Monday 31 August 2015

August Beauty Favourites

This months favourites is a good mix of some some and some new. I've been trying out a few new skincare bits, treated myself to a new blush and rediscovered some old favourites. I've been wearing little makeup recently, especially when it comes to the eyes. Instead i've been opting for the highlighting, brightening and glowy look. 
August Beauty Favourites
August Beauty Favourites
Soap & Glory Mist You Madly Body Spray
BODY:
Soap & Glory Mist You Madly Body Spray - £6.50 - This was randomly sitting in a drawer so I decided to dig it out. I forgot how nice this smells and for a body spray the scent really does seem to last long that some other ones. They've now brought out a few different scents so I think I might have to try a few others. 
Boots Essentials Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask
Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll On
SKINCARE:
REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate - £30.00 - The was sitting in my dressing table drawer, forgotten about, so i've added it back into rotation; mainly because of the price tag! Although it is expensive, it does really soften and brighten the skin amazingly. This whole range from REN is some of their best products so if you can stretch your budget it's well worth it. I've really enjoyed using this ones a week to brighten the skin. 
Boots Essentials Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask - £1.50 - This is one of my favourite bargain purchases that i've found in a long time. It's a clay mask, yet it is also soothing to the skin. It draws out any impurities whilst softening the skin. It's not as drying as other clay mask and is my go to, quick, skincare fix at the moment. 
Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll On - £8.99 - Another new find i've been loving. My eyes are dry and tired looking most mornings and this really helps to brighten the eyes and make them feel less tight. The metal applicator is also really cooling which makes it's extra refreshing. 
MAC Bare Study Paint Pot
MAKEUP:
L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer - £8.49 - I used this a couple of years ago and kept meaning to repurchase it. I finally did, and i'm so happy for it to be back. I love light, brightening concealer for under the eyes and this is the best one. Once applied you can instantly see that the eyes look brighter but still light. I also sometimes use it around the nose to cover redness which works really well. 
MAC Bare Study Paint Pot - £16.00 - Carrying on with the brightening theme, i've dug out this beauty. It's the perfect, cream, champagne base which looks great alone but also as a base to any look. This has lasted me so long, even with using it practically everyday so it's definitely good value for money. 
Collection Cream Puff in Fairy Cake
Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick - £11.00 - This is a new purchase for me and I can't stop wearing it. It's the perfect peachy pink healthy glow to the cheeks. It's not glittery and too pigmented so you can build it up to give a nice glow. The colours can be used alone or mixed together; you could also even use it as eyeshadows which works really well. 
Collection Cream Puff in Fairy Cake - £2.99 - I've been using the same lip products recently but this one ended up back in my handbag. It's a lovely peach shade which is easy to wear but also longwearing due to it's matte formula. 

So those are this months beauty favourites. As you read this I will be flying to Toronto and about to start travelling for over a week. I'm also going to America so some beauty shopping will definitely be happening so you might see a few of those bits in next months favourites. What products have you been loving this month?

Saturday 29 August 2015

August Health Favourites

I've been trying to be more concious about staying healthy this month as i'll be going travelling in Canada and America at the start of September where I think it might be harder to keep on track. I do plan on being healthy whilst i'm away but I can't resist having a stack of pancakes at least once. 
August Health Favourites
DRINKS:
I've been making a lot of drinks this month with us having the odd few warmer days. One of the best creations I made was an amazing chocolate milkshake (I even blogged the recipe!) which was lovely. I've also been making iced coffees in my blender as well, which are easy to do and really good. I picked up a new tea as well; the Twinings Fudge Melts Green Tea. If you like sweet teas this is really good and you can't taste the green tea that much which for me is good as I struggle drinking green tea. 
BREAKFAST:
I've been loving this chocolate, coconut oatmeal topped with berries for breakfast when i've been craving something sweet. I add chia seeds and flax seed for an added goodness boost as well as using cocao powder and coconut sugar. It tastes amazing and is secretly full of good things. 
August Health Favourites
SOMETHING SWEET:
I discovered a new dark chocolate by Lindt on a recent shopping trip. The Dark with Crunchy Cocoa Nibs is as good as it sounds and i've been having a square in the evening when I have a chocolate craving. I also found this amazing ice-cream on Ocado. The Oppo Mint Choc Swirl with Spirulina tastes just like regular mint chocolate chip ice-cream but a lot better for you. I may have also ordered the salted caramel flavour.. We've had some cold evenings; even though it's meant to be Summer, so i've been craving hot chocolates again. I made this one with cocao powder, coconut sugar, a splash of vanilla and almond milk. It was super creamy and really hit the spot. Topped with a few marshmallows; i'm all about balance, it was a dream.  
CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD:
I've been struggling to find the time to bake as much as I would like. With the Bake Off starting again I was itching to bake something. We had some overripe bananas so obviously banana bread was the answer. I found this recipe on chocolate covered katie (who I love) and it's so good. I've been trying to not eat the whole thing in one sitting. 

