La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + | Review

I'm very lucky with my skin. I'm combination/oily skin type, however rarely get spots other than the odd one or two, so you can imagine my dismay a month or two back when I practically erupted in the things. I don't know whether it was my diet, my busy routine, not enough water....I honestly couldn't tell you why it happened, but something had to change, enter La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +. 

I've heard a lot about this coveted little cream, being a blogger favourite, but until recently, never felt the need to pick it up, however with my recent troubles, I decided to use my trusty Boots points to pick it up. 

La Roche Posay have revamped the Effaclar Duo, to the Effaclar Duo +, and having never used the original, I can't compare the two, however the + claims to battle red marks left behind by blemishes, and as far as my skin goes, I have noticed that they have been fading a lot faster than usual, which I have put down to the cream... 

I was terrified that the Effaclar Duo + would just break me out more, but thankfully, it's just as good as people say it is, and using it on blemish prone areas morning and night during troublesome times halves the time it take for the blemishes to fade away. When I was having skin troubles, my face had been not a pretty sight for almost a week, but after using the cream before moisturising, they had almost disappeared within 3 days. 

You only get 40ml, however the amount you need for each application is so small, and the fact that I only use it when I have a breakout means this tube will last me for quite a while. 

James Brown Intense Moisture Collection | Review

So with the mental weather changes recently, my hair has been feeling a little on the dry side and I've been trying a number of different oils, serums and conditioners to try and tame my locks but nothing was working. Then I remembered that I received the James Brown Intense Moisture set for Christmas and thought I'd give it a go... 

Well I've been using it for around a week now, and I can safely say that this stuff is amazing! From the first wash, I blow dried my hair and had to double take in the mirror afterwards! I usually have to use heat tools on my hair after blow drying as it's quite thick and can become frizzy, however after using the James Brown Intense Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Mask, my hair was sleek and soft, and since switching to this brand, I haven't had to use my straighteners even once! Don't get me wrong, it hasn't made my hair bolt straight, I still have my natural wave, but it's so sleek and smooth! I just can't rave about the results enough! I'm in love. 

My only problem with these products are the smell. I'm all for a gorgeously scented hair product, there's nothing better than getting a good whiff of your freshly washed hair, but I'm just not keen on the scent of this. A mediocre scent is something I can definitely live with in order to get glossy, soft hair though! If your hair is suffering from the change in weather like mine, or if you're looking for a new shampoo and conditioner aimed at battling dry locks, I'd definitely recommend the Intense Moisture range, which you can purchase from Boots.  

The Skincare Shake-up.

So I've gonna and done the unmentionable. I've used up my moisturiser, toner, night cream and evening cleanser all in one go and decided to completely change up my routine. I know what you're thinking, she must be crazy! Why would she do such a thing? We'll call me crazy but I fancied a shake up as my skin was beginning to look a little dull and lacked life. Not to mention I was beginning to get a few more spots and blemishes than were acceptable! 

I've switched up my The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter in favour of the much coveted Liz Earle Cleanse And Polish. My much beloved Seaweed Clarifying Toner has been cast aside to make room for the Liz Earle Skin Boosting Tonic. My usual Good Things Mattifying Moisturiser has been in my life for almost a year, but has been swapped for the Liz Earle Moisturiser for Oily/Combination Skin. My Boots Sensitive Night Cream has had he last scrap of product removed and in it's place stands The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream. And finally, I've thrown the La Roche Posay Effaclair Duo + into the mix. 

A very brave, albeit risky move which will be either the very best, or very worst decision for my skin... Only time will tell... 

Empties | March 2014

Can 2014 please just take a moment to breathe? Its going way too fast for my liking! How is it Easter in two weeks?? 

Speed aside, I've managed to use up a few products during March...

Anew Reversal Night Cream & Boots Simply Sensitive Night Moisturiser | The first of the two was given to me by the mother bear, and its been sat in a drawer, unused and probably past its use by date, so I've finally thrown it away. The Boots offering however has been the perfect night cream, not too heavy and soothing after a long day. 

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner | I have declared my love for this toner before so I wont repeat myself but if you have oily skin, this stuff is amazing! 

Good Thing Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser | Speaking of oily skin, this moisturiser has been my staple for months now, and gives moisture, whilst keeping sebum at bay. 

The Body Shop Coconut Body Mist | I loved the mango version of this but something about the coconut version just didn't hit the spot for me...

