Permed Hair, Don't Care| Body Wave Perm Review

 In my recent trip to the hair dresser, I decided I was going to get my hair re-relaxed. Some backstory on my hair. It was natural until four years ago. I then relaxed it (chemically straightened it) for two years. After a while, I realised my hair was getting too damaged and quite short, so I stopped it and let it grow out. Relaxing is also very expensive so with going to university, it made sense to stop it.

More recently though, I felt my hair was getting unmanageable. It didn't look good naturally curly and that really limits my hair choice from there. After having a lengthy chat with my hair dresser, she suggested a body wave perm instead of relaxing. Now hearing the word perm immediately put my back up. I imagined old ladies with their tight curls and blue rinse. My hair dresser explained to me, however that this was a different type of perm that just relaxes the curl and weighs it down (meaning it won't shrink like my natural hair would). What I really wanted out of my hair was a way I could have it curly but without it look untamed and lets face it, crazy! I thought relaxing was the only way to do this but the perm is way better as you don't have to use any heat styling tools at all!

The process took around two hours and to be completely honest I have no idea what they did. There were rollers, washing, perm lotion. You could probably google for what they do in detail!

Anyway the results. When I left the salon my hair was damp with loose curls in it. Over the next few hours, it grew around three or four inches big. A good amount of volume without looking like Disco Stu from the Simpsons.

The hair dresser stressed how I would be able to 'wash and go' and I really can. There isn't loads of blow drying or curlers, just a couple of products and I can run out the door. I wash it with shampoo and conditioner aimed at sleek hair. Perming makes the hair porous. This means that it can lose and take on moisture easily. By using shampoo and conditioners aimed at sleek/smooth hair, which usually contains proteins, it can lock in the moisture. Treating your hair to a deep condition regularly is also important. I co-wash my hair everyday meaning I run condition through it and comb it through. I use deep conditioner to do this, leaving it on for a few minutes, to inject as much moisture as possible.

The products I use after washing is a curl activator and a leave in conditioner. The curl activator I use is a Silk one I bought from the salon. I'm sure you could buy it online though. The leave in conditioner is TresSemmes. They do two versions of the leave in conditioner and I always buy the one that is cheaper at the time!

For special occasions, I will be able to straighten my hair so I like that I also have that option. This post may not be relevant for a lot of people but if you'd like to inject some volume into fine, lifeless hair or make naturally curly hair more manageable, I'd really recommend the body wave perm!

Do you have any special treatments on your hair or love any particular hair products?

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The Fairytale Tag

Source

 I saw this tag on Em's blog from EmHasRedNails and I thought it was such a great tag! She tagged everyone so thanks Em! ;)

Snow White - Do you consider yourself beautiful?

I'd never call myself beautiful, I see myself more as a work in progress. Always something to improve on!

Sleeping Beauty- How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

I try for around 7, not that that always works

Cinderella - Do you have a curfew?

I don't have a curfew but I do let my mum know where I'll be and when I'm due back now that I'm at home instead of university. She's a worrier!

Rapunzel - Do you love being outside?

I do like being outside. I'm not completely outdoorsy however, bugs still creep me out!

Red Riding Hood- Do you trust strangers easily?

I don't trust people easily but I do like to see the best in people which can sometimes make me blind to things.

The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids - Are you easy to fool?

Depends on who is trying to fool me!

Beauty and The Beast - What makes someone beautiful in your eyes?

A kind and caring personality for sure

The Little Mermaid - What would you sacrifice for love?

A lot; I'm quite the romantic!

The Frog King- What do you find disgusting?

Dirty nails. EW!

Jack and the Beanstalk- What plants do you have?

A spider plant and a snake plant (not quite its real name but something along those lines)

Puss in Boots- Do you have any pets? If not, do you want any?

I have a veil tail gold fish named Flo and I love her to pieces. So many people ask how I can be so attached to a fish but she has her own personality and she's my pet!

Bluebeard- What is your weak point?

Choooocolate *drooling as I type*

Pinoccio- What is your biggest wish?

I don't think I have one really. That my career turns out alright?

Peter Pan- What is your mental age?

I think I'm quite mature, sometimes too mature. Probably 20, my actual age

The Star Money- What is your most valuable possession?