So those are this months health favourites. I'm taking some healthy snacks with me when I go travelling to help keep me on track, but i'll definitely be back to eat spinach all the time when I get back. What healthy things have you been loving this month? 

Thursday 27 August 2015

August Empties!

I'm going away at the start of September which I thought was going to why I wouldn't end up using up that many products this month. I was surprised to see i'd actually manage to finish a good few things, including hair products which take me ages to use up. 
August Empties!
August Empties!
Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla Cream Bath
BATH:
Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla Cream Bath - I've mentioned this in empties before and it's my favourite, affordable bubble bath. It smells amazing, leaves my skin soft and creates lots of bubbles. Repurchase? Yes.
Aromatherapy Associates Relax Light Bath and Shower Oil - I have a lot of these mini oils and they're the best thing for relaxing you. You only need a small amount; I got three uses out of this tiny bottle, and the scent fills the whole room. I don't think i'd get the full size but these minis are great. Repurchase? Yes, the minis. 
Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter
BODY:
Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser in Cocoa Butter - I love these as they're so handy if you want a quick shower and to get dressed straight away. This one smelt lovely, although I think the honey one is still my favourite. Repurchase? Yes. 
Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter - I can't remember where I got this sample but I finally decided to use it up. The smell is so nice and kind of unique plus the cream is really moisturising. If I was looking to treat myself I would definitely get the full size of this. Repurchase? Not straight away. 
Garnier InvisiCool Anti-Perspirant
Mitchum Powder Fresh Antiperspirant - I picked this up on a whim and it became my favourite thing to use when working out as it works really well. The smell is pleasant and keeps me feeling fresh whilst working out. Repurchase? Yes. 
Garnier InvisiCool Anti-Perspirant - This is my normal deodorant as the smell is really clean and fresh. It works well on a everyday basis but if I think i'm going to be sweating more I use the Mitchum one. Repurchase? Yes. 
Vo5 Cherish My Colour Full Bodied Spray
HAIRCARE:
Klorane Shampoo with Chamomile - I've had this a few times and decided to finish this bottle. It's smells nice and is a great shampoo to use if you have blonde hair and want to keep it look bright. I like trying different shampoos but I would still recommend this one. Repurchase? No. 
Vo5 Cherish My Colour Full Bodied Spray - I've rubbish at using up styling products so i'm proud that i've finished this one. It's my go to heat defence spray as it protects my hair, adds volume and doesn't feel crunchy in my hair. Repurchase? Yes. 
Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel
MAKEUP + SKINCARE:
Essence Stay Natural Concealer - I've mentioned this a few times as a great, affordable concealer and I finally finished it. It's light weight, yet still brightens and covers under the eyes. Repurchase? Yes.
Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - This is a product that seem to last so long. It's a light gel that feels refreshing under the eyes in the morning. I don't think it has any actually skincare benefits but it feels very cooling and seems to help with puffiness. Repurchase? Yes. 

So those are this months empties. As i'm away for the first part of September I might not end up finishing a lot of product but you never know! Have you finished up any of your favourite products this month?

