Casual OOTD

Today I am going to meet a friend for coffee, so I thought I would share what I'm wearing...

Dress- Primark

Jacket - Topshop

Scarf - Miss Selfridge

Boots - Zara

Tights & Socks - Primark

Watch- D&G

Bracelet - Guess

My Skincare Routine

Before I begin my skin type is oily/combination & prone to breakouts. I have been using these products and this routine for the past 2 months, and my skin is the best it has ever been. 

Morning Skincare Routine

I always start my skincare routine with a daily scrub in the morning, at the moment I am using the Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energising Scrub (which I have been using for a while now). I really like a scrub in the morning it is really refreshing and keeps my skin smooth. Then I follow up with  Estee Lauder DayWear - it is oil free and contains SPF 25, I like the cucumber smell and it is very calming for my skin, its moisturising without being heavy or oily. 

Night Time Skincare Routine

At the end of the day, I like to remove my make up with the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, and a muslin cloth or a standard face cloth, I then follow up with the Liz Earle Skin Tonic Spritzer, which I spray on to a cotton pad (dampened with cold water) then wipe over my face to remove any residue, I love the fresh smell of this toner. After I have cleansed my face I then use my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II serum (see review here). I don't use moisturiser or eye cream as I don't feel like I need it - it doesn't make any difference to my skin, so what is the point?

Treatments

If I have any blemishes I will use Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment - I mostly only use this at night even though it is clear because I find when it tries in it looks a bit white and flaky. I don't love this I feel the pump bottle always give out too much product, and usually the morning after I use it the spot is as red as it would be using nothing. But I want to give it more of a chance - so many people say they like this. 

I will use the Blistex Intensive Moisturiser before I go to bed and first thing in the morning. I love this, it is by far the most hydrating lip moisturiser I have used, if my lips are in any way dry, this is the only thing that will sort that out. Although the only bad thing is that it is very white, so you have to be careful on how much you apply - white lips isn't a great look!

Face Masks

There are 3 face masks I alternate between depending on what my skin needs or how much time I have. I apply the mask then use a dark coloured face cloth to remove it, I then follow up with toner and serum and/or moisturiser.

My most used face mask is the Neutrogenia Visibly Clear 2 in 1 wash mask, I have went through numerous tubes of this. I will reach for this if I am having a lot of breakouts and I want a quick fix, after a few minutes my skin feels like it has had a deep clean, it is smother and really refreshed. I highly recommend this.

The REN Gycolactic Radiance Renewal mask, is the newbie to my routine, I like to use this after any breakouts have cleared, to brighten up my skin, I haven't really used this enough times to give it a proper review. But I will keep you posted. 

Finally I have the Temple Spa Purification Deep Cleansing Mask, I will use this one in place of the Neutrogenia one if I have more time to spare, I will leave this on for about 10-15 mins, and it is great for drawing out impurities, if I have any spots using this makes them less red and smaller. This does exactly what it says on the tin, it deep cleans and purifies the skin. 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II Review

I am getting married in 7 months time so I wanted to start a good skincare routine, which is why I bought the Estee Lauder Advanced night repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, I had heard a lot of reviews and positive feedback on the original formula, so based on that I didn’t mind that it was quite expensive, and purchased the 30ml bottle (didn’t feel comfortable going straight in for the big bottle).

 

Estee Lauder claim…

• Lines and wrinkles look significantly reduced.

• Skin feels smoother, hydrated, stronger. 

• Skin looks younger, radiant, more translucent and even toned.

I have now been using this for about 3 weeks, and although I can’t really comment lines and wrinkles being reduced (I’m only 26 wrinkles aren’t really a problem just yet) I have noticed some positive changes to my skin.

The effects were instant, the first morning I woke up, my skin looked a lot fresher than normal, and definitely smoother and more radiant. And now after 3 weeks I would definitely agree that my skin feels smoother, radiant, more even toned and hydrated, although needing hydration wasn’t really an issue for me (I have oily/combination skin) but I feel like it regulated my skin, it definitely didn’t make it more oily.

Getting rid of acne scars was my main goal with this, I had tried the Estee Lauder Idealist and I don’t feel like that made any difference. However with the advanced night repair they have faded a lot! And I haven’t had one breakout since using this.

Overall I would highly recommend this, I am so happy with the results, it is not just a wrinkle treatment it is so much more. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Review

These were part of a 3 for 2 offer at boots, and I had been looking for a lip balm for my trip so Spain, I thought these would be quite good, I bought the hydrate (because of the SPF) for the day time, and I thought the tinted versions would be good for night time.

I have to say I am totally in love with them! They are very moisturising, and there is a really good colour pay off to the tinted versions - I wasn't expecting much colour at all, I was wrong! After applying Cherry Pie someone even commented on how 'juicy' my lips looked. They are really lovely and are definitely going to be a staple in my make up collection. I am most likely going to go out and buy the other ones in the range. 

Hydrate

Cherry Me

Pink Punch

On the packaging of these it says 'for adult use only' this made me laugh, I can't believe that people would be as stupid as to use these on their baby!

