Blog Sale Purchases



 

I know some people can be abit funny when it comes to blog sales as they don't like using second hand or already bought items, but I think they're a great way to try a product before deciding to buy it full price. I picked up all 3 items above for £13.50 including P&P charges from the lovely Michelle at Satchels and Pearls. She sent them super quickly and they arrived in great condition.

 

I've always wanted to try these Korean lip products but have been put off buy the postage time and cost, so when I saw these I had to pick them up.

 

They're really nice and smell like watermelon. The red is a bit darker than I would usually go but I think when it's more summery I might try and wear it just lightly for a hint of colour on my lips.

I've also been after trying the L'Oreal CC Cream, I'm a big fan of BB creams and the fact that this is aimed at redness, which I get a lot of, intrigued me. It comes out in a really runny green liquid and then the minute you rub it into your skin it transforms into a colour that I think is supposed to match your skin tone. I have to say the colour is great but I tried it quickly earlier today and my face looked a little patchy, but this might be because I quickly zapped it on with my RT Stippling Brush.

Daily Stash

I thought I would share with you guys my daily stash of skincare and makeup that I use, well, on a daily basis. I don't really have a big collection of makeup and beauty products anyway, because I tend to stick with things if I like them, and once they've finished I will buy either the same product or something to try new.

As you probably know, my love of Nspa is huge now, and I recently picked up 3 more items, all of which are above. I'm pretty sure I'll be using this brand for the rest of my life, I love it that much. I particularly love the oil, despite being a new item in my skincare stash its become one of the most important. I love the fact that you need two tiny tiny drops to make your face smooth and supple. I have really noticed a difference in my skin after using these products, and I'm always looking out for any new products in their range.

My daily makeup products rarely change now I seem to have find myself a go to look just for work and daily use, I rarely go out after work other than just Luke's house and I take my makeup off after work if that's all I'm doing so the products are quite basic.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think to them?

My Spending Ban

As of the first of April, I will be on a spending ban. Duration: the longer the better, but at least until June.

Now I'm getting that little bit older and realising how much things are going to cost, i.e a house, I really think it would be good for me to start saving some pennies. Luke and I have both agreed that the first house we buy will be our only home, and that's why I need to start saving up, we don't want to rent somewhere and spend a lot of money on somewhere that we aren't going to stay in.

I set myself some rules, because otherwise I will buy something and try to justify it in every way possible.

Rules;
 - I can only buy things I have ran out of, and it must be the same product or a cheaper alternative, no upgrades or trying new things.
- If there is an occasion where I need to spend some money for presents or something then that's okay. (I also have no birthdays or anything planned that I haven't bought and prepared for).
- No more makeup!!


I think those cover everything, but please let me know if you can think of anymore for me! I will update you guys every now and again with how its going. Please leave tips if you're on or have been on a spending ban and are urging to buy new things as I'm sure I'll get to that stage too.

Wish me luck!!

5 Things I Wish I Could Do.. #UPDATE



courtesy of pinterest

1. Dress my body in accordance with its shape.
I literally suck at buying clothes that suit my shape, I never even think about whether it will suit my shape when I buy it. If I like it, I buy it. Its quite bad really, my mums always telling me how my low rise skinny jeans don't fit me right, but I for one, aren't really sure what shape I am, or how to dress it! This is something I really wish I could do, because then I'd look nice all the time.. right?
I suppose I do this better now, since posting this originally I've lost around a stone and a half, so my clothes fit better anyway. I think I've got the hourglass figure, but with also some pear as my thighs are quite big and don't slim down very much, but I do have a waist that does go in in the middle... so abit of a nightmare but I'm getting there!!

2. Reliably do the perfect winged eyeliner and have the confidence to wear it out the house.
I bought myself Soap and Glory's Supercat liner being told that it makes getting that perfect flick simple. Either people fib or I'm just awful, probably the latter. I bodge it up every time and end up with a thick slug sitting above my lashes. Unbelievably this isn't a good look.
This actually isn't something I wish I could do anymore.. I'm all for no makeup makeup, (aka laziness), and my eyes are quite small so eyeliner doesn't actually make me look any better.