My Pandora bracelet. All the charms symbolise the people who gave them to me or maybe Baby, a toy rabbit I've had since I was around 3 (I lost the original Baby that I'd had since birth in the library of all places!)

Golden Mary and Pitch Mary- Are you a hard worker or a lazy one?

A bit of both. I'm a hard worker for something I want, otherwise I can be pretty slow and unmotivated

The Princess and the Pea- Are you sensitive?

I am quite sensitive. I'm building up that thick skin though!

The Worn Out Dancing Shoes - Do you like parties?

I love a good party but at the same time, curling up on the sofa, with friends and a movie can be just as appealing

The Emperor's New Clothes- Do you care a lot about your clothing?

Not particularly. I'm not fashionable in the slightest!

The Brave Little Sailor - Do you consider yourself brave?

If the situation requires it, I can step up but majority of the time I'm running away from  little spiders!

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers to this tag! I like the fairy tale theme and I tag anyone who wants to have a go too!

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Follow Up Post: Superdrug BB Cream and Hot Cloth Cleanser

If you saw this First Impressions post, about a million months (3 to be precise) later, I am delivering my follow up post. To be completely honest, I don't have much to add! I still love them both!

Superdrug BB Cream (Anti-Ageing)

The BB Cream comes in and out of the rotation as with majority of my base products. I'm a floozy when it comes to a base! When I'm looking for a quick, out the door look, this is what I reach for. It can be blended in with the fingers without looking streaky which is a big plus! It doesn't add a lot of coverage but this is expected with a BB cream. I didn't see any particular skin benefits but it does brighten my skin when I put it on (not hard as mu skin is so dull)

Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser

I really like this hot cloth cleanser. I feel like it cleans off all my make up but it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry. I usually use this at night and  massage it into my skin. This prepares me for bed as it's a oretty relaxing routine to have. I must admit I don't always take it off with a flannel (there isn't always one to hand!) but when I do, it gives my face a gentle exfoliation.

Have you had any products you like recently?

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Feeling down and asking for help

Photo from a recent family walk

This post was going to be a follow up to a first impressions post I did. Instead though, I feel like I need to write a sort of 'dear diary' post.

I've been feeling a little disheartened with blogging lately. I'd been so looking forward to being finished with university for summer to throw myself into it and now it's here, I'm meh. I don't think this has anything to do with blogging but more my life at home.

At university, I'm on the go constantly. I lived with four other people so there was constantly something to do; someone to talk to. Obviously there was university and university work which takes up a lot of time. Add in two volunteer jobs, netball and the social life that comes with it and I hardly have time to breath. Don't get me wrong, this is what I love. When I'm busy I'm more productive, happier and healthier. I manage my time better as I know what little time I have and that I have to make it count. I'm happier as I'm on the go and being so active makes exercise seem like a doddle.

At home (the parental home), I have nothing to do and it's really thrown me. I'm currently looking for a job for over summer but the search still continues. When I went off to university, my friend group at home really diminished as maintaining friendships is hard and I put more effort in with the people I love. This means my friendship group at home now includes my three best friends. One works, one hasn't come back from university yet and the other is doing work placement. Leaving me alone during the day whilst my family are at work and college. Now I understand this is very first world problem-esque. Oh the poor girl has nothing to do during the day but I'm finding it hard to adjust to all the free time. I can see how moany this post an ungrateful this post is so please excuse it.

I suppose what I'm looking for is some advice as to how to adjust and find things to do. I'm still unpacking from university so blogging is a little hard as everything is still everywhere. I'm in the process of sorting out my wardrobe which will be something ticked off my list. A good spring clean. I've been ordering bits and bobs to organise my make up which is something that will make me super happy when it's done. Love a good aesthetic pleasure. I've also been working out which is what I'm off to do after this post is published.

Do you have any other tips for filling the time? Sorry for the weird post, just felt I needed to get some things off my chest. This is quite different and personal from other posts I do, so please drop me a comment with any suggestions.

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Maybelline The Eye Eraser review

I broke all blogger rules with this one. I was so excited to try it that I couldn't wait to picture it, it had to get under my eyes asap!

