Friday 31 October 2014

October Beauty Favourites!

This month I definitely got into the Autumn feelings, mainly through lip products. I also got my hair cut and highlighted again so I picked up a few new haircare bits which i've really been enjoying along with an amazing top coat which has kept my nails chip free.
September Beauty Favourites
Dove Oxygen Moisture Souffle Treatment
Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo
Starting with haircare i've been absolutely in love with the Dove Oxygen Moisture range. This range was recently half price and I couldn't resist picking up a few bits to try. I got the shampoo which is perfect if you have fine hair as it leaves your hair feeling super clean, adds volume and doesn't weigh it down. For some added moisture i've been using the Souffle Treatment which is a great mask to use on the end of the hair leaving it feeling soft but again without it feeling greasy.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
I've been so impressed with the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (review) this month. It's kept my nails chip free and looking glossy for over a week. Even with cleaning and moving furniture around my nails still didn't chip whilst using this.
Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara
I've been using a new foundation for most of the month which is the Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude Foundation. I really like how light this feels on the skin whilst giving a nice medium, but buildable coverage. The wear time is pretty good as well and they now done a good range of pale shades. For mascara i've being using the Collection Big Fake Curves (review) so much, I love how defined and this makes my lashes look whilst holding a curl and adding volume. A great affordable find. For blush I dug out the Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore this is a lovely berry toned blush which adds an nice glow to the cheeks, perfect for this time of year.
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Raplumzel
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Raplumzel
L-R MAC Craving, Maybelline Minimalist, Soap & Glory Raplumzel
I've definitely been loving a lot of lip products this month so it was hard to narrow it down but I managed to pick out three stand outs. The first being MAC Craving lipsticks. Nude lipsticks are very big at the moment and this is a deeper version of a nude pink. I love wearing it with a simple, matte smokey eye. The next is the Maybelline Color Drama Velvet Lip Pencil (review) in Minimalist. This is a lovely matte pink shade which looks so nice on the lips. I love the formula of these lip pencils and I definitely plan on picking up a few more. Finally i've loved the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon in Raplumzel (review). I got a set of three of these this month and this shade has been my favourite, it's a sheer plum colour which looks great over matte lipsticks or on it's own. The formula is very moisturising so it isn't drying on the lips.

So those are this months beauty favourites. I'm already putting a few new bits to the test which will no doubt make their way into next months favourites. What have been some of your favourite beauty products this month?

Wednesday 29 October 2014

October Empties!

Another month gone and another bunch of beauty products that i've managed to work my way through. I've used up a good amount of skincare products this month, some of which are holy grail favourites of mine. Most of the products this month are things that I always seem to have in my stash and will probably end up repurchasing.
October Empties!
Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Cleanser
Starting with cleansers, I finished a bottle of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. This seemed to last for so long, definitely around 3-4 months which is amazing for the price. I find it removes makeup really well and is gentle on my skin. I've already repurchased this as I really like using it in my routine. Next is the Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Cleanser, I really like this cleanser as it's creamy, smells lovely and makes my skin feel so smooth. The only thing I don't like is the packaging as when you get to the bottom the pump doesn't work and you can't get all the product out. I would get this again I just wish the would improve the packaging.
The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum
Nuxe Reve De Miel lip balm
More skincare products, the first being the Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturiser. I love using this whenever my skin is breaking out as it just helps to calm everything down and it's so affordable. I always have this in stock and i've already repurchased. Next is The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum. I really love this product, it keeps my skin hydrated without being heavy on the skin. It's also very gentle; I use it morning and night and I can feel such a difference in my skin when I use it. Lastly I finally finished, and repurchased straight away, the Nuxe Reve De Miel lip balm. I use this lip balm every night and it makes my lips feel so smooth and I never get any dry patches when I use this.
Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer
I've only used up one makeup product this month which is one of my all time favourite concealers; the Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer.This is one of the best products i've found for covering redness and blemishes. It never looks cakey and lasts a decent amount of time on the skin.
LUSH Butterball Bath Bomb
Onto body products, I finished the Garnier Body Repair Anti Dryness Restoring Moisturiser, I picked this up when my skin was feeling particularly dry and it was really nice to use. It's moisturising yet doesn't leave a greasy residue to the skin. I would definitely recommend this if you have dry, sensitive skin. The colder months are when I indulge in LUSH baths. I used the Butterball bath bomb for the first time recently and it was so lovely. It has a lovely scent to it as well as cocoa butter bits in it which felt so moisturising to the skin. I would definitely get this again when I fancy a treat and my skin is feeling dry.

