leaves my skin happy. I use the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist as more of a toner and spray it directly onto a cotton pad and swipe over my skin post cleanse. You can also use this as a refreshing pick-me-up throughout the day as it doesn't interfere with your makeup. 

Are facial mists your jam to? What's your favourite? 

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Rapid White Instant Whitening System Review

I'm forever on the hunt for a at home teeth whitening kit that actually works. My teeth are naturally not very white despite not smoking or drinking coffee, what's all that about?

I've never tried dentist-level whitening (he told me not to) so I've had to put my faith in drugstore products. There is no shortage of teeth whitening products on the highstreet. I trialled the iWhite teeth whitening kit last year and also the Blanx White Shock toothpaste and now I'm back testing another teeth whitening kit in the hope for a whiter smile.

The Rapid White Instant Whitening System consist of 14 dissolving tooth whitening strips, a brush-on tooth gloss and an instant whitening toothpaste. Immediately, the tooth whitening strips appear to be UK's answer to the Crest Whitening Strips. The Crest strips aren't available in the UK because they have a higher % of Hydrogen Peroxide than what is legal in Britain and most of Europe. I've never tried the Crest strips myself because of this so I was really excited to see Rapid White were launching their own version that are safe to use in the UK.

The whitening kit is designed to be used over 7 days and claims to whiten teeth up to 4 shades. I have the Max Effect kit but they also make one specially for sensitive teeth. I used all 3 products in conjunction for one week and have mixed feeling about the product.

Tooth Dissolving Strips
The strips are transparent and flexible making them easy and simple to apply. Once stuck on your teeth they won't budge and you can talk easily with them on. I have a really small mouth so sometimes struggled to apply the strip without it sticking to my lips. I ended up cutting them in half before applying and that made it a lot easier for me (#smallmouthproblems). These claim to have a minty flavour but once they started to dissolve I had a horrible dentist-like taste in my mouth. You can avoid this by spitting out once the strips have dissolved. After leaving on for 7-10 minutes you rinse your mouth out with water a follow with brushing your teeth.

Instant Whitening Toothpaste
You use this toothpaste like you would with any other. This promises to instantly whiten teeth up to 1 and a 1/2 shades lighter after one use. The formula safely removes stains,plague and polishes the surface of the teeth. The toothpaste is also sold separately so I tested this out for one week prior to using the whole kit. After a couple of uses I started to notice little white specks on my teeth and noticed the looked a lot brighter. I love how fresh this left my mouth feeling. It has a blend of PVP and Pentasodium Triphosphate working together to remove stains and prevent tartar build up.

Brush-on Tooth Gloss
The only product I really didn't get on with. This gloss is designed to seal in shine. You brush it onto dry teeth which does leave them looking shiner however, I only used this twice as both times didn't go well. On the first occasion I used this in the morning after brushing my teeth. Later on in the day I went out for lunch and had a Coke and almost immediately I could feel the texture on my teeth had gone really rough where I had applied the gloss. When I got home I looked in the mirror to discover my teeth had been stained brown from the Coke. Luckily I only tried the gloss on my four front teeth so I could quickly scrap off any excess gloss. The second time I applied it at night. The following day I was at work and had a cup of tea and couldn't feel any difference in the texture this time. Nevertheless, when I checked on my teeth in the mirror they were stained with an unpleasant dark brown shade which I had to scrap off again.

Result
Apart from the brush-on gloss, this isn't a bad little kit. It's not going to leave you with computer-paper white teeth, it does only claim to brighten up to 4 shades. You will get a healthy white smile and teeth that look brighter then before. I doubt many of my friends and family would notice a difference in colour but they look whiter to me. Because I didn't get on well with the brush on gloss I wouldn't purchase the kit but I would buy the tooth whitening strips (�22.99) and toothpaste ( �7.99) separately.

Rapid White Instant Whitening System* �34.99 available from Boots. 

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15 Tips For Blogging Everyday

Last month I took on the challenge to blog every single day. I've never attempted to do anything like it before, I normally post about 9-13 times a month. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it and find out just how hard it would be.

Fast forward 30 days and I survived it! I now have a new found respect for daily bloggers and hope to continue blogging once a day throughout August. I picked up some tips along the way which you might find helpful if you're also wanting to blog everyday. 

1.Take your photos in bulk. My day off is usually on a Sunday so I grab all the products that are going to be featured on the blog soon and get snapping. 

2. Use Pinterest to pin the posts you have loved reading and look back on them when you need some inspiration. 

3. Keep a little notebook with you and write down any post ideas. Getting a notebook has been the best thing for my blog. 

4. Plan your posts for the week. I have a dairy where I plan the majority of my posts for the upcoming week. Some days I leave blank so I have the freedom to write about something spontaneous. 