I picked this up as I was intrigued in the sponge applicator, as I said in this post. It's something a bit different as opposed to the normal doe foot applicator or cream concealer pot. I've heard comments that you lose a lot of product in the sponge. I can't say that's something that worries me as I like the sponge a lot, but it's something to be aware of. I like the way it blends majority of the product as it means less work for me after. Bonus!

The concealer itself  is a peachy colour which cancels out the dark, purple tone under my eye perfectly. The Maybelline The Eraser Eye is quite sheer and light coverage. If you're looking for a erase all, perfected look, this is not for you. I like to use this either as a corrector and then I go in with another concealer (usually my CLPC) over the top or on it's own for a more natural, 'no make up' make up look.

I'm absolutely running through this product, there's is already a considerable dent in it! I won't commit to a repurchase yet but the concealer junkie in me has been loving it.

Have you tried the Maybelline Eye Eraser? Anything you've been loving as much recently?

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(Partial) Birthday Haul!

This is the second haul I referred to in this post. These are actually some things that my friends picked up for my birthday (albeit not a full birthday haul). So what have we got...

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in W8

In all honesty, I should have done some more research on this foundation. I'd heard so much about it that I knew I wanted it but I was absolutely astounded by the shade range. There were so many and with the cool and the warm tones; I wasn't prepared let's say that! A few of the samples weren't there so I went with what I thought. It's on the darker end of the spectrum but as my face is always a lot lighter than my body, I'm hoping for the best. I'm trying it tonight with the stippling brush so I'll let you know if we have a match!

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

My aim is to slowly grow a Real Techniques army of brushes! I really do love them. However if you have any recommendations of a cheaper brush set I'd love to hear them as I need a few more eye brushes desperately. I chose this brush as I thought it looked interesting and I liked the sound of high definition results! However when I got it home, I realised that I had no idea what to use it for. Foundation, powders, cream products?? All three as it turns out! I tweeted Sam and Nic (the founders of the brushes) and Nic (@NixiePixi) responded saying that it was good for foundations, bronzer and powders, especially light coverage foundations like Mac face and body. Aisling (@covetedmess) from covetedmess.com (check out her blog, it's so professional looking and lustworthy!) also suggested to use it with cream products. Is there anything that this brush doesn't do?! Thanks for the tips ladies!

Rimmel Eyeshadow in Smokey Quartz

I've wanted this for a while but it's such a generic looking shimmery taupe, I've been putting it off. I finally caved on this trip and I haven't been disappointed. I've only swatched it so far but I really like the look of it. There was a little panic that I'd bought the same shade twice (there is a very similar shade in the Rimmel Smokey Brun Quad- see it here) however they're not identical thank goodness! To the naked eye they could be, but Smokey Quartz is slightly more brown.

Barry M Sugar Apple

I really like the ice cream, pastel nail thing going on and conversely, the neon trend. I picked up this pastel one and also its neon counterpart (in the other haul). I've been going in between them and nothing else. It's Sugar Apple's turn tonight!

Have you been shopping recently? Any recommendations for me?

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Foodie #1 The Mad Moose Norwich

 

 This is a bit of a different post for me and my little blog and I'm drooling as I'm writing it. I love food but usually it's half gone before the thought to take a picture even crosses my mind. Doesn't look as appetising at that point, for sure!

I visited the Mad Moose in Norwich a few weeks back for a friend's birthday and I was shocked at how lovely it was!! Why had I never been there before?! It has that local pub, friendly vibe whilst still being very modern and tasteful. The service was amazing. I love good customer service, I think it can completely change a visit somewhere. When the lady serving us saw I put my coat on (I was getting a little chilly), she went round and closed all the windows and doors around me whilst saying that I should have just said if I was cold. Something like that just puts me completely at ease and makes me feel at home. As well as that, she made conversation whilst taking our orders and was just overall really pleasant, making my visit even better.

The food came quickly and was absolutely delicious. The menu isn't overly extensive but has enough of choice. It's not your usual pub grub as you can see from the pictures above, they've taken it to more of a proper restaurant level. My main, ham, egg and chips, was the cheapest on the menu but there was no sign of scrimping because of this. Very decent portions, even for me, and I can eat for England!