So those are this months empties. I used up a lot of favourite products this month which i've already gone a repurchased which shows how much I love them. Have you used up any of your favourite products this month?

Monday 27 October 2014

5 Everyday Makeup Staples

As someone who as a decent sized makeup collection I try and make sure I use different products each time I wear makeup, however there are still a few product that recently i've found myself using without fail. Best of all they're all pretty affordable.
5 Everyday Makeup Staples
Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer
Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder - £8.99.
I use powder every time I wear makeup however, I hate the feeling of my skin feeling too matte or cakey. This is so finely milled that it feels almost creamy on the skin. Although it feels so light on the skin it still manages to keep oils a bit and stop the skin looking shiny.
Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer - £4.49.
This is definitely my favourite concealer that I always recommend to people. It covers redness really well without looking heavy or cakey on the skin. It also doesn't cling to dry patches like some concealers can which makes it even more perfect for covering blemishes.
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder
Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore
Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore - $8.49. (UK Ebay Stockist)
This was a great find I picked up last time I was in America and is something I always reach for this time of year. It's such a beautiful shade with plum and bronze tones running through it. Where applied to the cheeks it gives a lovely, healthy glow to the cheeks which is always needed in the colder months. If you can get your hands on this it's a lovely product.
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder - £13.00.
 I like to use a matte bronzer this time of year to make my skin look a little less ghostly. This bronzer is the perfect pale, matte colour which can be applied sheer all over the face or heavier to give some contour to the cheeks.
Collection Brow Definer in Blonde
Collection Brow Definer in Blonde - £2.79.
A downside to having blonde hair is that it can be very hard to find a good eyebrow product that matches. This is definitely one of the best i've found and the fact that it's very cheap is an added bonus. The point is very precise whilst being waxy so it's easy to fill in the brows whilst making them looking natural.

So those are some of my current everyday makeup staples. I am on the hunt for other good blonde eyebrow pencils so if you have any good recommendations I would love to hear them. What are some of your makeup staples?

Saturday 25 October 2014

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat - Reviewed!

I've been considering trying this top coat for such a long time but always thought, can it be that great? Is it any better than the cheap top coats? As I was coming to the end of the Maybelline offering I had been using I thought I would finally cave and try it. Also I was ordering a book on Amazon and needed to get something else so I could get free delivery.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
This claims to be the best top coat ever in that it makes the nails look glossy, chip proof, durable and stronger. I would say that my nails in general are pretty good, the don't flake and nail polish lasts fairly well on me. However i've found previous top coats to lose that glossy finish after a few days so I was definitely interested to see if these claims were true.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
The brush is fairly small so you can easily cover every part of the nail. The picture above was taken 4 days after I painted my nails and I can happily report that both hands and totally chip free and still look very glossy. The top coat also dries quickly, and by quickly I mean after a minute or so you can go about with the rest of your day instead of waiting an hour before you can touch anything.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
I was definitely optimistic about trying this and I can now say I think it might just be worth the hype. I can see a huge difference compared to other top coats i've tried and I will now be sticking to using this from now on. It's not the cheapest but you get a lot of product for your money (14ml) and it can often be found cheaper if you shop around. Amazon seem to be the cheapest which is where I got my bottle from. I'm now curious to see if the coloured Seche Vite polishes are as long wearing and good as this top coat.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat retails for £10.95. 