5. Have 2-3 backup posts for days when you've forgotten to create any content or if you're stuck for what to write about that day. I have a couple of product reviews in drafts which I can publish whenever I need to.

6. Read blogs/magazines/books for inspiration. I spend about an hour each evening reading my favourite blogs and websites and writing down any blog post ideas. 

7. If you're unsure what to write about I wrote a list of 22 blog post ideas which may help. 

8. If like me you work as well as blog you might find scheduling your posts useful. 

9. Don't forget you can schedule tweets too. I rarely do this but when I do I'll use Hootsuite. 

10. When there is no wi-fi or 3G keep a notebook on hand so you can write blog posts. I'll write up whole posts on the train or on my lunch break and type them up on blogger when I get home. 

11. Switch up what you write about. Talking about beauty everyday can get a little boring so throw in some lifestyle or fashion posts! 

12. Be extra organised and plan a month in advance. You don't have to plan every post but jot down a few ideas for next month.

13. Stress can be good as it keeps you on your toes but don't put pressure on yourself to write everyday. It isn't doable for everyone so try it for a month and see how you get on. 

14. Having a blogging timetable helps to fill the week with content. Tuesdays could be review days and Fridays could be saved for tutorials. 

15. Create a series so you have something regular to write about each week. My series is called #BeautyDebate which I post about every Sunday. 

I hope you found these blogging tips helpful. I'd love to know if you've tried blogging everyday and what your tips are! 

Other blogging tip posts you might find helpful:
22 Blog Post Ideas
Blogging Tips For New Bloggers

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Cream or Powder Blusher?

This weeks #BeautyDebate is all about blusher. Are you a creamy kinda gal or do you love using powder? I enjoy using both but day to day i'm all about the powder. I find it easier to apply and not as messy. However, I do like how natural cream blusher looks, plus I think it's great for summer. If I'm in a rush I'll opt for just a 3 product face; concealer, mascara and lipstick. I dab a pyramid of dots onto my cheeks with lipstick then blend in and I'm done in under 3 minutes. I asked you guys on twitter what you prefer and here's what you had to say!

Make sure you're following me on twitter so you can get involved with next weeks Beauty Debate. Let me know if there is anything in particular you would like me to discuss! 

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Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse Review + Before & After Photo

As you can tell from yesterday's post, I'm a fake tan kinda girl. Gone are the days of orange-looking, biscuit-smelling fake tans; you can now buy fake tan that looks so genuine nobody would question that 'sunkissed olive' isn't your natural colour. The latest one I've tried is the Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse.

Despite hearing lots of good things about the brand, this is the first thing I've tested out from the Cocoa Brown range. The 1 hour Tan Mousse claims to provide a golden tan in just one hour.

The mousse foam is slightly tinted so you can see where you've applied the tan. I found this easiest to apply with a tanning mitt which Cocoa Brown also make. I tested this out on my legs at first leaving the tan on for one hour before rinsing off. The result was a very subtle but still noticeable. I prefer my tan a little darker so a few days later I tried again this time leaving it on for 3 hours for a deeper colour. The result was a lot darker yet still very natural looking. You can build up the colour by applying more tan before rinsing off. As you can see from the before and after photo's above it doesn't look orange or fake at all. Also, this doesn't have that horrible fake tan scent - yay! The colour continues to develop once washed off and lasts around 5 days.

I'm really happy with the results of this. I'll be putting my trusty Xen Tan Mist Intense on the back burner for now as this is just as good and a fraction of the price. I'd recommend this for fake tan newbies as it's super easy to apply and natural looking.

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse* �7.99 available from Boots, Superdrug, Feel Unique and Primark. 

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7 Tips To Help Prolong Fake Tan

My fake tan game goes up a notch in the summer. I stop just tanning the body parts that are going to be on show and go for a full body tan. I've tried a lot of different self tanners and have had enough cringey experiences to be able to share with you some tips. Here are a few ways you can prolong your fake tan.

- Apply your tan using a mitt as it will help to buff the tan into your skin for a deeper colour. Use small circular motions.
- The morning after tanning take a shower to remove excess and even out the colour.
- Avoid harsh shower gels that dry the skin out and strip away your tan.
- Take lukewarm showers as hot water will cause your tan to fade faster.
- The day after fake tanning apply a moisturiser paying attention to dry areas such as elbows. This will help seal in the colour. Do this step daily.
- Use an exfoliator specially designed for using with fake tan. This will allow the tan for fade evenly without it going streaky.
- Your face tends to lose colour quicker than your body so keep a bronzer on hand and use a gradual tanner on your face to keep it topped up.

Are you pro-fake tan like me? Share your tan tips below!

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