BUNTY

Hello everyone! I'm back with my pregnancy updates after taking a week off - sorry about that, time just ran away with me and I didn't get a chance to post last week! There have been lots of comings and goings recently and I think that coupled with the fact that Eddy has snuck off on tour with our 'good camera' has given me an excuse for a bit of a blogging break- so I've only really been posting pre-written content.

Anyway, these past two weeks of pregnancy have been a bit of a wake up call to pregnancy itself. Up to about 28 weeks I feel as though I've got by pretty easily and also because I've been so distracted with the boys, I haven't really stopped to notice twinges or discomfort in the same way I might have done with my other pregnancies. But that blissful ignorance came to a groundbreaking halt this week as I have been finding lifting the boys really challenging with the return of pelvic girdle pain. I experienced PGP when I was pregnant with Noah and unfortunately the only cure is to give birth and allow your joints and muscles to recover! It's quite painful at times and makes moving around hard and I totally forgot to keep a look out for it as I didn't suffer at all with Jonah's pregnancy! This week has been tough in that regard but I am hoping with some rest and just being really aware of not weight bearing excessively, I'll manage without needing intervention!

Weight gain: Honestly, because we've been moving around so much these past few weeks, I haven't weighed myself at all! I don't know how much weight I've gained this month at all but actually, not thinking about it has been quite nice in all honesty. I've not been worrying about it because I know that really we're on the 'home straight' now and once baby has arrived I'll have time to get back in shape once again.

Sleep: PGP has been making sleep really tough this week. I can't get to sleep unless propped up on my back with cushions and then I always wake up in a lot of pain around my pelvis. You're supposed to sleep on your left side when you're pregnant because it offers better blood flow to the baby, but I find this position too uncomfortable to drift off in most nights. It's definitely a case of trial and error at this point as I just crave sleep like nobody's business!

Best moment this week: The boys have been recording little video messages to send to Daddy while he is away and there have been some really sweet moments of them telling daddy how much they love him. It melts my heart to hear them chatting about daddy during the daytime and Noah asking lots of questions about him. They've been my little superheroes these past couple of weeks and have really helped me to just focus on loving them and not worrying too much about Eddy being on the road.

Movement: Still getting all sorts of interestingly angled kicks, rolls and jumps from bambino! He's a lively little one and I can really feel him growing and getting stronger each week. I've noticed he can definitely hear things now as he reacts to sounds and especially music. If I sing while playing the piano he seems to join in with some kind of interpretive dance going on inside my tummy! It's really lovely and it just amazes me how much he is already a part of our family life even while on the inside!

Symptoms: Mainly the symptoms have been as I mentioned above, Pelvic girdle pain being the most significant one this week. I've also had more heartburn and I'm starting to notice my ankles are swelling in the evenings too. Glamorous, isn't it? :p

Belly button in or out? Out!

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Looking forward to: Eddy coming home this week! Yay!

I think that is everything for this week's update! I hope it's hasn't sounded too negative as I do try to keep these updates as honest and frank as poss. Pregnancy is not easy for anyone but obviously, it goes without saying that it is always SO worth every single niggle and moment of discomfort when you finally get to hold that little one in your arms!
I'm beginning to get quite excited about it all now and am mentally beginning to think more about the birth and what I plan to do differently this time around...let me know if you'd like to read more about that side of things and I'll write a post! :)

Love,

It's definitely no secret that when it comes to skincare and makeup products, I am a bit of a magpie. Although I really love discovering new brands, I have long been a loyal fan of Estee Lauder products and have been a happy customer at our local counter for years now.

When the oppertunity arose to work with Estee Lauder in trialling some newly launched products as well as testing out a few that are about to hit counters this September, I was beyond excited to delve right in and I'm so excited to finally share with you my thoughts about some truly exquisite products I think you're going to love!

Estee Lauder very generously sent me a selection of skincare and makeup products and I've been implementing all of these into my skincare routine over the past couple of weeks. To begin with, I'll talk you through the skincare before moving onto some gorgeous makeup items...

First up are two products that are set to hit the shops this September and they are the New Dimension Sculpt + Glow Mask and the New Dimension Smooth + Tone Creme-Glove. What we have here are two formulas: one an intensive facial mask, the other a nourishing hand cream and together these both work to create softer, plumper skin with a more radiant appearance.

I have been using the glow mask on my face as recommended about three times a week and each evening I have really looked forward to the indulgence of applying such a beautiful, rich formula. It's such a treat to use and instantly makes my face feel more plumped and hydrated so that come morning time my skin is fresh, youthful and amazingly soft too. In addition to that, I also feel this mask has been busy addressing some of the classic signs of sleep deprivation that are now common to me! To be honest, that was enough to convince me early on that this was going to be something a bit special altogether. I really love this product and I am certain it's going to be sticking around in my bathroom cabinet for a long time!

The Creme- Glove hand cream is just beautiful too. I have been carrying mine around with me as well as keeping it by my bedside table to apply last thing at night. As an intensive moisturiser, this formula absorbs quickly to soften the skin and protect the more vulnerable areas such as the back of the hands. Something about this cream just feels utterly luxurious and I have been really enjoying applying it throughout the day, as and when I feel like it.