Goldwell Twist Around Curl Styling Spray | Ever since my perm last year..which I'm sure has grown out by now, I've been loving the natural waves look, and this curling spray helps to lock curls or waves in place. It feels like nothing more than water on your hair and smells divine, like banana. I love it so much that I already have another on standby! 

Soap and Glory Butter Yourself Body Butter | What would an empties post be without a body butter? I've been using this massive 300ml tub for the past two months and it's only just become empty! It smells fruity and light, however the cream itself is thick and rich, soaking in to leave your skin so soft. I like to slather this on at night, and by morning it still feels like I only moisturised an hour before there are other scents that I prefer, however for the quality and amount you get, I'd definitely purchase again. 

March 2014 | Favourites

It's that time again! Lets crack on with my favourite products of March! 

Skincare-wise, I've given my whole routine a shake up, more on that later this week! Two new products I've been loving are the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic and La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +. The Skin Tonic has been so soothing on my skin and has the most amazing scent. I really feel like it's adding a certain something to my complexion whenever I use this. The Effaclar Duo is something I've wanted for such a long time and last month had a particularly nasty breakout so used my trusty Boots points and treated myself. Yes girls, It really is as good as they say! I've also been loving two eye products. The Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel as it's so cooling and soothing after a long day, and the Benefit It's Potent has been perfect for injecting some moisture in the mornings. 

Make up-wise, only two products have been standouts this month the first being the Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss in the shade 'Glorious Grapefruit. I'm loving glossy lips at the moment, and with Spring making a welcome appearance, this coral pink shade has been perfect. I've also ventured into the world of highlighters, and have been absolutely loving Benefit High Beam. I know I'm late to the highlighter party but I'm here now and loving the 'glowing skin' look they can achieve. 

Last but not least is nails. I've been going for a barely there but polished look, and Not Just a Pretty Face by Essie has been the perfect nude pink. 

What have you been loving during March? 

Essie Nail Polish in 'Not Just a Pretty Face'

I think it's safe to say my love affair with nail Polish is verging on obsession like. In all honestly I never used to be bothered about them, a few nudey pinks were all I really wore. My obsession began a few years ago. I can't pinpoint the exact moment but I now own more polishes in various shades than I care to admit! My love for the nude pinks are still there though, and every so often one pops up that has me falling in love all over again. Enter 'Not Just a Pretty Face'... 

I've been loving a nude nail recently. There's something about a barely there, milky shade that's just so elegant and chic. I've been wearing Essie 'Waltz', a milky white shade, however my heart yearned for a touch of pink for a more feminine approach. I actually went into Boots and headed straight for the Essie aisle looking for the shade 'Fiji', however came away with 'Not Just a Pretty Face', which in my eyes, is better! It's such a gorgeous pinky nudey shade that looks absolutely effortlessly classy and is suitable for any occasion. As with all Essie shades, the formulation is great, and the lasting power is pretty impressive! I can imagine this being one of those timeless shades that will carry me right through Spring, and carry on into the year. 

Empties | February

How are we into March already? The speed of this year is blowing my little mind! February has whizzed by in a flash, so much so that I've barely used up any products... 

Avon Clearskin Pore Penetrating Clay Mask | Avon are a company which I dabble into every now and then. I don't often go near the make up, however I am partial to their planet spa range. I decided to try this clay mask after it was given to me by the mother bear, who in her own words 'would never use it, and didn't know why she had it'... Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but this heavy duty clay mask is brilliant at drawing out impurities and leaving me with smoother, less 'pore-y' skin. Definitely a cheaper alternative to some of the higher end clay masks... I'm tempted to try more from the range! 

Would I purchase again? Yes

St Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturiser Light/Medium | I received this in a goody bag at Clothes Show Live last year, and honestly, it hasn't wowed me. I don't know if it's the fact that it's aimed at light/medium skin but it barely did anything...I ended up using this as an arm moisturiser just to use it up in the end. 

Would I purchase again? I don't think it's worth the hype. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15 | This is a big moment for me. Finishing a lip balm NEVER happens! It's just typical that I didn't want this one to end! I loved this, and used it religiously over all other balms. The Body Shop have done me proud. I'm very tempted to try their Aloe Vera Lip Care next, which Alix at icovetthee.com and Estée at essiebutton.com have both raved about. 

Would I purchase again? Yes, but I have a fair few to get through first! 

Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing Body Moisturiser | I featured this moisturiser in my January favourites post, so it's unsurprising that it's ended up in my empties. I have a slight obsession with body butters, but sometimes it's nice to just quickly slap on a moisturiser rather than put in the time (and it IS time consuming) and effort into a heavy duty butter. This aloe moisturiser has such a fresh scent, and kept me feeling soft all day. 

Would I purchase again? Yes

Soap & Glory Rich and Foamous Body Wash | Oh lordy, this stuff smells amazing! Like brown sugar and cake mix and biscuits....oh lordy lordy!! Can you tell I liked this? I actually think it's right up there in my favourite wintery shower scents, and the huge bottle you get makes it even sweeter! 

Would I purchase again? Once my mammoth body wash collection dies down then definitely! 

Review: Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo.

Let's talk barnets. Mine has been in need of a deep cleanse for quite some time. I have one of those annoying hair types that 'gets used' to a product to the point where it no longer does anything for my hair, and rather than cleanse, it just sits and builds up on my head. Lovely. Just before Christmas I decided enough was enough and a clarifying shampoo to strip my hair of all that built up product was all that was missing from my life. Enter the Sunday Shampoo from Bumble & Bumble. 

This stuff has been a lifesaver. While it doesn't have a particularly pleasant smell (it smells almost clinical for reference) it strips my hair of everything, leaving it quite literally squeaky clean. I would recommend using a good conditioner or hair mask with this though, as being so clarifying can strip the hair of moisture as well as product residue! I have been using this once every couple of weeks since January and can safely say it has made all the difference with that pesky residue problem. 

At almost £20 for a 200ml bottle, it's not the most purse friendly of shampoos but I've found that I've barely made a dent in it, and I've been using it for two months! It's definitely worth the investment and I imagine this will last me the whole year... bargain really! I'm looking forward to seeing what else the brad has to offer... 

To test or not to test? That is the question...

Hello lovelies! 

Today I thought I would talk testing, and no, I don't mean swatches. I'm talking animal testing. I am strictly against animal testing. I'm not naive, and I do realise that a lot of cosmetics do still test on animals, however I do not condone it, and where I can, I always try to go for brands who don't test on animals. I've gotten together a little collection of brands who don't test on bunnies and pooches for you, so without further ado...

(Apologies for the creased sheets! - Oops!)

The Body Shop 

The Body Shop have been against animal testing for as long as I can remember, and are always a safe bet if you want naturally sourced ingredients too! 

Lush 

Not only are Lush against animal testing, they actively fight it, and even have 'against animal testing' printed on their bags. Lush's ingredients are sourced ethically, and are all handmade. They may be a little more pricey, but by paying that little bit more you get so much more in quality. 

Good Things 

Good Things are a brand that are aimed only at young skin, and pride themselves on using no animal ingredients, SLS or parabens. Good stuff, Good Things! 

Sanctuary Spa 

I was actually surprised to find Sanctuary in this list, however when reading the back of a gift set I received for Christmas, there it was in black and white; 'Not tested on animals'. Hurrah!

Sleek
I only own a sirum from Sleek, however since finding out that they are cruelty free, I have my eye on a few blushes! 

Jergens 

Jergens are a new found love for me, I received the Aloe moisturiser for my birthday and love how fresh and clean the scent is, so I was very happy to discover that I can slather this on with no guilt! 

Soap and Glory 

Another brand I was actually very surprised with. Soap and Glory can be found in Boots stores and feature some of the greatest smelling products in the world! 

REN 

Ahh REN, my new love. The 'Invisible Pores Detox Mask' is a firm new favourite of mine, and boasting no nasties as well as no animal testing, my conscience is as squeaky clean as my face! 

Liz Earle

I recently ordered the 'February Favourites' and have to say, I'm seriously Impressed with this range! 

Urban Decay

I'm so happy that I can add Urban Decay to this list. Apparently they were in talks with a company in China about selling the brand, however pulled out as they found that selling would go against their beliefs and morals about testing. Good on yer, UD! 

Rimmel 

I was utterly shocked to hear about Rimmel - I have a feeling it was a recent change with the new laws that have forced this brand to find alternative methods. I may be wrong, but I always presume that make up brands automatically test...I know, I need to move with the times! 

Barry M 

I guess you dont really think about mainly nail polish brands testing, but I guess they have to. Thankfully Barry M have taken a stance against testing on the furry ones and have found other ways! 