Have you tried this infamous top coat?

Thursday 23 October 2014

Products I Regret Buying #3

I've been meaning to do another products I regret buying post for a while but it takes me a while to get enough products that i'm not a fan of; which is probably a good thing. Some of these products i'm a bit on the fence where as other I really just don't like.
Products I Regret Buying #3
Revlon Lash Potion Grow Luscious Mascara
Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover - £3.59.
This is one that I can't make my mind up about. It does remove eye makeup but I found my eyes looked a little red after use and they felt a bit dry. It didn't remove everything and it doesn't work as well as the L'oreal Absolute Eye and Lip Remover is far better and doesn't irritate my eyes at all.
Revlon Lash Potion Grow Luscious Mascara - £9.99.
I mentioned my dislike for this in my Brand Focus on Revlon. It looks okay when you first apply it; it adds some length and volume, nothing too dramatic. However I find it flakes under my eyes by the end of the day which rarely happens to me with other mascaras. I do like the packaging but the mascara is a pretty big miss for me. The original Grow Luscious mascara is really good though and I would recommend that one.
Yes to Tomatoes Daily Clarifying Cleanser
Yes to Tomatoes Daily Clarifying Cleanser - £6.99.
I was so excited when this range finally came to Boots so I decided to try the cleanser from the combination skin range. This cleanser is actually nice to use; it's gentle on the skin and isn't too drying but it has such a strong scent to it. I'm not a fan of skincare products being overly scented and this is so strong it puts me off using it. It's a strong floral scent which was really surprising as I thought this brand was meant to be more natural.
Herbal Essences Uplifting Volume Dry Shampoo
Toni & Guy Volume Plumping Whip - £7.19.
I was excited when I got this in a beauty box over the Summer but after using it a few times I just can't get along with it. My hair is fine and therefore gets flat easily. You are meant to apply this on towel dried hair and then heat style to give body and movement. My problem with this is that I could really feel it in my hair which I can normally get past if it works but I just found it didn't do anything apart from making my hair look a bit limp which is the opposite to what it's meant to do.
Herbal Essences Uplifting Volume Dry Shampoo - £2.99.
This is another product I was really excited to try, I love the fact that other brands have started bring out dry shampoos and this once claimed to add volume, we I need, and smells so lovely. The positive thing about this is it doesn't leave a powdery residue in the hair but it really doesn't do anything! It doesn't help my hair feel clean or add that much volume to my hair. I keep trying to like this but it's just not that great which is a real shame.

So that's the products I regret buying recently. I tend to read up about a product before I buy it but sometimes products just not that great. Have you bought any products you regret buying?

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara - Reviewed!

Mascara is one of those product where I always stick to the drugstore to get my fix. There are so many amazing, affordable mascaras these days that I can't bring myself to spend that much on one. Whilst having a browse in Boots the other day, as you do, I spotted this new mascara from Collection. The fact that it was less than £4 made me even more eager to give it a try.
Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara
Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara
The packaging is nice and simple and a bit more plain compared to some of the other mascaras Collection sell. I like the black, white and pink combination of colours and the fact that the tube is very sleek so it doesn't take up a lot of room.
Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara
Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara
The stand out thing about this mascara is definitely the brush. It's very curved; as the name would suggest, and works like two balls stuck together. The brush is a little on the large side so on first application was a little tricky to use but after a few goes with it the brush actually becomes very useful for getting each and every lash coated with mascara.
Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara
The formula is definitely on the dry side which I prefer as it makes the mascara easier to apply, however I do think that this means it probably won't last as long. On a plus side it means you can really layer the product without it clumping the lashes together. It definitely holds a curl nicely whilst giving a decent amount of length to the lashes. I haven't found the mascara to flake underneath my eyes throughout the day even when I accidentally rub my eyes.

