No7 Beautiful Skin | Melting Gel Cleanser

Let me get something off my chest here before I begin; because it's a little gripe, a little pet peeve. I've mentioned before that the No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm - is not a balm, it's a cream. It's lovely to use and I adore it - but it's a cream. So now I've been trying the Melting Gel Cleanser - I have to say this has more of a consistency of a balm, than gel. It has that same thick gel/balm that melts into an oil like another favourite cleanser of mine; the Burt's Bees Facial Cleanser with Orange Oil.

Christmas Gift Guide 2013 | For Him | Under £50

I hope you enjoyed yesterdays mini-guides for under £10 gifts ready for the festive season; today I'll be taking a peek at the under £50 gifts from around the web, first up; it's men again...

Christmas Gift Guide 2013 | For Her | Under £10

Earlier today I featured a little gift guide for the guys in your lives for under a tenner, which I hope you found helpful in some way! Now though, it's time for a gift guide for the girls...

Christmas Gift Guide 2013 | For Him | Under £10

Something a little bit different this week; since it is now November and shops have decked out their aisles with holly and what not; I figured it was time to do the annual Christmas Gift Guide. First up, it's for the guys and it's all under a tenner...

Fashion | Home | Beauty

Top // Radio // Candle // Boots // Nail Polish // Highlighter

Happy Monday Lovelies!

This week I shall be super busy - starting with Physio today, plenty of Christmas planning (and shopping) not to mention the usual studying and blogging bumf. This does not stop me from taking a peek now and then from around the web, so without further ado - this weeks picks from fashion, home & beauty...

Fashion | Home | Beauty

Hat // Boots // Cheek Stain // Serum // Floor Lamp // Wheat Wrap

Happy Monday Lovelies!

I could not be happier for a new week to start; the last few weeks of being ill(er) have really taken its toll on my patience so much that I cannot wait for fresh opportunities that a new week brings...

Fashion | Home | Beauty

Jumper // Flats // Ashtray // Blanket // Redermic R // Dry Shampoo

Happy Monday Lovelies!

I'm looking forward to a little break this week - the past few weeks have been hard, quite stressful and generally just a pain. There are of course, a few things that cheer me up - especially browsing the web for goodies to peruse and perhaps make a cheeky purchase of...

I might have been naughty - I picked up the jumper and the flats last week but I considered them an investment for winter. I had bought a khaki/brown pair of flats from H&M last year in a size 7, my usual size but they are too big and I don't know how I've put up with them really. I picked up these almost cognac brown ones in half a size down - much better for my poor feet. The jumper was a necessary purchase for winter - the more lightweight jumpers the better! I feel justified considering the use I'll get out of them, and the fact it all came to under £15... bargain!

Since the weather is turning colder, I'm craving blankets. New, thick, soft and comfy blankets. Preferably to watch t.v and films under. This one from H&M looks amazingly soft and perfect for the colder weather.

Having tried a sample of La Roche Posay Redermic R from What's in My Handbag and seen what it's done to a recent break out (amazingly cleared up a bad reaction to a cleanser I was trying out,) - I'll have to pick up the full size. It's pricey, but I've got a fair few points on my Boots card to ease that, plus it's completely worth it simply because of the results. I'm also going to pick up the John Frieda Dry Shampoo from the Luxurious Volume range, from all accounts it is amazing - anything that gives me bigger hair and make second day hair manageable - I'm in!

Here's to an amazing week!

Peace!

Feet Treats

It's always noted in blogs and magazines during the run up to summer the importance of keeping your feet all scrubbed, soft and pedicured ready for sandals, flip flops and flats - but for me this process is a year long endeavor not simply to be ignored during winter when my paws are all tucked up in thick knit socks and boots. I know a lot of people hate even the mention of feet; if this isn't your style, I won't be offended - you don't have to read!