Tuesday 25 August 2015

In Flight Beauty Essentials

I'm about to jet off travelling which comes with a long flight to Toronto. Long flight can play havoc on my skin so i've put together some beauty bits to help my skin feel hydrated and to make me feel fresh throughout the flight. I don't plan on wearing a lot, if any makeup to the airport or a lot when I get off the plane, but I have a few things to make me look less tired. 
In Flight Beauty Essentials
In Flight Beauty Essentials
In Flight Beauty Essentials
SKINCARE:
I like to hydrate my skin on a long flight so i'm bring some face wipes to remove any makeup I have on so I can spritz some facial spray onto my skin. The one I think i'm going to take is the Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz. This is pleasant and has a nice smell to it. I'm also bringing the Botanics Refreshing Eye Roll On to help keep my eyes awake. I'm bringing the Superdrug Vitamin E Moisture Mask which will act as a moisturiser and mask. This isn't to thick or heavy yet helps pack in the hydration. I do plan on decanting some of these to help save space in my hand luggage and to keep them under 100ml. 
In Flight Beauty Essentials
SPF:
Although Toronto isn't the hottest of places I thought I would still bring some SPF with me. The lip balm i'm bringing is the Nivea Sooth & Protect SPF 15 which is hydrating and will protect my lips. I also have a mini of the Avene 50+ SPF and the Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection SPF 30 to use as we get off the plane but also to use when were out during the day. 
In Flight Beauty Essentials
'FRESH UP':
I'm packing the Garnier InvisiCool Anti Perspirant and some hand sanitizer to fresh up during the flight. I also have my Travalo with some Marc Jacobs Daisy in it and some eye drops as I have really dry eyes during the Summer. I'm also bring a toothbrush and mini toothpaste so I can brush my teeth before we land. 
In Flight Beauty Essentials
MAKEUP:
I don't plan on wearing a lot of makeup when we land but i'm bringing the Garnier Miracle Cream which has an SPF 20 and is a cream with a hint of colour which will even things out and make my skin look brighter. To conceal i'm also bringing the Seventeen Stay Time Concealer for blemishes and the L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer which really brightens under the eyes. Then I have the Seventeen Miracle Matte Pressed Powder to set things in place. I will be using all of these during the trip as well. 
In Flight Beauty Essentials
I'm also putting the Collection No Clumps Mascara in, although if my eyes are dry I won't use this. For brows I have my favourite Soap & Glory Archery pencil as I can brush my brows out and fill them in. For a hint of colour on the lips I have the Soap & Glory Gloss Crayon in Fuchia-Ristic which is also hydrating. 

So those are the beauty bits I will be taking with me on my flight to Toronto. I also be bringing the normal, headphones, phone, a good book and some mints to help make sure I have a good flight. What are your in flight beauty essentials?

Sunday 23 August 2015

The Holiday Reads

I'm about to go travelling for over a week in Canada and America and i've been putting together some books to take with me. Holidays are one of my favourite times to catch up on some reading, especially since we will have some long flights and a long train journey in between. I've found 4 to take put i'm going to try cut it down to 3 to save some weight in my suitcase (so there's more space for beauty purchases of course). 
The Holiday Reads
The Holiday Reads
The Holiday Reads
These are the two i'm trying to pick between. I love Gone Girl so i've been meaning to read the other Gillian Flynn books. Sharp Objects is smaller so i'm leaning toward that one. 
Dark Places - I've actually started this one and it's taking me a little while to get into it. It's about a girl who's family are murdered and her brother is convicted of the crime. She's been a drifter ever since and begins to realise that her family had something to hide, especially her brother. I love the premise and I think I need to sit down and power through it. 
Sharp Objects - This one is about Camille who is sent to investigate the disappearance of two young girls. As clues lead to dead ends Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims and realises she will have to unravel the puzzle of her own past is she's to survive this homecoming. The book sounds like to has a few twists and as I said is a shorter length so I think it will be a quick read. 
The Holiday Reads
I've read a few Linwood Barclay books and he always manages to have me hook and unable to put a book town. I thought I would take one of his as I know I will enjoy it. 
The Accident - Based on the story of Glen who's wife's car is found at the scene of a drink driving accident which took three lives. His wife is also dead and appears to be the cause of the accident. The again seems to be full of twists as you find out more about what happened as secrets come to the surface. 
The Holiday Reads
I've been wanting to get into Stephen King books for a long time. I was going to start with a classic like The Shinning but I spotted this on the supermarket shop and the premise really interested me. 
Mr Mercedes - Bill Hodges is a retired cop tormented by the Mercedes masacre, a case he never solved. Brady Hartsfield, the perpetrator of the notorious crime and preparing to kill again. I'm guessing the two story will intertwine and be a really gripping story.  

So those are the books i'm planning on taking on holiday. I'm still trying to pick between the Gillian Flynn ones; if you read either of them let me know if you enjoyed them. I love crime novels as I find them to be the best page turners and i'm looking forward to making my way through all of these. What are you currently reading? 

Friday 21 August 2015

Boots Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask - Reviewed!