The dessert was the star of the show in my opinion. I have a sweet tooth all the way and look at that brownie. It was spongey and chocolately and gooey and all of the adjectives *drool* I can't even explain to you. If this shows how much I liked it, I went back for lunch but ended up just having a brownie. Crazy I know!

Overall a great visit and I will definitely be going again and recommending it to everyone!

I know this post won't be relevant for everyone if you aren't in Norwich but if you are visiting or even want to look at some damn delicious food, here you go!

Have you been anywhere delicious recently? I'm such a foodie!

 

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The Repurchase| Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

 

Aaaah Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. Blogger cult product, like Marmite, people either love you or hate you.

If you saw my first encounter of CLPC- read it here now- you will know that I wasn't particularly impressed. When mine ran out, I honestly didn't intend on repurchasing it. I was browsing Superdrug swatching away, when I realised there really aren't many drugstore concealers that offer as much coverage as CLPC. A lot looked quite pigmented until you started to blend them in, where they blended away to nothing! The 17 Hide Away concealer- which I reviewed here- is a perfect example! It disappeared to tint of colour with no coverage at all. And these products are meant to be hiding our spots?!

As you can see, I did cave and repurchase the loved blogger product. To be perfectly honest, I still don't love it. I think it's really good for the price coverage wise. The shade selection has been extended meaning I can now get a better match for my skin tone. This is great as that is a downfall of a lot of drugstore items (I've gone from medium 3 to dark 4). The packaging has got even cheaper however. Whereas with my last one, with extended use, the writing rubbed off, even the warmth of my fingers can cause the ink to transfer to them. Not ideal when you then use the same finger to blend the concealer in!

To wrap it up, I really really like CLPC but I know you can get better if you're willing to spend more. It's perfect if you don't though and for the price I can accept its flaws!

What do you think of this product? I'd love to know your opinion!

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FOTD featuring Clinique Chubby Stick in Pudgy Peony

I do not know what possessed me to take a picture on my less than becoming moss green carpet?! I was obviously having a moment of madness! As said in this post, FOTDs have never been my forte. I just don't know how to take a good picture of myself. I also like to tilt my head to an almost 90 degree angle, what's up with that?!

My craziness aside, I really like this look. I think it really reflects my style. Very simple and quick and easy to do. I filled in my brows on this day with the MUA Undress Me Too palette (a mixture of the brown and he black) which I never normally do. Everyone goes on about brows all the time but I just don't know if I like it on myself. What do you think? It does shape them and pull together a look but I feel too done, somehow. Maybe it's the colour; slightly;too dark?

My lip colour of choice has been my go-to recently. It's the Clinique Chubby Stick in Pudgy Peony and definitely the star of this FOTD. I'm still loving the chubby stick/ pencil lip colour thaaang. They're just so easy to glide on for an effortless lip colour. If you haven't realised, I like my make up as low maintenance as possible!

The rest of the products are nothing that you haven't seen on AG before.

Base
17 Photo Ready Primer in the T-zone to reduce shine. Rimmel Lasting Finish foundation with a little bit of Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer for concealing. Finally a light dusting of Rimmel Match Perfection powder (this is the powder I mentioned in this post!)

Eyes
Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze swiped across the lids. A thin line of Soap and Glory SuperCat Liner to define the eyes and thicken the lash line. A swiping of Bourjois Paris Volume Glamour Max Holidays Mascara (what a random mix of words!)
MUA Undress Me Too palette for brows

Lips 
Clinique Chubby Stick in Pudgy Peony
(the link is to Boots Chubby Stick stocking as I can't find a direct link- sorry!)

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The Every Day Eye Look

From the top, round to the right

 I've been trying to use my eye shadows more recently. I'm always drawn to them in stores; the different finishes and colours, soooo pretty. However I only ever really crack them out on special occasions. Enter the Rimmel Quad in Smokey Brun.

I picked this little gem up a while ago and thought it had the perfect colours in it for an everyday look. A starter kit for an eye shadow beginner like myself. No picking out colours that compliment each other as the work is done for you!