My essential kit for keeping feet soft as they can possibly be? A really good exfoliator first - either a pumice stone, file or some sort of mechanical contraption; all do the job and I suppose it really depends on how much arm movement you're willing to exert. ;)

Following this I usually go for a good scrub (more than likely in the shower) - it really doesn't matter if you use your usual body scrub for this - this particular foot scrub smells quite menthol/minty so it would be good for people with perhaps slightly whiffy feet? It's also still creamy whilst exfoliating so it will help with keeping feet nice and soft. 

There can be nothing better than slathering on a luxurious feeling moisturiser on your feet then popping some socks on before bed - you wake up with the most amazingly soft feet and this particular foot cream feels very creamy, not quite a 'butter' and I love the glass jar... It's not entirely practical but the aesthetic is nice. It also contains marshmallow, lavender and mint - so it smells delicious.

All that's required afterwards? Deciding what colour to go on your nails!

Peace!

Nudes & a Red...

I hadn't heard of the Rimmel Moisture Renew lipsticks until Essie shared her top 10 drugstore lipsticks - and well then I got intrigued until I finally remembered to pick up Nude Delight - recently however thanks to one of my favourite places to shop online, Fragrance Direct - I picked up two more, Rouge and Notting Hill Nude (Lily just did a post on that one,) - for 99p each....

 From top to bottom; Rouge, Notting Hill Nude, Nude Delight.

Even though the packaging isn't Rimmel's finest - the lipsticks are very comfortable to wear and almost feels like applying a lip balm or butter. Wear time is pretty agreeable too and lasts for three to four hours (longer if not eating, probably,) which for the price point - I don't mind the reapplying. 

The colour pay off is beautiful too and the two nude shades are very wearable - Notting Hill Nude is more on the pink toned scale whilst Nude Delight has more of a peach undertone - so no fear of ending up with concealer lips (worst 'look' ever). 

Rouge looks deceptive in the pan/tube and looks pretty dark but the colour is immensely flattering, it kind of reminds me of the Avon Perfect Kiss in Smitten Red, more of a dark pinky/purple red - but a good colour for most skin tones and one I can see myself using in Autumn/Winter.

I bought Nude Delight in Boots for £6.49 whilst I bought Notting Hill Nude and Rouge for 99p on Fragrance Direct.

Have you tried these lipsticks before? Do you love or hate them?

Peace!

Botanics Super Balm

I have many a pot and tubes claiming to provide deep nourishment whilst also soothing and providing a big old jolt of moisture to boot. Body moisturisers providing this checklist are surprisingly easy to come by for me - I'm particularly fond of the E45 range (the red tube for very dry skin,) and the Nivea almond oil range (which now includes the in shower body conditioner,) but I hadn't found the 'one' for particularly dry areas, like elbows, knees - a good all rounder.

Some did a good job with moisturising whilst some did good at soothing the skin (I have sensitive skin that is prone to eczema,) and some didn't seem to have any benefit what so ever...

Enter the Botanics 'Super' Balm; it's an all in one type of product - one of my favourite kinds, as you can use these types of products on the aforementioned dry areas, for nail cuticles, hands, lips and any other type of dry area (obviously that isn't open and broken,) and this particular one has a pleasingly simple scent. 

I find sometimes with the Botanics range (especially of the rose variety,) that the smell is so potent it flares up my redness, but this one is perfectly fine on that front too. It contains shea butter, sweet almond and argan oil which is obviously great on dry, dehydrated patches. It also contains the old favourite - rosehip, for some nourishment to help keep things supple and smooth. 

Bottom line then, would I recommend this? Yes, especially to fellow dry/sensitive skinned gals - and I will definitely be re-purchasing when mine runs out (it may be a dinky tub but it does last a long old time, I've had mine for two months now). It's a great product to keep beside your bedside for injecting last minute moisture and nourishment. 

Do you have a favourite 'super' balm?

Peace!