I've been really impressed with this mascara and it's made me realise how good some of the cheaper mascara brands have to offer are. For the price I think this mascara is great value for money and even if I wasn't on a budget would be one I would consider re-purchasing.

 Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara retails for £4.99.(Currently on offer!)

What is your favourite affordable mascara?

Sunday 19 October 2014

Easy Healthy Granola Recipe

Breakfast was always where I would struggle to find something quick, easy and healthy to make whilst in my sleepy morning state. I used to buy granola but found the healthier ones that weren't full of sugar were very expensive for what they are so I decided to try making my own. I've been doing this for a month now and think i've gotten a pretty good basic recipe down.
Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of oats
  • 1/2 of mixed seeds
  • 1/2 of dried fruit
  • 1/2 cup of dessicated coconut. (make sure it's unsweetened)
  • 2 tbsp of chia seeds (optional) 
  • 2-3 tbsp of honey, agave or pure maple syrup
  • 2-3 tbsp of coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
  • pinch of salt
Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
First you want to pre-heat your oven to around 150°C. Mix together all the dry ingredients apart from the dried fruit in a bowl; so the oats, seeds, cinnamon, salt and dessicated coconut. In a separate bowl melt your measure out your coconut oil and melt it in the microwave for around 30 seconds. To this bowl add your honey and vanilla and stir together. They won't combine together fully but just give them a quick mix. 
Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
Once that's been mixed you want to add your wet ingredients to the dry and give it a good mix. Here you want to make sure that all the dry ingredients have been covered with the liquids. 
Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
Once you've done this you can go and spread out the mixture onto two baking trays. I've covered these with grease proof paper to prevent them from sticking. You want to make sure the mixture is spread evenly so that it bakes well in the oven. Then you want to place the trays in the oven for around 15-20 minutes. Normally I find with my oven 16 minutes is the perfect time; just keep an eye on them so they don't burn. You'll be able to tell when it's done as the oats will look a lot more golden.
Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
As I mentioned above you don't want to add your dried fruit with the rest of the mixture as it will get very tough and not very nice. Instead once you've taken the trays out of the oven pop your fruit on top whilst the granola cools. 
Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
Once the granola has completely cooled you can put it in a air tight container and store in the cupboard. I've found this batch lasts me about a week and I love having it with yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast. Now that i've made this a few times it takes hardly any time to do and tastes amazing. You can really add anything you like in the mix; for each addition add about 1/2 cups worth. 

I definitely would recommend making your own granola as it is a lot more healthier and cheaper than buying the store bought version which can be full of added sugar. What do you like to make for your breakfast?

Friday 17 October 2014

Festive LUSH Haul

I can not resist picking up a few bath bombs from LUSH when it gets a bit colder. I take a lot more baths than showers and LUSH do some amazing festive scents and products. I went in the other day to see what they had released this year and i'm proud that I only ended up picking out three bath bombs even though I was tempted to get a lot more!
Festive LUSH Haul
Festive LUSH Haul
LUSH Butterball Bath Bomb
LUSH Butterball Bath Bomb - £2.65.
I've heard good things about this bath bomb but never got around to picking it up. It has a lovely warming scent to it and contains cocoa butter to help soften the skin and ylang ylang to help with stress and to relax you. This sounds like the perfect thing to use after a long cold day.
LUSH Butterbear Bath Bomb
LUSH Butterbear Bath Bomb - £1.95.
This contains the same ingredients as Butterball but comes in the shape of a cute bear. It has more of a vanilla scent to it. This again claims to help soften the skin. These are definitely the type of bath bombs I prefer as they not only make your bath water pretty then actually help your skin.
LUSH Cinders Bath Bomb
LUSH Cinders Bath Bomb - £2.50.
This is the bath bomb I always have to pick up each year as it smells so amazing. It has this real warming scent to it due to it having cinnamon, almond oil and sweet orange. This combination of scents I think is perfect for Autumn/Winter. This also has popping candy on the top which you can hear popping when you put it in the bath.