Bourjois 

Again, another popular high street brand I'm happy to report are cruelty free!!

Bumble and Bumble
Possibly one of the most hyped brands of 2013, I highly recommend you try them out if you haven't already, especially now you know their products come without a side order of guilt! 

Illamasqua

Finally, Illamasqua. I own one of their blushers, and absolutely love the formula and pigmentation, so i'm over the moon that I can colour my cheeks without thinking about what else might have had a makeover in the process!  

Obviously, this list is only naming a few, as animal testing in Europe has been banned (Yay!), and generally, only brands who's products are made outside of Europe are still tested (MAC, I'm lookin' at you!) But we now have a much wider variety of non tested choices and can now shop safe in the knowledge that no animals were harmed in the making of our appearance! 

Dainty Doll Blusher in '004 You Are My Sunshine' | Review

I have fallen in love. As a matte lover, I never thought I could love a shimmery blush so much, but obviously a girl can change as here I am about to rave about one! 

Dainty Doll is a make up brand by Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud. It's aimed at pale skinned girls, and since I sit somewhere in between pale and not pale, I was intrigued to try something from the range. I bought the shade 'you are my sunshine' last year in a fragrance direct haul, received it and was utterly shocked at how bright and shimmery it looked, so put it in my 'I don't use this often' make up box and that was that! 

After Christmas, I just felt like none of my blushers were doing it for me as they're mostly peachy summery colours, so before automatically buying a new one, like I'm prone to doing, I thought I'd get all my make up out and have a bit of a shake up. That's when I found 'you are my sunshine' again. 

I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of the packaging, although it looks lovely in the photo, it's actually quite cheap looking plastic. Buuut, it's what's on the inside that counts, and cheap plastic and dodgy clouded mirror aside, the product itself is beautiful! 

Without flash. 

With flash. 

Now I know what you're thinking, it's slightly reminiscent of a certain offering from Nars. And extensive researching and checking online swatches has proved that this little baby is pretty much a perfect match to the infamous Nars 'Orgasm' blush. For a £1.99 fragrance direct bargain I'd say that's pretty good going! 

Left-lightly swatched. Right-heavily swatched. 

The formula of this blush is very soft, you do need to apply with a fairly soft hand, and accept quite a bit of product fallout, but other than that, I have nothing but praise! It blends beautifully and gives a warm glow to the complexion, a perfect pick me up for those cold days and, as it's intended, a perfect match to my winter pale skin! I've been wearing it none stop over the past month and my love is still going strong into February! 

Favourites | January 2014

I don't know about you, but after all the craziness of Christmas and new year, January always leaves me feeling deflated and seems to drag like no other month. 2014 has been no exception and I'm actually glad the month of blues is reaching it's end! 

Nevertheless, I have been using this month to get well aquainted with some beauty products. Here are my January best picks! 

Soap and Glory 'Lid Stuff' Eyeshadow Quad

I've forgotten to photograph this, but you find it on the Boots website here. I bought this quad back in the summer last year and I have made a serious dent in at least two of the shades! If you're a neutral palette kinda gal, you NEED this in your life. For £10 you get four gorgeously pigmented shades, perfect for creating a variety of nude looks. The size of each colour is almost exactly the same as a Mac Pro Palette refill but for a fraction of the price, and in my opinion, it's a serious contender quality wise as well! The shades are butter like and apply like a dream, definitely one I'm glad to have in my collection. 

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in 'Peach Blossom' 

This little baby was on my Christmas list and since excitedly opening it on Christmas morning it has been a firm favourite and has lived on my lips through the majority of this month. The perfect sheer peachy nude goes with, and has been going with EVERYTHING!  

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker XL Lip Gloss
Other than my MAC lipstick, this gloss from S&G has lived in my handbag and is perfect for a quick fix throughout the day. I'm quite partial to a gloss at the minute and this smells like caramel, and plumps your lips (Be prepared for immense tingling). The bubblegum pink shade is so cute too and has been pairing quite nicely with my cold flushed cheeks! 

REN Invisible Pores Face Mask

Oh my. When I first used this mask, I must admit me and REN had a bit I a moment, I actually thought I'd fallen in love! We all know what a clay mask does;  draws out imperfections, tightens pores, leaves your skin feeling smooth albeit a tad tight? Well this little beauty does all that except my skin doesn't feel tight, rather it feels soft and just...clean. The best part? REN is against animal testing (something I try to steer clear of as much as I can) and doesn't contain any of the nasties that were all trying to keep away from out skins! 