Colour Me

You might think me stupid for doing a post about palettes that aren't actually readily available anymore - but hold onto that thought, because this is farewell. I've had these eye shadows for far too long - they are considerably well past the 'ditch' stage but I guess I've held onto them because they are my only source of colour for my peepers. They still work well, but given the sensitivity of my skin - it's time to go. So here's an ode to my only colours - and how they worked for me.

First up is the 17 Day and Night palette - which you can buy on ebay if you're intrigued, but I bought it in Boots in the sale a few years ago. It contains ten colours, five for day and five for night - so let me tell you I love the idea of this because you don't really have to think that much about it - it's particularly handy if you're new to make up and want to inject a bit of colour. 

I think you can tell from the picture but I barely touched the blues - it's just a colour that doesn't suit me that much unless it's a navy or just a pop of colour along a lash line. I have used them for the purpose, but it's the other colours that have really helped over the years to just add a bit of oomph when I'm feeling bored. The colour pay off is good - and there is little to no fall with the shimmery shades. With a primer these lasted all day/night so for the money I paid (I think I paid between £5-£8) it was definitely beneficial to my pocket.

Obviously this came out at Christmas time and most brands bring out a little palette like this for stocking fillers and what not. 

The second palette, the No7 Define and Shimmer palette was my love. Oh god, these colours are gorgeous and all four suit my eyes/skin tone perfectly - I completely lucked out with these shades. The only thing is that there is product fall out - but I usually do my eyes first, then my face make up so I don't make a complete mess and end up with glitter face. These are also super pigmented so a little goes a long way. You can pick these up from ebay and amazon still if you like the look of the colours. 

So that's it for these palettes. I do have my eye on this one to replace them but I'm still open so if you have any suggestions let me know!

What's your favourite colour palette?

Peace!

Haulin' | Boots

Heh. 

What can I say? One minute you're casually browsing the internet and then this happens. There is only one saving grace to this haul and that is; these were all on offer. Whew.

For my face I picked up two products that I have high hopes for - one has been blogged about by everyone and their cat/dog. The Dr Jart Waterfuse BB Cream was half price when I bought this - so only £9 - need I say anymore? The coverage is light to cover blemishes but to still let your skin through - aka, no mask like tendencies with this bad boy and I cannot wait to try it out on warmer days (that are hopefully coming...) 

I also wanted to try the No7 Essentially Natural foundation that boasts a light/medium coverage for all skin types with an 25 SPF, so no night time wear if you're taking photos but it looks to be promising and a similar consistency to that of the Dr Jart. This was part of the buy one get one half price offer across a selected line so to go with this I picked up the Revlon Colour Stay Ultimate Suede lipstick in Finale. First thoughts - creamy, long lasting and a beautiful shade of hot pink/red that looks a dream on - winner, I say!

A bit boring but I also picked up a tanning mitt - an essential for this time of year but this St Tropez one had £1.50 off. I haven't tested it out yet but I'm hoping it can save me from dreaded orange fingers. 

Lastly the other two combinations I bought were the Bourjois Bronzing Primer - apparently it's useless as a primer but is a pretty good dupe to the Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzer - both of these products look hellish scary in their respective pans but I am intrigued to see how this one works out. With this I also picked up the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight - again, this looks like it wasn't going to be a good match for me but once applied it definitely has more pink/peach in it - and doesn't look that brown once swatched + applied...

Overall? I'm going to hide by card now and hibernate for a few weeks I think but I am pretty pleased with the offers/deals I got!

Had an good deals recently?

Peace!

Botanics All Bright Night Cream

I've been using the Botanics All Bright Night Cream for the past 2-3 months now and thought I'd share my views on it.

It's a rich moisturiser so best for skin types like myself, dry/dehydrated - but I also have sensitive skin (thrown in just for good measure, right?) and this is perfectly fine for me, it doesn't induce a mad red face half hour after application (why does that happen?) and absorbs well. 

Obviously if you do have sensitive skin, always do a patch test just to be on the safe side. 