So those were some of my recent LUSH purchases, no doubt I will be picking up a few more as it gets even colder as I find a LUSH bath so relaxing this time of year. Have you picked up any bath products from LUSH recently?

Wednesday 15 October 2014

Cleansers For The Colder Months

In Autumn and Winter I definitely focus on adding some more hydrating cleansers into my routine; especially in the evening. There's a few different types that I like to use depending on what my skin is needing that day.
Cleansers For The Colder Months
Cleansers For The Colder Months
CREAM CLEANSERS:
Super Facialist By Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser
Cream cleansers, or hot cloth cleanser are an old favourite of mine. I don't reach for them as much these days but they still do the job and there are lots to chose from these days. One I still enjoy using is the Super Facialist By Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser. This has a lovely subtle rose scent which is nice and relaxing. It is a classic cream formula which you apply to the face, massage in and rinse off using a flannel. It removes makeup nicely and doesn't irritate the eye area leaving the skin feeling clean and soft.
GEL CLEANSERS:
Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel
The Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel is a bit of an odd one. It's starts as a gel and as you massage it into the skin it turns into more of an oil and when you go to remove it, it turns into a milky consistency. This one feels very hydrating to the skin as the oils really feel to moisturise the skin. It again removes makeup really well, even heavier eye makeup. This has been a favourite of mine for a while now and i'm happy to see that because you only need a pea sized amount each time the tube last a decent amount of time.
BALM CLEANSERS:
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
Balm cleansers are my favourite thing to use when it gets very cold as I really see an improvement in my skin when I use them. A favourite of mine last year which I can't wait to use again this year is The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter. This again has a really soothing scent to it and is similar to the Clarins one as when you warm it up as you are massaging it into your skin it turns to an oil which makes removing makeup and cleansing the skin really easy. When it's very cold and your skin is feeling dehydrated these types of cleansers really help to pack some hydration into the skin without stripping any oils from the skin.

So those are my go to, three cleanser for the upcoming colder months. Having three might seem excessive however I like to change up what i'm using depending on what my skin is like. What are your favourite cleansers to use in the colder months? 

Monday 13 October 2014

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Gift Set - Reviewed!

So I caved and bought myself a Christmas gift set whilst browsing Boots. I don't feel guilty at all as I saw this last year and was annoyed I didn't pick it up so when I saw it again last week I had to have it. It's safe to say say i'm a lip crayon junkie and these have become a new staple in my handbag.
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Gift Set
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Gift Set
The crayons come in a cute tin which i'll definitely be finding a use for. Each shade is from the permanent collection of lip crayons which is perfect if I need to repurchase a certain shade in the future.
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Gift Set
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Gift Set
The packaging is very sleek and compact and you twist up each crayon so no need for sharpening here. These are definitely on the sheer side but can still be built up to leave a lovely colour on the lips. They feel like you're wearing a lip balm yet have a glossy finish which means they are perfect to wear alone or to layer on top of a matte lip to make it less drying. One of the first things I noticed about these is the lovely vanilla smell they have; very similar to MAC lipsticks; the scent does go once applied to the lips.
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Gift Set
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon Gift Set
L-R,Fuchsia-Ristic, Bashful, Raplumzel
Each shade is very wearable and ones I would actually pick out myself. Fuchsia-Ristic is a lovely coral, pink shade. This would have been perfect in the warmer months for finishing off a simple makeup look. Bashful is the nudest of the punch and is a pink toned nude that is perfect for everyday wear. Lastly, Raplumzel is the perfect berry toned shade. These definitely the most long wearing of products but they're so easy to reapply that really doesn't bother me. I've been loving wearing these alone for a sheer wash of colour when I don't want a very in your face lip shade. I think this set is such a good deal as it works out as you getting one free compared to buying each shade separately.


Which Christmas gift sets have caught your eye recently?