3. Take more time out with my mum and dad.
Day trips and long weekends away seem to be a thing of the past now my brother and I are older. We don't get on and quite frankly I'm not bothered by that fact, but I really wish I could spend more time on the weekends with my mum and dad visiting somewhere new. We went to Nottingham a few weekends ago and it was brill. Now I'm older I've realised actually how much of a laugh they both are and now I'm not a sulky teenager (quite) anymore I really do love their company.
Happy to say I do this now! We spend a lot more time together and it's really great. My parents are ace!

4. I wish I had a creative hobby.
I know blogging is quite creative, but something that wasn't so personal that I could share with everybody. My mum is a wonderful crafter and makes cards, don't get me wrong the amount of time she spends doing them is ages, but I wish I had something similar that people knew about and enjoyed.
This one is half there... I now read more, which I've always loved doing, ok so it isn't THAT creative, but I do use my imagination lots. I bought an 'adult' colouring book too, and no it isn't what it sounds like, its basically patterns and 'grown up' images as opposed to dinosaurs and fairies (which actually wouldn't be a bad book...)

5. Cook.
Luke is a great cook and every time we spend an evening at his house he cooks us the nicest meals, but unless my mums cooking he often gets chicken nuggets and chips from me. I prefer to bake, but Luke doesn't like sweet things, including cake!, so I'd quite like to know how to cook proper food to surprise him. Do you guys know of any beginners cook books I could buy and try a few things? I know we have a couple of Jamie Oliver's books, but any others?
This is the only one I haven't done and still can't do! I bake, not cook. That's just how it's going to be I'm afraid!

Are there any things you wish you could do?

The Lowdown: Ezcema, ft. Senzimi Skincare

Having eczema has always been a pain in the jacksy for me, it's meant I can't go swimming very often, I can confidently use only one brand of body care and many other problems that without knowing actually effect my buying patterns and how I have to look after my skin.

I get eczema on my entire body, including my face; and during the winter/colder months my eczema attacks me more than usual, due to the ever changing temperature of warm indoors to freezing outdoors. Deciding whether to try a new skincare brand usually takes me a couple of months of laborious research and emailing companies to see whether they do particular ranges for eczema riddled skin. Most don't get back to you, or most only do a 'sensitive' range, which nearly always fails me.

If you've read my post about nspa and their products then you'll know I have finally found my skincare solution. All bar one, moisturising my face. This is still a problem for me as my Bioderma is thick and greasy, meaning I break out but my eczema is clear, and anything else leaves my skin relatively break out free but dry and flaky.

This is where Senzimi comes in. I had been in touch with them backwards and forward regarding their skincare range for sensitive skin, and I was feeling quite confident that their products would work for me. They super kindly sent me samples of their Sensitive Moisturizer (face formula) and their Sensitive Cleanser, also face formula. - I am now pretty sure I have cracked my skincare problems and have found my ultimate solution.

Senzimi incorporates a range of products that are all between 90 – 99% natural that can be used as part of a skin and scalp cleansing, nourishing and protection routine. Our focus is not on ‘curing’ any particular skin complaint, as legally we can’t say this and many skin diseases can't be cured, but more on offering individuals with difficult skin, the opportunity to have a daily skin and hair care routine, using products on their skin that won’t further irritate it. Because we formulate with ingredients that relieve itching, inflammation, soreness or redness, many of our customers do see some sort of improvement in their skin overall.

 

Left - Moisturizer. Right - Cleanser

What're they like then?
The moisturizer is my favourite out of the two, it's so light and quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving behind any residue or greasy-ness. Both products have a scent to them, but it isn't one that is too strong or artificial, it's very lemongrass like. I also love the fact that the moisturizer is 99.77% natural, and the cleanser is 95%.