Wedding Guest Outfit

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Necklace: Dorothy Perkins

Hairband: Accessorize 

Shoes: Next

Sorry about the quality of the pictures! It's something I really need to work on.

Products I've Used Up ( part 2 )

So for part 2 of the products I have used up to end of August 2013....

Hair Products

Tony & Guy Shampoo & Conditioner for Damaged Hair

I really like these, they claim to repair, soften and fortify damaged hair, and I feel that this has been achieved. especially with the conditioner. I have curly frizzy hair and it is quite dry and damaged at the ends, and this has improved the condition, it makes it much smoother and less tangled - so it is a lot easier to get a brush through after washing. I have already repurchased these.

Loreal Elvive Full Restore Repairing Conditioner 

I did have the shampoo in this line as well but I already threw it out - oops. This claims to repair 5 areas - strength, density, vitality, shine & silkiness for me it didn't do any of these things, to be honest there would not be much difference between using this and using no conditioner at all. After washing my hair still felt dry and it was a nightmare to de-tangle! 

Batiste Dry Shampoo, Graffiti

Batiste is my dry shampoo of choice, and graffiti did not disappoint but usually I try a new scent each time - I have repurchased the cherry version this time.

Pantene Pro-v, Volume & Body Hairspray

I used to use this all the time after I had styled my hair, and I really liked it I always repurchased it, but since the discovery of hair oil, hairspray has been pushed to the side, for me its not really needed anymore. But if that was to change this is most likely the one I would repurchase.

Body Products

Sure Compressed Anti-Perspirant, Clear Aqua

This claims to last as long as the 150ml can only in a smaller compressed can, I can't say I agree with this statement, I got through the 2 bottles at about the same rate (it was buy one get one free). However the smaller bottle is definitely handy for throwing into my handbag.

The Body Shop, Lemongrass Deodorising Foot Spray

'instant refreshment for hot and bothered feet' - yes definitely true. I mostly use this at night when I am too hot and can't sleep, I usually have cold hands and feet so when they are warm its really uncomfortable, this cools me down so I can finally get some sleep. 

Make Up

Maybelline, Fit Me Foundation

This was a really nice foundation, I enjoyed using it. It was a medium coverage and matched my skin well, and it was a good balance between glowy and mat. I would consider buying this again.

Carmex Strawberry

Didn't like this, although it did smell nice it tasted horrible and it did not moisturise my lips at all - why is this in my product empties? - it's not completely used up I have had it so long it has gone off, so I thought I would include it as I am throwing it out. I will not be repurchasing this.

Balance Me Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve

Horrible smell but a great moisturiser. This came free with a magazine and it worked well, but I never would have purchased this myself due to the smell.

Products I've Used Up (part 1)

So here are the products I have completely used up over the last few months - up to the end of August 2013. There are quite a few so I have split the post into 2 parts, in this post Bath & Shower Products and Skincare. In the second post (coming soon) Haircare, Body Products & Make-up.

Bath & Shower

Dove Purely Pampering Bath & Shower Gel

This I really enjoyed using, I loved the smell, it created plenty of bubbles and my skin felt moisturised

Soap & Glory, Sugar Crush Body Scrub

Love Love Love the smell of this, sugary and sweet, and it did do a good job of exfoliating my skin, I will be repurchasing this. 

Treaclemoon, Iced Strawberry Dream, Bath & Shower Gel

Again I enjoyed the smell of this and it created bubbles, but it felt like more of a novelty product, it didn't really do anything for my skin. that being said I would still repurchase it for the smell alone.

Radox Shower Smoothies, Soul Soother

Nothing special, didn't really like the seedy bits in this, they just ended up stuck in the corners of my shower, will not be repurchasing this especially when there are many more shower gel options to explore. 

Skincare

Soap & Glory, Peaches & Clean

I used this cleanser at night to take my make up off, and it did a good job at removing everything - including eye make up. I did like this but I prefer Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish.

Garnier Pure Active fruit Energy, Daily Energising Gel Scrub

This is my go to morning face scrub, this is probably my 3rd bottle and I have already repurchased another. My skin feels clean and refreshed after using this, and it definitely helps keep break-outs at bay.

Estee Lauder, Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator

I don't think this has made any difference to my skin at all, I had hoped it would help to fade acne scarring - but it did not do this in the slightest. However it didn't make my skin any worse either, it perhaps even prevented further scarring, but I can't be sure. I will not be repurchasing this.

Stila Skincare, Face the Day Moisturiser

Horrible smell, as with all of the products in this range (I purchased a 5 piece try me set), it did an ok job at moisturising my skin nothing special. I wont be purchasing the full size.

Clinique Moisture Surge 

I quite liked this sample (got it free with a magazine), it moisturised my skin well, I didn't break out, I would consider buying the full size version of this. 

Nivea, Fragrance Free, Cleansing Wipes

I like to use face wipes some nights when I am too lazy to take off my make up before bed. These wipes were ok, not as wet as I would have liked but they did the job, I'm unlikely to repurchase these as I prefer the boots own brand version - which are cheaper and do the same job!