Being from the Botanics range, it's focus is on the 'power of plants' and in this case, the Hibiscus plant which is apparently 'natures brightness booster' which means they've used a mild exfoliant from the plant in order to brighten your skin (so in this case, go easy on the exfoliating toners if you do choose to use this,) - it also contains hyaluronic acid which is a moisture booster and it's also formulated without parabens. 

So does it work? - This really did help brighten my skin over the course of the night without anything (aka, environment damage,) interrupting it's thang. Would I purchase again? Yes, and I'd completely recommend it considering it is amazing for it's price range, under £5 and usually in the 3 for 2 offer that Boots often has running on skincare. 

Here's the technical bit (ingredients;) Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet almond) oil, Dimethicone, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter, Sodium polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan gum, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl acetate, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid.

What's your favourite night cream? Any recommendations?

Peace!

New Purchases - Feel Unique + Ebay...

Oh goodness.

It wasn't intentional. I was running out of my supplies - case in point, lower picture - my trial run of Bioderma has been extremely pleasing but it was running low so figured, yes, I will go for the next size up. 

That's how it begins you know, just an innocent re-purchase. Then you're on feel unique picking up a make-up removing/facial wash from Nuxe (which is so so honey smelling it makes me want to eat my face,) and a very amazing (so far,) yet bizarre cleanser from Burts Bees which is almost like a balm/oil - and deliciously orange scented.

Not to mention the usual from Palmers (body moisturizer, as standard for me, I tend not to stray far from cocoa butter concoctions,) and a new purchase from Avene.

I shopped around, mind you, to get the best deals. But I seriously cannot wait to tell you how they are working for me in a few weeks time. :)

Peace!

How to Treat & Ease Cold & Flu.

Having previously mentioned I at least suffer from a major cold/flu bug twice a year - due to a poor immune system I'm pretty used to the protocol that follows. Sometimes it can't be helped, you may have an amazing immune system (like my boyfriend, jealous,) but can still catch a doozy bug. This is for all, a general ease and treat that I find helps (and having a cold now makes me sympathetic to my fellow sufferers...)

1. Drink your fluids! Keep a water filter jug near by if you have one, or just plenty of bottles so you don't have to move very far. Put ice in it, if you feel hot with fever - but drink up and drink more than you think you should. Your body will thank you for it. Brita Elemaris Water Filter Jug, 2.4L, £15.

2. Green tea is one of those magical things laden with health benefits - especially in building up your immune system (some say to gargle it, why not try both?) A hot drink is also beneficial for decongesting, so if you're not a fan of green tea, try some Manuka Honey and Lemon with hot water (and ginger, if you have any!) - if you have trouble sleeping, add a shot of whiskey in one before bed time - I won't tell, promise. Hugs Green Tea, Box of 10, £5.

3. Sounds painfully obvious, but keep tissues or a handkerchief to hand and blow your nose, often. I'm a pain for this because if I am in public, I hate blowing my nose - it's a random paranoia, in any case, don't sniff - and don't blow your nose too hard, gross as it is to be speaking about it, but you can get an earache by doing it too harshly. And who needs a ear ache when you already feel like death warmed up? Not me, so blow your nose gently. Pack of Two Handkerchiefs, £12.

4. Take your medication! I find this Lemsip All In One Capsules the best for the job - they have all the right stuff in those little tablets to try and ease your woes. Don't forget these already contain Paracetamol - so you won't need to take any, otherwise you risk overdosing. Which is never fun. If you're already on medication, I don't need to remind you about consulting your doctor about taking more medication, remember, I am not a doctor! Lemsip Max Day and Night Cold & Flu Relief, £3.99.

5. Rest and then rest some more. If you must go to work/school, then go to sleep earlier - but I'd recommend not going in. I know what it's like these days with employers and sickness - but if you go in and spread it round as it were, then more staff will fall like flies. If it helps try and organize with your boss to change shifts with someone - so the worse days you're able to rest up. Stay under a blanket and read some magazines, a book. Try and ignore your computer, it will just make your eyes water trying to. Cable Knit Throw, £40.