I have now introduced both these products into my skincare routine and love them so much. They work really well with my nspa products and I can already tell a difference to my skin. My eczema is no longer red, dry or sore, it's plump and is actually starting to disappear in some areas, like my forehead and cheeks - hallelujah!

If you have eczema and are struggling, I really recommend trying this brand out, or even if you don't and you're just looking for something a little more organic and natural, I don't think you could find more natural products out there.

Visit Senzimi here.

Please note, I was sent these samples for review, however all of the above views are my own and I have not been influenced at all by Senzimi to say the above things.

A little apology

Hi guys.

As you may, or may not have noticed last week my posts were more or less non existent. I didn't mean to only post twice but I had a loss in my family in the form of my darling Nana. She was such a wonderful lady and her death really hit me hard.

I spent all week moping and I really didn't feel like writing or taking photos so I hope you understand why I didn't post. Luckily I had had the two posts pre-written and ready to go so I didn't leave you guys entirely without any new posts.

I'm feeling better now and I've enjoyed blogging today and hopefully I will be back to normal from now on :) thanks for staying with me, I just needed a little time to recoup.

Thanks girlies, and boysies. :)

Blemished Skin? No problem.

Spots and other blemishes appearing on your face can be a bummer, especially if your skin was clear the night before or you've got something planned that you wanted to look your best for. Despite having dry skin I also suffer from spots, mostly those annoying under the skin spots that never come out, just sit there all high and mighty. I thought I'd share the products I reach to when I'm having a bad skin day and those which I use daily to keep those buggers at bay.

I think everybody knows that Tea Tree is one of the best ingredients for fighting spots and preventing them from coming back, I know when I have little knowledge about skincare I always looked out for tea tree or witch hazel when searching for the miracle product to get rid of my spots. The Body Shop's Tea Tree facial wash is a product I have used and rebought again and again. A 250ml bottle lasts me just over a month with twice a day usage. This doesn't foam too much on your face and so I really feel like it moisturises as well as clearing out all those impurities and oily areas. The smell can be too much for some people, I know my boyfriend won't use anything with tea tree in because he hates the smell. I quite like the smell, it can be a little strong and it stings like hell if you get it in your eyes but it keeps those spots away!

Although everyone seems to hate Clearasil for being too stripping on the skin by using too many chemicals, I find their Rapid Action Pads brilliant for those days where all of a sudden these spots have decided to say hello to the world. I only use one pad and apply it to only the areas where I have the mass army of spots - if I apply it to my whole face my face becomes dry and tight. These are good if you use them in the morning, as they reduce the redness and soreness of spots during the day. I don't use these everyday, only when I need them. I found using them everyday was too much for my skin.

Freederm gel is something that I think used to be, or is now, only available on prescription. I bought this from my local chemist who recommended it when my spots were very large, red and sore and there was lots of them on my forehead. (I used to have a bigger fringe that was far too heavy and I regret it entirely). This gel is brilliant for targeting one spot or a few that are dotted over your face, it stings like hell if you've broken the skin, but like the Clearasil pads works well to reduce redness and inflammation.

Once a week I will use Boots own brand Tea Tree and Witch Hazel peel off face mask, I found that despite it being Boots' own brand it's a lovely mask and really draws out impurities and black heads from my skin. I used to suffer quite badly with black heads on and around my nose, but since using this mask weekly they've disappeared and my pores have reduced in size. You put it onto a dry face, wait 5-10 minutes and peel off. The only thing I don't like about this is that if you don't leave a line around your face on your jaw line peeling it off can take forever, especially if you don't get big chunks at once.

Have you tried any of these products? Or any others you'd recommend for blemish prone skin? Let me know!

x

Deborah Milano launches in UK.

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by Deborah from Deborah Milano, an Italian cosmetic and beauty brand who are launching in the UK. I jumped on the chance to try some of their products and Deborah kindly sent over some foundation and BB cream samples for me to try.