I think face masks are one of my favourite skincare products to put to the test, especially budget friendly ones. I read a couple of positive reviews about this mask and the fact it was only £1.50 I knew I had to try it. When it finally came back in stock in my local Boots (clearly it's pretty popular) I picked it up and i've been testing it ever since. 
Boots Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask
Boots Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask
The packaging is very simple and basic; it matches the rest of the essentials cucumber range. The tube is actually rather small at only 50ml which isn't a bad thing and i'm considering taking it when I go travelling soon. 
Boots Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask
Boots Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask
The cucumber in the mask is meant to sooth and soften the skin whilst the clay is designed to draw out impurities and excess oil. I like the fact that this mask does both as it isn't as drying as some clay mask can be. There's a subtle cucumber scent to the product which is actually rather pleasant and not overpowering. It applies nicely and doesn't feel tight on the skin. You can leave it on for 3 minutes for a quick fix or a bit longer for a deeper cleanse. Both ways, the mask works really well. 
Boots Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask
Boots Cucumber 3 Minute Clay Mask
The mask really doesn't feel harsh on the skin and isn't drying which means it is one that would work for all skin types. Once washed away my skin feels clean, yet soothed. If I use it in the evening, the next day my skin feels a lot less congested. The mask is a great, budget option whilst actually working really well. 


Have you tried this mask? What is your favourite budget friendly mask?

Wednesday 19 August 2015

Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick - Reviewed!

I popped into Boots to repurchase my favourite brow pencil (S&G Archery if you're wondering) and noticed there was a buy one get half price offer on Soap & Glory, I spotted the blush, and somehow it ended up in my hand. 
Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick in Apricot Jam
Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick in Apricot Jam
The packaging follows the classic Soap & Glory style, which I personally like as it stands out a bit. The compact itself isn't the smallest, yet feels sturdy and like you could actually travel with this without it braking. The compact also comes with a decent sized mirror which is an added bonus. 
Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick in Apricot Jam
Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick in Apricot Jam
The product is called a blush brick as it comes with four different shades which you could use on their own, or mixed together to create a peachy pink glow. I like these products as you can create a few different looks with one product. All of the shades have shimmer to them and are a blush, highlighter hybrid without leaving chunky bits of glitter on the skin. 
Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick in Apricot Jam
Personally, I think you get the best when you mix all the colours together (the swatch on the right), which is the perfect peachy, shimmery colour. It's pigmented enough to be worn alone and leave a nice colour to the cheeks but you could also layer it over a matte blush to give a more intense colour. The wear time is surprisingly good; after a long day there was still a glow to my cheeks. It's a great Summer product, although it's so pretty I can see myself using it all year round. 


Have you tried this? What is your favourite Soap & Glory product from their makeup range?


Monday 17 August 2015

Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll On - Reviewed!

When it comes to my morning skincare routine I like things to be light and quick. For eye cream I prefer a gel which is cooling as I have dry eyes, especially in the Summer. I spotted this whilst browsing the isles of Boots and thought it would be just the type of thing I would love. The fact it was on offer sealed the deal. 
Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll On
Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll On
The packaging is nice and simple, whilst matching the rest of the products in the all bright range. The product itself claims to target the appearance of dark circles whilst helping with puffiness. As I mentioned my eye look tried, dry and a bit puffy most morning so I definitely want something to help with all that and add some brightness. 
Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll On
Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll On
The product itself is a clear gel and is dispensed through a metal roller ball. This really helps to make the product feel so cooling under the eyes. The applicator helps to get rid of that puffiness and tired look on the eyes; it also absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or sticky under the eyes. I'm not sure that this type of product gives any long term benefits from using it, but if you suffer from tired eyes and want a quick fix in the morning I would definitely recommend giving it a try. If you want it to be extra cooling you can even store it in the fridge. As a hayfever suffer this has been a staple in my morning routine since I picked it up. 


Have you tried this? What eye product do you use to wake up the eyes in the morning?