Sleek Zuri Brightening Night Sirum

Who knew sleek did skincare? I certainly didn't, not even when I bought it! It wasn't until I perused the labels that I noticed the brand discreetly on the back of the packaging! I'm fairly new to sirums but the 'brightening' aspect had me sold. I'm not sure if the effects actually brighten my skin, but it certainly feels plump and injects extra moisture into the skin, which makes for an overall brighter appearance! 

Barry M Nail Polish in 'Berry Cosmo' and Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish in 'Caramel Cupcake'

I have worn nothing but these two shades throughout January, you know you love a shade when you remove it, just to reapply! The Barry M offering is the most gorgeous deep berry, which lived on my nails throughout the first half of January, whilst the Rimmel beige/caramel is the perfect nude, perfectly polished but barely there colour! 

Jergens Natural Aloe Soothing Moisturiser 
I got this for my birthday back in September, and had used it here and there, favouring thicker body butters, however this month with the short days and hectic schedule, I just haven't had time, so I've been reaching for this thinner cream for a quick injection of moisture, and have barely touched any other body moisturiser. It has such a clean scent and leaves me feeling thoroughly moisturised. 

Soap and Glory 'Hand Food' 
I wasn't in the market for a new handcream, however in the 'Yule Monty' set I received for Christmas, there was hand food. I have been having a slight love affair with its marshmallow scent ever since! 

Dainty Doll Blusher Shade '004'
I bought this last year from Fragrance Direct and was thoroughly disappointed when I opened the packaging as I didn't realise it would be so shimmery. It was put into a box and forgotten about. I decided after Christmas to have a make up shuffle, and came across this again. I gave it a go, and with a light hand, it has easily become my go to blush for an everyday make up look. The shimmer is actually perfect for these cold, winter days as it injects some life into my pale skin. It reminds me a lot of the Nars Orgasm blusher, which is a cult favourite, however never appealed to me. After rediscovering the Dainty Doll blush, I may have to rethink... 

Empties | January

Wow, yet another empties post, these come around so often, which is weird a January has dragged so much for me! 

Anyway, I'll crack on, these are the products I've used up during January! 

Herbal Essences Uplifting Volume Conditioner

I can't say that this conditioner really gave me much volume, even paired with the shampoo, however it smells lovely and left my hair feeling soft. 

Would I repurchase? Probably not as a volumiser. 

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter 

This stuff is amazing! I wasn't overly bothered at first, but once you actually start using this, the smell is incredible. If you like smelling like frubes and having super soft skin, this is the body butter for you! 

Would I repurchase? I was lucky enough to receive this as a birthday present in full size so I won't need to for a while! But I definitely would in future! 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Exfoliating Pads 

I am absolutely gutted that TBS have discontinued these, I have rationed them like nobodies business but finally used the last one up. This was such a great little product and I just wish that I could repurchase! 

Fake Bake Rough To Buff Body Polish 

I got this in a Fake Bake set, and I have to say, I hate it. I don't like the smell or the texture, as I like my scrubs to have more of a gritty texture to them, so I can actually feel them doing so good. 

Would I repurchase? Safe to say no. 

Rimmel 5 in 1 clear Top/Base Coat

I loved this when I first bought it, however after a few months it's just gotten gloopy and sticky to the point where I cant use it anymore. 

Would I repurchase? Probably not. 

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover 

I'm devastated to let this one go as it's just a miracle worker. It's lasted about 8/9 months which I think is really good going, and I'm pretty sure there is still some remover left, but the sponge has gotten tattered and my nails come out covered in little grey bits so it's time to say goodbye. 

Would I repurchase? Definitely! 

Rimmel BB Cream in Shade 'Light' 

This was a little light for my skin, however for lazing around at home, this was great at just covering enough to make you feel a little more fresh faced. The formula was a little thick, however, and took a lot of buffing and blending into the skin. 

Would I repurchase? No. I'd probably go for a tinted moisturiser in future. 