Foundation:

BB Cream:

The switches above compare the shade Fair in both products to my No7 foundation (left on both swatches) that I was colour matched with. As you can see the difference in shade looks huge, however when I blended it in using my RT buffing brush the strong colour blended beautifully and you couldn't tell that the shade I was wearing was different to my natural skin tone. They added colour to my face without making me look like I'd been tangoed, but it was so easily blendable that I think I would have done something terribly wrong to get lines between my face and neck.

Although they both say they are for normal/combination skin and are mattifying neither product clung to my pesky dry bits. So you girlies with dry skin out there please don't be put off by these not stating suitable for dry skin.

Another thing I loved about these is that when I looked at the shades online, the actual swatch and product shade are really close and accurate, a plus when buying online. I've had a couple of bad experiences where the shade online is totally different to the shade in real life.

I might even swap my trusted No7 foundation for the BB cream or foundation sent to me, these products are really good and long lasting. I wore the foundation to work, with primer but no setting powder and it lasted all day and up to about 7pm that evening. I've been longing after a foundation that does that, my No7, although from the lasting perfection range doesn't seem to last a work day, I find it slips off on my dry areas like my cheeks and forehead. Maybe I'm converted to Deborah Milano.

I really recommend your check out the site, the products are really well priced and the quality of products are fab. http://www.deborahmilano.com/en/

Have you tried any of their products? Leave me links below :)

Leibster Award #1

I was nominated for the Liebster Award from the lovely Wendy at sugarkissesbeauty. I have been nominated for this aware before, but that was when I first starting blogging here, so I don't really think it reflects my 'new' blog as it is now.

RULES1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the nominator has set for you, plus create 11 questions for the people you've nominated to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post. (I'm only linking 5)
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs!
11 Facts about Me

1. I have issues trusting people and letting people in

2. I own a 3DS XL and play on it at least 2 hours a day (it's not an addiction.. honest)

3. I also own an XBOX 360 which I play on at least an hour a day

4. I'm 5" 3 and quite like it

5. My favourite flower/plant is the orchid

6. I hate clothes shopping and will refuse to try anything on

7. I drink at least 6 cups of tea a day, each with 2 sugars

8. I want to honeymoon in Disney World Florida

9. I love planning ahead in everything

10. I used to be, and still kinda am at weekends, a 'tomboy'

11. I love reading books and still own a Kindle

My 11 Questions to Answer

1. What is your favorite part about blogging?
Besides the obvious not feeling guilty about buying things, the community and blogger chats make it so much more enjoyable and speaking with people who share the same interests is great.

2. What is the most interesting thing you have learned about blogging in general?


3. What or who inspired you to blog?
I had originally had a blog which wasn't about beauty or any one particular thing, it was mostly about goings on in my life. I then started getting into YouTube videos and Este and Gemma really got me into blogging about beauty.

4. How many hours do you put into your blog?
It depends, probably an hour or two writing up posts for the week, and probably an hour photographing. It depends on my mood, sometimes I will spend only 30 minutes photographing, that's on a good day. When I'm not really in a great mood photos take me forever because I lose interest and get distracted.

5. Which post of yours do you find the most interesting?
To write, it would probably be reviews on products that no one else seems to want to talk about. I love reading reviews on products that I'd never have thought about before, instead of the same products that nearly everyone's harping on about.

6. Who is your favorite blogger?
I don't really have a favourite to be honest. I really love Kate's blog, and find myself reading the majority of her posts, but then I really love the smaller blogs like mine where everything's a little messy and not perfect.

7. What is your favorite beauty product?
Tough question. It would probably be mascara on a whole, because without mascara I feel very under the weather and abit grim. Specifically I love the Natural Collection mascaras and Max Factor's flash lash effect is good too.

8. What is the most interesting thing about you that your readers may not know?
I don't really know to be honest. I'm quite open when it comes to writing and posting so I think most people know most of my interests. Plus, I don't really do anything all too interesting anyway!