Saturday 15 August 2015

Packing Tips For A Longer Trip

As i've mentioned a couple of times that in a few weeks i'm going to Canada and America. We're going to be going to Toronto, Niagara Falls, New York and Washington. I've found packing for this trip a little difficult since we will be moving around a lot and we'll be away for roughly 10 days. I thought it might be useful to share some packing tips which i've been using to help me get ready for the trip. 
Packing Tips For A Longer Trip
Packing Tips For A Longer Trip
PLAN, PLAN PLAN:
For a big trip I really don't think there's such a thing as being too organised. Ever since we booked the trip i've been making mental and physical notes of things we need to do and what I need to get. I have a note app on my phone where I note things down. When it comes closer to the holiday, making a checklist of what you need to bring will help to make sure you don't forget anything. 
TRY ON:
When it comes to clothes i'd recommend trying things on and planning out outfits so you don't end up just putting a bunch of things in your case that don't go together. Think what type of trip you're going on. If it's a city breaks with lots of walking, comfortable footwear over flip flops is probably going to be a good idea. Also check the weather before you go. If it's going to rain a couple of times you don't just want to have sandals. It's easy to bring lots of option but sometimes when you get there you'll find you wear the same jeans or shorts more than you expected, or you wear the same shoes as they're the most comfortable. So think about these things to avoid over packing. 
Packing Tips For A Longer Trip
Packing Tips For A Longer Trip
MINIS & TRAVEL BOTTLES:
You can get a lot of product in a miniature size these days which are a great way of keeping the weight of your suitcase down. I try to take as few full size products with me whenever I go travelling. For the things you can't get minis of, travel bottles are a great thing to have. Primark do some great sets that are only £1 each. With go away for a bit long some minis aren't going to be big enough so travel bottles are a great thing to have. 
Packing Tips For A Longer Trip
I also have these small tubs (set of 5 from Primark) which are great for putting skincare in but also if you're struggle to decide what makeup products to take you can put foundation in theses tubs which will save on space. Choosing some multi-purpose products is also a great thing to do to save on weight. For example, an oil which can be used on the face, hair and body or an all purpose balm.
Packing Tips For A Longer Trip
HAND LUGGAGE:
If you are going to be flying for a long time you're going to want to make sure you have a few things in your hand luggage. I love reading so I take books with me, if you're worried about books being too heavy you could always take a tablet to read on but also watch films which we make the journey go a lot quicker. A neck cushion is a great option for comfort and they're not too expensive now. I always take a few skincare products to stop my skin drying out but also a few mints which really help to stop your ears popping! I also tend to put a spare pair of clothes and my toothbrush/toothpaste in my hand luggage. This is a great thing to do in case your suitcase goes missing; especially if you are changing flights. 

So those are just a few packing tips that i've been using to help get myself organised for my next trip. I would love to know if you have any good packing tips. Are you an organised packer or a last minute one? I'm definitely an organised one! 

Thursday 13 August 2015

Skincare | 5 Under £10

I've done a 5 Under £5 Makeup edition so I thought it was about time I did a skincare version. There's not many skincare products that I love under £5 so i've decided to do an under £10, although most of the products are still very affordable. 
Skincare | 5 Under £10
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk (review)- £8.00 - This is an old favourite that I recently brought back into my morning routine and i've been loving it.It's a cream cleanser that leaves feeling clean and refreshed but not tight; great if your skin is more on the oily side. You can even leave it on the skin for a few minutes which makes the skin so smooth. This big bottle last ages, although it can be tricky to get those last few uses out. 
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (review) - £4.99 - I think I might be onto my third or fourth bottle of this which I think shows how much I like it. I've tried a few different micellar waters and I find a lot of them to be very similar; however this one definitely gives the best value for money. It removes makeup well without irritating the skin or feeling dry. 
La Roche Posay Serozinc
La Roche Posay Serozinc (review)- £8.50 - This is a well talked about product and now that you can get it pretty easily in the UK I don't feel bad recommending it. It's a spray toner so feels refreshing nd the zinc solution in it really seems to help with oilyness, breakouts and skin irritations. You can actually use this is a few different areas, not just the face, so it's a great multi-purpose product to have around. 
Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask
Superdrug Clearly Youthful Retexursing Glycolic Peel Off Mask (review)- £4.99 - I picked this mask up a few months ago and it's pretty great. It's a peel off mask, so no mess and helps to leave the skin smooth and brighter. Best of all, it's also helps to clarify the skin and help with breakouts. It's definitely the most affordable glycolic mask that actually works that i've tried.
Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask (review)- £6.99 - I've tried so more expensive clay mask and found them to all be fairly similar so I went on the hunt for a cheaper option which is when I discovered this mask. It is definitely the type of mask to use when your skin is feeling congested and a bit spotty as it really draws out all the dirt leaving your skin feeling a lot cleaner. It can be a bit drying so I follow it with a moisture mask. 

So those are a few affordable skincare products I would definitely recommend checking out and giving a go. A lot of them tend to be on offer in Boots and Superdrug so even more chance to get a good deal. What are some skincare products that you love that are less than £10?