6. Eat lightly, like soup and yoghurt. I always find it more comforting anyway than heavy meals - a tin of Heinz or if you're lucky enough to have someone there to make you some, home made is best and much more comforting. Heinz Tomato Soup, available in most if not all supermarkets. 

7. Have a bath, put in your most luxurious bath oils and relax, lavender helps for sleeping and rest obviously, but it's not necessary. I always find a bath helps wonders when you're ill - but if you don't have a bath, then a steamy hot shower will work just as well - especially for decongesting. Jo Malone Orange Blossom Bath Oil, £38. 

So there it is, the seven tips I swear by when riddled with a cold or flu. I do hope if you are suffering like me, that you get better soon. 

What are your tips for recovering from colds and flu?

Peace!

Links:

Green Tea Health Benefits

Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Lee Stafford's Hair Growth Treatment

Lee Stafford - Hair Growth Treatment - £7.99.

I'm a cynic in some respects; I question everything with gusto and love an argument (or, debate I should say,) but deep down I would like to believe... In Hogwarts, magic... and in products that promise the world - you get the picture.

I first saw this product on The Sunday Girl - and at the time thought nothing of it, my hair was in pretty good condition at the time but obviously made a little mental note because fast forward a few months and my hair was in a pickle - Long, knotted, and generally just lacking in everything. 

Right now it's doing really well, it needs a colour however, my roots are a questionable mousy shade (not my natural colour at all!) but I just had it finally cut which tends to make it lighter and easier to manage but my majority of thanks to it's speedy recovery is this product.

I won't call it holy grail because - frankly, I haven't tried every single hair care product out there, but it is pretty darn good for the price, and it does what it says on the tub - which is a rarity, I am sure you can agree. 

For the first week I took about the size of half an egg (it says the amount of an egg on the tub,) and applied it root to tip after shampooing and left on for five minutes - I personally took the time to briefly step out of the shower and apply a 3 minute face mask - two birds, one stone and all that. Once you're done, rinse out and condition as usual. 

From that point on wards I just use it on Sundays as a little pick-me-up for my locks. 

What I have noticed is the condition, especially on my ends. Whilst I try not to use a hair dryer or straighteners  I do like sea salt spray and this can obviously wreak havoc on the overall condition of your hair. This brings it back to neutral, and leaves your hair in a 'swishy' state indeed. 

As for the hair growth? To be continued, my hair tends to grow pretty quickly then remain stagnant, at about mid-shoulder blade level - so since I've had it cut (last week,) I'll have to re-judge. 

I do recommend this though for if you are trying to grow your hair, to keep it in good condition to help along with the growth.

For £7.99 this tub lasted me over a month, maybe to a six week stage - and that's with mid-length, fine hair (but I have a lot of it, so quite thick in some respects.) 

What's your favourite hair care treat?

Fashion | Home | Beauty

1//2//3//4//5//6

Hello Lovlies!

Can you believe that it's April already? I swear to god the years go by quicker as I get older...

Even though I'm back at work now, I now can relax. I don't have to do my mothers work anymore which means a bit more free time. Which I take for granted, I feel. I'm aiming to get out as much as possible, sleep, and maybe enjoy cooking (soup, it's bloody cold even though apparently it's summertime now...) a bit more.

I hope you have some awesome plans for this week. Hey, congratulations on getting through the first third of the year! :)

Peace!

Face Masks | Double Threats

Super Facialist, Hydrate Moisture Mask by Una Brennan, Garnier 3 in 1 Wash/Scrub/Mask, Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed.

So for the past few months I have been indulging, without fail, every Sunday on a little pampering. I usually do all of my work, get it out of the way, make dinner or if someone is spoiling me, then eat dinner - then the Sunday afternoon/evening pampering begins!