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 'Soft Beige'

Oh my I love this foundation. I've heard that it's a dupe of the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, which is on my wishlist, so i'll be interested to see how it compares. It's a satin finish foundation which smells quite fruity and has just enough coverage to hide blemishes yet still look natural. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

The Body Shop Mango Body Mist

This body mist is perfect for summer. It's fruity yet floral with a slight hint of musk, and the smell lingers really well for a body mist. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

Garnier Ultra Dry 48 Hour Deodorant 

I know deodorants aren't all that interesting, but I think I've found my perfect one. I love everything about this, down to the scent. I wouldn't agree with the 48 hour claim, but a full day at work/Uni is more like it. 

Would I repurchase? Yes 

There we have it, another month of empties, what have you been using up this month? 

Empties | October // November // December 2013

Hello! 

I've been really bad at posting these last few months, simply because I haven't had the time to blog! But I have been faithfully collecting my empty products from the last few months for you lovely people to nosey at! 

The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel: Definitely leaning towards a more summery shower gel, this mango scent is light and refreshing and the scent lingers on your skin after a shower. This 250ml bottle lasted me absolutely ages, as you only need a tiny amount to make a rich lather. 

Would I purchase again? Maybe, but I have so many lined up in my stash, it wouldn't be any time soon! 

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash: This body wash comes in a huge 500ml bottle with a pump, making it one of the easiest body washes to use! As i'm sure you've heard me say before, the scent of this whole range is to die for; sugary, sweet and limey - the perfect combination for a refreshing yet indulgent bathing experience - without all the guilty calories! 

Would I purchase again? Already have one full size and one half size on standby! 

The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Body Scrub: I really wasn't sold on this scrub. I bought it in one of TBS's many many sales, so it ended up only costing me a few pounds, however if I'd have bought it for full price I'd have been pretty annoyed as it just didn't wow me. The smell is very synthetic, which I don't mind in the body butter form, however the scrub was sickly. The scrub formula itself was creamy, quite scratchy and anti climatic. It did the job, but others have done it better. 

Would I purchase again? No. 

Avon Planet Spa Japanese Sake and Rice Illuminating Body Cream: If Avon have ever done anything right, it's their planet spa range, I love everything I've ever tried from them, my favourite being the Mediterranean Olive Oil Hair Mask, which is pure luxury. This body lotion smelt so amazing, I don't even know how to describe it, except that I loved it and the scent lingered for hours afterwards. The lotion has slight shimmer, which 'illuminates'. The shimmer is noticeable, but not glittery. It sinks fairly quickly into the skin, without leaving a sticky or oily residue and hydrates well. 

Would I purchase again? Purely for the scent, if nothing else! 

No7 Enriched Hand and Nail Treatment: I was neither here nor there with this hand cream, it was OK, kept my hands fairly hydrated, sunk in quickly however left an oily residue behind, and smelled so-so. A 4/10 from me. 

Would I purchase again? Nah. 

Garnier Body Body Tonic Firming Hydrating Lotion: So far, I have loved every Garnier body lotion I have come across, I find their formulas to be hydrating, yet incredibly light and the scents are to die for. This lotion claimed to create a more toned 'firm' look, and if you are looking for long term benefits, you have come to the wrong lotion, however the caffeine within this lotion does give short term effects, which give an illusion of smoother, more toned legs. For use in the summer, this lotion is second to none, and I'm looking forward to cracking another of these bad boys out next summer! 

Would I purchase again? Definitely!

The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask: I've had a love/hate relationship with this mask. Most of the time I love it - it's great for a really deep clean, and the clay draws out all the nasty impurities leaving baby soft and clear skin. As I've gone through the tub, the smell, which has always been a tad overpowering, had started to become TOO overpowering for me, so much so that I was glad I'd finished the tub. It's a great mask, but I would recommend giving one a sniff in the shop before you buy to make sure it's not too much for your nostrils to take! 

Would I purchase again? Not right now, I'm trying out alternative clay masks. 

Lush Mask of Magnaminty: I'm sure I've spoken about this before, it's a great little all rounder mask for when you just want a little pick me up with added texture to gently exfoliate. 

Would I purchase again? I have one lined up already. 

No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser: I loved this cleanser. It has a really clean, pleasant smell, and worked well to remove all make up (even mascara). Plus with my No7 voucher it was only £4.95 - Bargain! 

Would I purchase again? I would, but I'm branching out and trying different cleansers at the moment in a bid to find my holy grail. 