This new range promises to deliver transformative results with continual use and just two weeks in, I have definitely seen improvement in my skin's overall condition- I definitely credit this in part to the extra care taken at night time which has provided a real boost of hydration whilst I'm sleeping.

The next couple of products I was very excited to trial come from the new Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging collection which is also set to land in Estee Lauder counters this September. I have been trialling the Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme and the Global Anti-Aging Wake Up Balm- both of which go hand in hand to combat the signs of ageing around the clock. Drawing on the many skin benefits of Moringa extract which is known for helping promote natural collagen, the Revitalising Supreme + works to restore the skin's natural firmness, density, elasticity and overall youth.

The wake up balm is a lovely product to use first thing in the morning after cleansing the skin. I find my skin appears more plumped and hydrated as I prepare to apply my makeup and so far, I have found it to be a brilliant base for makeup which glides on flawlessly after applying the balm. Whilst anti-ageing products aren't really at the top of my list of current skin concerns, this balm does feel as though its doing something to address the beginnings of fine lines with the way it plumps the surface- Again, I can see this one is going to become a staple part of my skincare routine!

The Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme seems to contain all the same benefits as the wake up balm but in formula and texture, this is a thicker, heavier cream which I have tended to use mostly in the evenings after removing my makeup and cleansing my skin. Estee Lauder describe this cream as ' a silky formula that drenches the skin in lasting hydration so skin feels comfortable and smooth...with a cushion-like touch.' -Honestly, I couldn't describe it better myself. It truly does all of those things and especially after using this, the thicker of the two consistencies, my skin feels silky and cushion-soft to the touch. I absolutely love this product, anti-ageing or not it really makes such a difference to the suppleness of my skin. With continued use, this will leave the skin's barrier stronger and better able to seal in moisture- Sure sounds good to me!

Moving on to some new releases from the makeup department at Estee Lauder, I have been trialling the Eyelighting Creme for face and eyes. I'm a real highlighting kinda girl when it comes to makeup and I love using products that create a dewey, soft glow to the skin. You can probably imagine that my ears pricked right up when I read a little about this formula and then had the chance to try it for myself!

It's available in three shades and I have it in 'Bare Blush' which is a gorgeous, soft pearlescent pink wash of sheer colour that can be applied to the eyelids, cheeks and brow for a beautiful glow. I've used similar products like this in the past but honestly, this one really has me with its versatility and also how seamlessly it blends with my makeup. It never looks overdone but just illuminates the natural angles of my face to create a fresh, awake base with just the smallest amount of product required. I really like using this especially when I'm not wearing much else on my face because it provides such a gentle, healthy glow. Yet, equally when used on a full face of makeup this little Eyelighter can really pull a look together with the way it catches the light - In short, it's just an utterly gorgeous highlight which could easily be implemented into most makeup routines.

The other product I have been using from this range is the Blushing Creme for lips and cheeks. This beautifully packaged lip and cheek creme gives the skin a wonderful flush of sheer colour that is really buildable and again, just blends so easily. As a solid cream formula in a handy twist stick, this is so easy to carry around with me and apply on the go as and when I feel the need. The colour is beautiful and it's one of those that I think would flatter so many skin tones as you can really build it to the intensity you prefer. Out of two available shades, I have the shade 'Sweet Cheeks' which is a gorgeous, vibrant deep pink. It really looks beautiful on both the lips and cheeks and I love the way that it softens and hydrates my skin with the additions of Vitamins C and E in the formula. This one is definitely a summer holiday makeup must have!

The final product I wanted to share with you is one that I had already been planning on purchasing so I was so excited to be able to try this one out a little earlier than I anticipated! This is the new Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup. Similar to the Double Wear foundation that I have loved for years, this lighter liquid formula really does make your skin feel bare but flawless.

Initially, I wasn't sure how well I would get on with the removable sponge applicator as I have always used a brush for applying my foundation but actually, this pro-tool works like a dream with the foundation and blends it into your skin so flawlessly. Also, the fact that the sponge is detachable makes it so easy to remove so that you can clean it regularly. Before even trying this foundation I was pretty sold on it simply because of the beautiful, innovative packaging and clear amount of consideration that has gone into its creation.

I think what I love most about this foundation has to be how travel friendly it is. It's as easy to apply as concealer and by twisting the stick back and forth you can control the fluid flow so that you never spill more than you need. In terms of lasting finish, as you would expect from the Double Wear range, this foundation is also built to stay in place all day and does exactly that. Personally, I don't really feel the need to reapply more foundation during the day but I so appreciate the ease with which I can if necessary due to the innovative packaging of this rather beautiful addition to the Double Wear family!

I really hope you've enjoyed this post and the run through of all these products. I especially hope it's been helpful if you are planning a bit of a skincare/makeup haul this coming autumn! There are going to be some truly stunning products arriving in shops very soon and I am super excited to see what else Estee Lauder have in store for us!

Love,

Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with Estee Lauder. Whilst I was kindly gifted the products mentioned, all opinions expressed are representative of Bunty Living.