I want to talk about face masks today, let's call this part one. When I was younger, I use to slap one on my face (any old clay one, I figured, because my sister used them, so I should too,) and that was that - maybe only once a month. I was way more interested in going out with friends to be fussing around with myself. 

Now I'm older (but still young,) I know what my skin is about, most of the time. I have dry/sensitive skin, with the occasional spot - usually around the center of my face - so nose, chin and mouth. Sexy. Nothing perks up my skin more though, than the Double Threat - Two masks, with ultimately one goal - get rid of the weeks impurities and then inject much needed moisture.

Soap and Glory's No Clogs Allowed face mask is such an amazing mask/scrub treatment, and smells gorgeous. It has little beads that burst open whilst you're applying and then it heats up... Oh I do love a heating mask every now and then! You can either treat this as an intensive scrub, and simply wash it away once done, or leave it on for five minutes to use as a mask - it even comes with a sponge to help you get it all off. Tres handy! At £11, it's very reasonable - considering I use it once every two weeks so it goes a long way for me. Not to mention that Boots usually carry a 3 for 2 offer on Soap and Glory - so there's no reason to not stock up!

On the week I don't use the Soap and Glory mask, I'm using Garnier's 3 in 1 Face wash/scrub/mask - It really leaves skin tingling clean and really does a good job of purifying the skin. I usually use this after I've applied my hair mask/conditioner, plop it all over the bothersome areas - prance back into the shower (I don't have a bath, sob!) and focus on other areas whilst hair and face are being whipped back into submission! Obviously once done, wash it off in the shower and then move onto the big guns. This is £5.99 from Boots.

Once I'm all out of the shower, I'll then apply the Super Facialist Hydrate Moisture Mask - you only need this on for five minutes as opposed to some moisture masks which you leave on over night - so I take the time to apply whatever concoctions I wish on my body, then simply wash off, pat dry and done! I can't stress how it really leaves your skin feeling soft, and once you've used a cleansing mask - it really lets the moisture to soak in further. This actually smells of rose too - some products I find are labelled as rose and really smell awful. This smells divine, doesn't irritate my skin and does what it says it promises! Score. This retails for £8.99 from Boots - so it's a really affordable but luxe feeling product.

What face masks do you use to make you feel at your best?

Peace!

Haul | Superdrug & Boots

So a little thing happened. I went into town to drop off my car at the garage and then thought "Oh, Superdrug has Original Source on offer, I'll pick some up..."

The face masks are Superdrugs own brand, currently on a 4 for 3 offer - who can say no? Original Source is only £1.13 at the moment, I picked up some more face wash and some cocoa butter lotion (I love this particular stuff and for under £2 I don't feel guilty when I slather it on,) and not to mention a cheeky Barry M nail varnish in Lychee.

This was my plan - only to pick up bottles of delicious Original Source. Then I got distracted by everything. The product I am most intrigued to try is of course the Wild Ombre kit from L'Oreal - I'll be putting this into action once my hair has been re-dyed. I have no idea what will happen to my ends in terms of colour, it very well may come out orange - but I am not worrying. It's only hair.

In boots I had only wanted some Hand Food and thought to go for the 3 for 2 offer. Of course I needed some more Heel Genius and picked up some Hand Maid sanitizing gel too. Then Toni and Guy are on offer - 3 products for £12... Oh god help me. Then you know, Revlon. BAM. In the basket.

What had been intended was a simple trip into town turned me into red-wrists. When you buy things, and then they weigh you down and give you red wrists. Red-Wrist Guilt I call it. ;)

What have you been splurging on this week?

Peace!

P.S, Thinking about doing some vlogging, yay or nay?

fashion/home/beauty

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Hello lovelies! I really cannot believe we are already half way through February! Before I know it, it will be Christmas again. ;)

This week I'll be bringing some reviews onto the blog, reading frantically for my uni course and working as per - it is the mans birthday this week though, which shall be lovely. 

Peace!