9. Where do you see your blog in a few years?
Hopefully it will still be going and I'll have the same following that I do now, getting 'big' isn't all important to me, I love getting comments from other bloggers and just an even view count. I'd rather have a few people coming back than lots of people only looking once or twice.

10. What kind of products do you prefer to review?
I like reviewing everything, but I'd like to start getting into different categories, as opposed to just beauty or skincare, because there are so many beauty bloggers out there it can be difficult to get your review spotted over another. That's another reason I like to review products that no one's really heard of.

11. Do you take all of your blogs pictures?
Majority, yes. All product photos are taken by my very unskilled photography hands and then brightened a little using PhotoShop express.

Nominee Questions
1. If you could do anything different about your blog, what would it be?
2. Do you share your blog with friends/family?
3. How did you start to tell and show people about your blog?
4. What's the worst thing you hate doing in terms of your blog?
5. What sort of blog would yours be if it wasn't what it is now?
6. What is your favourite type of post to read about?
7. Are there any products you really wish you hadn't bought but did because of other bloggers?
8. Are there any secrets you don't like to tell people about yourself?
9. What's the best item you've bought yourself?
10. How do easy/difficult did you find getting your blog out there?
11. If your name had to be just one letter, which letter would you pick?

I nominate:
Nadine
Crissy
Alex
Julie
Jade

Review: Monu Skincare Tanworx Self Tanning Foam

I was recently contacted by Monu Skincare to test out their Self Tanning Foam before it goes on sale on their website. Being an absolute virgin to self tan/fake tan and any other forms of fake tan, I was abit apprehensive and wasn't sure whether this was an offer I should take up, however after speaking with a friend of mine who is always fake tanning she persuaded me to try.

Monu are a predominantly skincare brand and their products are mainly targeted at us girlies (and men) who are looking for wholly natural and organic products.

 At MONU skincare we strongly believe in the resourcefulness of nature and the powerful properties natural products have to offer. We respect the environment we live in.

They very kindly sent me their Self Tanning Foam in shade Fair - Medium, and the colour is so natural and beautiful I couldn't quite believe it, giving that when I swatched this it is incredibly dark!

 I have always been 'more tanned' than the rest of my family and my friends, I don't have that sun kissed glow going on unfortunately, but my skin is definitely not pale and white. I struggled to get before/after pictures that did this product justice. The colour is instant and develops further over the next 3 hours. I also like how this can be used on both your body and face, I'm not sure whether all fake tans do this but I think that's a good thing.

My left leg, as in the picture is immediately after using the fake tan. So if you're a sucker for instant gratification you should try this out! My right leg as in the picture is without. As you can see, the bottoms of  my legs are not too pale, it's my thunder thighs which changed the most.

So.. what's it like?
I'm converted to fake tanning, that's for sure. This leaves me with such lovely warm golden brown skin in minutes and there's no waiting time for it to dry. Once you apply it to your skin and rub it in it disappears, leaving your skin so soft and smooth. There's no rubbing off of colour onto your clothes or bed sheets either, which is a plus. I didn't use a tanning mit either to apply this and still achieved streak free results.

Even with my sensitive skin that is dry in most places this didn't stick or highlight the drier areas. I simply put this on after coming out of the shower, I did moisturise my most driest and eczema prone areas but it applied wonderfully everywhere, without moisturizer.

The only thing I dislike about this is the packaging, the bottle itself works well and has a pump mechanism. It's just when you shake the bottle to foam the contents I found some dripped out the pump and ended up going all over the lid.

Have you tried this product? It retails for £20 per bottle, but is definitely worth it! I'm definitely going to be using this up and repurchasing.

Please note, this product was sent to me to gain a review but all views above are my own and I would never get paid to fib about a product.

This week I've been..

As part of my attempt to incorporate more lifestyle-y, get to know me type posts I thought I would share with you guys a few of the things I've been doing and getting up to this week.