Whats in/on my Bedside Table

The Table

This was gifted to me, and up cycled (see previous post)

On Top

JBL ipod dock/radio
I have had this for years and I don't really use the ipod dock anymore, it's main use is a clock and radio. I love the design of this.

Books
Stephen King - Under the Dome & The Stand. I've finished reading under the dome wanted to finish it before the tv series started, I enjoyed the book (but I know they have changed most of it for the tv show, which annoys me, hate when that happens)
Lauren Weisberger - Revenge Wears Prada, havent started this yet.

Kindle
I love my kindle, it's so much easier to read when in bed than an actual book.

Underneath

Various magazines mostly Marie Claire

In the Drawer

Notebook

Sleep eye mask - says f*** off on the front, this was a gift I believe it's from urban outfitters. 

Kindle charger

Mac naked honey skin salve - don't really use this anymore, probably needs thrown out. But I enjoyed using this on my lips before bed.

Body shop lemongrass deodorising foot spray - this is one use away from being finished. 

Elemis loving lips quenching lip balm

Sally hansen healthy cuticles now

Body shop vitamin E face mist

Garnier intensive 7 days hand cream (nourishing)

Neal's yard remedies bee lovely hand cream - free with a magazine, I haven't used this yet, I'm using up the Garnier one first.

Essie Ballet Slippers - Review

I have been looking for the perfect nail polish for my wedding,  and when I spotted Essie ballet slippers in boots it looked perfect. I thought it was quite expensive at £7.99 but I know Essie is considered a good brand, so i didn't mind.

After the first application of this I was definitely not impressed, it was very streaky and almost invisible (I may as well have been using a clear polish). Still wasn't convinced after the second coat. In the end it took 4 coats until I achieved an opaque colour. 

After 4 coats I actually love the colour of this, but honestly who would be bothered to apply 4 coats of polish? I expected a lot more from this brand, I really wanted the consistency to be better and it to be more opaque after fewer coats, I don't think this was worth the money, there are lots of cheaper brands which are easier to apply and give a better finish.

Does anyone know of any dupes the same colour but easier to apply?

My First Carboot Sale

Verdict on my first trip to a carboot sale....I really enjoyed it! And to top it off I got a major bargain. 
I generally don't like rummaging around for hidden treasures - if it's not displayed then I wont find it. So you can imagine my amazement when I spied this crystal sweet jar without having to move any junk out of the way, it was definitely meant to be, and to top it off it was only £1!!!

I plan on using it on my dressing table to store hair clips and other bits and bobs I like to have in reaching distance. 

Lush mmmelting marshmallow moment

I definitely think the name of this matches the smell. It's so sweet! For me, although I do like the smell it's a bit sickly sweet after a while.
I used the whole bath melter in one go because I didn't want to make a mess trying to half it, but id say you only really need half as It took quite a long time to dissolve.
The water turned a nice pale pink colour,  and the water was silky smooth, it definitely felt quite luxurious.
I did like the marshmallow moment,  it was a nice treat. But not something I would use frequently.

Space nk Haul

I decided recently that I really needed (wanted) some new skincare products to try out. So placed an order with space nk....

Claudalie Beauty Elixir

I really just wanted to see what all the fuss was about with this. So far I can say i do like the smell - which i was surprised about because i do not usually like herbal scents. 

NARS ProPrime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Primer

This was an impulse buy to get free delivery, i still have loads of my urban decay primer potion left which will last a few months. 

Ren Gyloclatic Radiance Renewal Mask

This was the main reason I placed the order, i have seen loads of positive  reviews on this, and on the brand in general.

Stila Skincare 5 Piece try me set

I mainly chose this for the serum which claims to fade acne scarring and i didn't want to commit to the full size. When this arrived the cleanser was busted open, which was quite annoying. First Impressions - I don't really like the smell of this range. 

I also recieved some free samples with this order...

Laughter - Jour perfume sample

Orbe shampoo and conditioner

Brideshead bath shower gel and body cream

Bedside Table Revamp

Another furniture makeover. 
I got this bedside table from my friends parents, it is a perfect size for the space in my bedroom - all it needed was a touch of paint, and a new drawer pull.

Drawer pull is from B&Q.

Garden Bench Makeover

Just thought I would share the makeover I gave to my garden bench. It was looking a bit tired, and starting to rust.
I washed and sanded it down, then used a white spray paint on the sides and painted the wooden slats with a duck egg outdoor wood paint.
I really like the way it turned out!

(I forgot to take a before photo, I had already washed and sanded it before I remembered -oops)

Lush honey bee bath bomb review

The honey bee bath bomb is by far my favourite smelling bath bomb from lush. However the colour it turns the bath water is enough to completely put me off, it looks disgusting! it's like getting into a bath of pee! 

Eventually I was able to get over this and actually get in, and with my eyes closed it was lovely, it did feel quite moisturising. I was hoping the smell would linger on my skin but it didn't. Although my bathroom did smell nice for a few hours afterwards.  

Overall I don't think I will repurchase this, it was of no real benefit to my skin and I hated the colour it turned the water, it also left a yellow water mark around the bath, which took a bit of scrubbing to get off. 

On the plus side I can still enjoy the smell by using honey I washed the kids soap - which smells the same without the mess!