Lush Cupcake Fresh Facemask: I know this mask gets a lot of great reviews, but for me, this mask was just ok. It gave my skin a nice boost, however I like to feel wowed after I've had a mask on, and after I washed this off, I just felt like I'd washed my face, no wow factor. 

Would I purchase again? Probably not. 

Vie Seventh Heaven Cleansing Balm: I bought this from fragrance direct after my beloved No7 cleanser had ran out, and it was my first foray into the world of balm cleansers. I have to say, this was not a bad little cleanser, and has been effectively removing my mascara, although it did take me a week or two to get used to the texture. This has been known to make my eyes sting a little, but it's probably my own fault for not closing them properly! 

Would I purchase again? No. 

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask: Oh, yes, the marmalade mask everyone has been talking about...made my skin sting like mad! I'm not sure if it's meant to, but it got a point where it became almost uncomfortable. After removing the mask, however, I did see what the fuss was about - It felt like I'd had a layer of new skin, however i'm not sure I can justify spending £30 for the full sized version.

Would I purchase again? Maybe, if the right sale was on... 

Lush Ocean Salt Facial Scrub: This little baby is a little coarse for more than one use a week, but it's so fresh and clean, and leaves my face so baby soft and smooth, that I genuinely see it as a treat to use! I found that using this once, sometimes twice a week, using a peasized amount each time, lasted me just under a year! Value for money? I think so... 

Would I purchase again? Already have done! 

Benefit They're Real Mascara: (Not pictured) Oh my, I've definitely fallen hard for this one. Believe the hype surrounding this mascara, it's all true! I had my doubts about a mascara costing double the average price, however I'd now happily part with that cash, as no other mascara can compare. 

Would I purchase again? Have done, and will be doing for the foreseeable future!

Next Eau Bloom Fragrance: This is the most gorgeous, floral yet fruity summer scent, and I'm actually gutted that next aren't currently stocking it. Fingers crossed it will be back for summer! 

Would I purchase again? In a heartbeat! 

Miss Sixty Elixer Perfume: I got this as a gift for my 17th birthday, and I've loved it ever since. This is my second bottle of the stuff (I went years without it before I finally tracked it down again) It's such a unique scent, unlike my signature light and fruity/floral scents, but I think this is what I like about it. 

Would I purchase again? Once my collection has died down a tad, who knows? 

Andrew Collinge Perfect Endings Heat Defence Spray: It has taken me a long, long time to finish this, it's one of those products that seem to be never ending! I have quite resilient hair, however I always make sure I've spritzed the lengths and ends of my locks with heat defence spray before using heat tools. This one has served me well, and has saved me from many a frazzled hairdo! 

Would I purchase again? Yes. 

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo: I don't yet have a replacement for this baby so I'm distraught that it's sprayed it's last spray... what will I do on a bad hair day now??! In my eyes, there is no better dry shampoo than batiste, and it goes without saying that I shall be popping to boots very soon to stock up.... 

Would I purchase again? Yes, but I may try a different scent...broaden my horizons... 

I shall try my best to actually post a january empties at the end of the month to avoid such mammoth blogposts in future!! 

Gem Xx 

Combination/Oily Skincare Saviours.

I had a really lazy skincare day today, and missed out toner and primer from my usual routine. Having to leave the house at 6:20am will do that to you... 

It wasn't until my train journey home when I looked into my compact and realised my whole face was glowing, and not in a good way. I was very oily. Toner and primer are products that I use, but don't really think too much about their effects, and up until today I didn't really think they had much of an effect. Sat on that train, burying my face into my scarf so that nobody could see my greaseball of a face, I thought about all the products made for oily/combination skin that I use, and just how much of a difference it makes when I skip a step or two. 

I've decided to put together a little post of my current rotation of combo/oily skincare items, and give my two cents on them.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

This is the first primer I tried. Primer was a new concept to me in 2013. Before that I used to just slap foundation onto my skin and didn't really think about it. I'm lucky that my skin isn't overly blemish prone or blotchy so longevity was never a big issue for me. As I've gotten more into make up and skincare, I've taken more care over my choices, and primer was introduced into my routine. I have to say I love it. The tea tree really helps to keep any blemishes at bay. I can't say I've noticed a huge difference n the size of my pores, however it does smooth out my skin, making foundation easier to apply, and keeps any shine from peeping through for at least 3-4 hours more. 

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner

Specially formulated for oily/combo skin, this little baby is amazing. I use it every morning, and this is my second bottle of the stuff. I've used toner for years, but this one has a special place in my heart for keeping shine at bay. 

Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser

This cream claims to mattify your face, and again is targeted to us oily skinned girls. It has extracts of blackcurrant and goji berry which are quickly absorbed by the skin, and absorb any excess oil, leaving your skin with more of a matte finish. Good things pride themselves on being free from parabens, SLS, mineral oils and animal ingredients, and also aren't tested on animals.

REN Mayblossom T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel
This has been my first foray into REN, I got this and the Invisible Pores Detox Mask for Christmas. so far, I love it! I always use a balm/hot cloth cleanser for taking make up off and deep cleansing in the evening, but I like to have something refreshing and light to use in the morning. This is also aimed at reducing excess oil production in the T-Zone. Definitely a thumbs up from me!

REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask
A REN wishlist wouldn't be complete without this bad boy, and it thus far lives up to the hype completely. I have only used it once, however it blew all other clay masks that I have used out of the water. My skin felt so squeaky clean and soft, but not dried out and tight, like some clay masks are prone to doing. I'm planning on a full review of both REN products so I won't say too much more!

Lush Coalface Cleanser
I went in for the herbalism cleanser, and was somehow talked into buying this lump of black soaplike stuff. At the time I almost felt like I had been tricked....until I tried it. It's full of charcoal and other impurity soaking goodness. Using this in the morning, or evening, or any time of day really completely mattifies my skin and keeps oil at bay. The great thing about this is that you can cut off little bits to use as and when you want. This block only cost me around £4, but has lasted me since last May of fairly regular use, and I still have loads!

I'd love to know if anyone has any recommendations for me that they use so pop a comment below and let me know!

Gem. Xx 

Boots Sale Buys.

I have a love hate relationship with sales, particularly January sales. I, like most of us, love a good bargain. I love the feeling of wearing or using something and knowing that I got a special deal on it. It's the queueing that I can't deal with. And the crowds. This is something that isn't only applicable to sales, I'm starting to become that girl who dreads a shopping trip on a Saturday. So I've taken to that grand old invention; the internet. I've done all my January sales shopping, browsing and all, online, and ended up making a sizeable order from New Look, and I'm currently eyeing up a few things from Topshop. 

Walking home from Uni yesterday I passed Boots and decided to have a quick look around. I'd already poured over the website to see if any deals were to be had, however hadn't really found too much I wanted, so I wasn't expecting much, however I came out with armfuls of shopping bags....This is what I got my mitts on! 

Champneys Mens Facial Skincare Set RRP £18 | Sale Price £9

I picked this up for my boyfriend as a little 'just because' gift. I don't know about mens skincare, but Champneys for women can be fairly pricey so I thought for 3 full sized products, £9 was an absolute bargain! 

Soap & Glory 'Once Upon A Lime' Set RRP £18 | Sale Price £9

I'll be honest, I have enough bath and body products to last me until next year, and a vast majority of them are Soap & Glory. Did I need this set? No. Did I want it? Hell yes! If you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know I loved the Sugar Crush range when it first came out and I used it non stop throughout the summer. The one product I didn't try out from the range, however was the body buttercream. £10.50 seemed a little steep for my student budget to cope with. This set has the full sized buttercream, half sized shower cream, miniature scrub and a shower puff for £9. I win.

Vintage Heart Shaped Trinket Dish RRP £8 | Sale Price £4

Shabby chic is taking over my life. Or at the very least my bedroom. This little dish I thought would be perfect for little bits and bobs such as bracelets, earrings etc that I use regularly. 

Starbucks Coffee, Mug & Caramel Syrup Set RRP £14 | Sale Price £7

OK, I admit I wanted this solely for the mug, I have a bit of a thing with quirky mugs, and I'm building up quite a collection. When I eventually set up camp in my own home, I like the idea of having a cupboard full of interesting mugs that have a story behind them rather than a set of generic ones. I haven't tried the coffee yet but the syrup in hot chocolate was yummy! 

Laura Ashley Two Drawer Storage Box RRP £12 | Sale Price £6 

How cute is this? Even the sales assistant that served me was chatting away about how pretty this was. It has two decent sized drawers which are currently housing some beauty bits and bobs that I don't use very often/haven't used yet. I was surprised at how much I can actually fit into them, and for just £6, I'm really happy with my purchase. 

Have you been shopping the sales? 

Gem. Xx