Work has been incredibly busy this week as our company is expanding and quite frankly the 5 of us are only just getting through by the skin of our teeth. The new clients are great but there is so much 'background' stuff that needs to happen before they can start officially. Because of this lists have been my ultimate best friend, I've had sheets after sheets of paper with lists of what needs to be done immediately, what needs to be done but can wait etc. I've only been there since November 2013 but I can already feel like I'm a big part of the team, I'm trusted with so much important stuff that if I sit down and think about it it makes me want to cry with how things could go wrong if I forget something. I love it though, being responsible for other people in the team and clients makes me feel important and actually valued at work.

My other half has been working away each week in Preston Wednesday to Friday, which is strange for me because usually we aren't apart for more than a day or two. With him being away and working pretty much 8am-9pm each day I find myself at a loose end once the working day is over. To fill this gap I've found myself reading more, playing on my 3DS XL (sad to some, I know) a lot more and it's made me realise how important doing those things are. Although I missed him whilst he was away I got time to spend just doing nothing, spending time with my family and just enjoying the little things. It's also made me go shopping more, which isn't such a good thing..

I've decided that I'm going to do that more often, just take an evening 'off' and play games or something. I know people may find this sad but I love my 3DS and my Xbox.. Who else is the same?! Let me know!

The reason for the quote in the picture that I pinched from Pinterest is because actually, I can relate to this. A while ago I was in a dead beat job (for me) and I didn't like it, but I was too worried to 'move' and I was worried about what would happen if I just left, poof. Left with no second plan, nothing. But somehow I plucked up the courage and left, I quit and went on holiday for a week with Luke for my birthday. Weirdly enough I felt brilliant. When I came home and realised I didn't have a job, I still felt great. Now I have a job that I love with people who are lovely, so I can happily said that I'm so glad I took that leap because otherwise I would probably still be working in that very same job, unhappily.

You guys will have to let me know if you enjoyed this kind of post, and if you'd like to see them more often! I, as a reader of blogs, always think it's nice that people know more about you than just the products you use/like.

x

Night Skincare Routine

Today's post is going to be an insight into my night time skincare routine, so I should probably start by explaining that my skin is in no way normal and is very combination. I have oily areas, very dry areas and quite spot prone/scarred areas, so finding products for me can be quite difficult. Throw all of that in with the fact I also have eczema and incredibly sensitive skin I thought I would never find a skincare routine that worked for me - until I found the nspa range.

To start of getting 'un' ready for bed, I use the nspa Ultimate Cleansing Tonic. This comes in the form of two separate liquids which you mix together and use on your face with a cotton pad. I always cleanse twice, just to make sure I get 99.9%.

I then move onto step 2, the skin renewal gel. This is an incredibly gentle and natural exfoliator which does so using fruit extracts. You put this onto your skin in circular motions, leave for 2 minutes, so the gel breaks down into an oil, then work the oil into your skin for a further 2 minutes. I then get my muslin cloth and soak it into hand hot water. The muslin cloth goes onto my face and I leave it to lift the gel for about 5 minutes before wiping and removing all the gel.

Step 3 is my favourite product, you put this all over your face and let it soak in for about 20 minutes, then simply wipe away any excess with a cotton pad. This leaves my skin so plump, hydrated and soft. It's definitely one of my must have products out of the range.

Finally, I finish my skin off with my Bioderma moisturizer. Bioderma is probably most commonly known for the cleansing solution, and my parents picked this moisturizer up for me by mistake when they went to France, but I'm so glad I got this and not the cleansing solution. This moisturizer is heavy duty, without being thick and gloopy. I use this all over my body but it's so light that it can be used for the face as well. I also have now started replacing the Bioderma on nights where my skin is not too dry with Senzimi's moisturizer, which is brilliant. I have a review about this coming up this week!

Have you tried any of these products? I would love it if you gave my little blog a follow on bloglovin' too!