Encased in sleek but basic black packaging, this quad contains four shimmer eye shadows including a dark brown, a bronze, a cream and a light creamy brown (I wanted to describe this as the colour of almond milk but I don't know if anyone would know what I was on about! Anyone understand?). Plus the pigmentation, which can sometimes be the downfall of lighter coloured drug store eye shadows, is excellent for the price (£6.99).

How I've been using these colours is the bronze all over the lid and then the darker brown for some definition in the crease and outer corner. The other two colours could be used as an inner eye highlight (or as a base) but I feel like that looks weird on me. I believe thats because the lighter shades don't suit my skin tone as much. Check me talking about inner eye highlight though?! I'm trying to run before I can walk in the eye shadow department!!

Does anyone else struggle with eye shadow like myself? What are your favourites brands/shades?

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Superdrug Haul!

I said I had a few hauls coming up in my recent post (currently two but there may be more...) and this is the first set of things I bought. I'm trying to split them up a bit as variety is the spice of life, or so they say.

Superdrug is my go to place. I could honestly spend hours in there. I secretly want them to hire me but my saying loudly about how much they should hire is obviously not being received *cough cough Superdrug Norwich*. Anyway as well as helping an old lady with her make up puchases, I managed to pick up:

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint- Greenberry

I was actually looking for the pastel green nail polish but it wasn't in stock at the time (I found it later however) but this caught my eye. It's a neon aqua which I think would set off a tan amazingly

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer- Dark 4

This was a repurchase but I wasn't initially enamoured with it. It was only when I started comparing it to other drugstore offerings that I realised this high coverage beauty was pretty good. It still creases like a bitch and I know in my heart of hearts there must be something better (but probably more expensive- sigh) out there but for now, I really really like you, CLPC.

Maybelline Instant Anti-Age The Eraser Eye Concealer

The concealer junkie that I am had to pick this up. The sponge applicator just intrigued me. I've been really liking it so far, either for prepping my eyes (cancelling out the purple tones) before going in with the above concealer or just alone when my bags aren't that bad for a more natural look.

Maybelline Fit Me powder

I used a powder from my stash recently for a bit of shine control and really liked it. It added a bit more coverage but was a bit light for my current (slightly tanned) face. Not wanting to pick up the same powder (I do like to experiment!), I got this one. It's not adding as much coverage as I expected but maybe it just needs more building. I'll report back soon!

Have you been shopping recently or have/want anything that I've bought? In my defence, it's the end of exams so that obviously means I should have to buy the whole of Superdrug...

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Sick Day/ Hayfever/ Summer Makeup

I've had this post planned for ages but (obviously) when I wrote it, I was ill. Then exams came around and it got a bit stuck in the pipeline. The reason I'm posting it now is, I feel it's still relevant and omg, hayfever this year. I don't know about anyone else but I've been hit hard. Sneezing attacks, itchy eyes, nose and throat, the works! Tell me this isn't just me?!

Anyway, I like to wear similar makeup when I'm ill and in the summer time. This may sound a bit strange but I'm talking minimal, light, quick and easy application. In the summer, I like to let my skin breathe and not be weighed down by heave makeup in the heat (although I sometimes go to the effort of a BB cream) and when I'm ill, I don't have the time, patience or effort for a full face of make up. Am I making any sense? Probably not.

The above picture is more an indication of the products I like to wear.

Mascara- any old one that comes to hand but when thinking hayfever wise best to play it on the safe side with a waterproof version. One of my favourites is Maybelline The Falsies (Waterproof).

Concealer- I wasn't bothering with a base when I was ill. Instead I was reaching for an illuminating concealer, in this case the Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer, to wake up my face and hide my unsightly under eye bags. This is quite a sheer concealer meaning that it was easily blended into my naked skin.

Balmy lips- Some times it was just Cocoa Butter Vaseline, other times I wanted a swipe of colour. When the urge was upon me, I looked to MUA's Power Pout in Broken Hearted. A sheer, balmy pink that brightened up my face without being high maintenance. Perfect.

Olbas Oil/ hayfever medication- Obviously didn't wear these products but nice to have in the house, just in case. Olbas Oil is a life saver for a blocked nose (take a sniff) and aches and pains (massage in).

Usually I'd go with nothing if I was feeling really ill but on the days I had to look semi decent, this is what I was reaching for. What do you wear when you are sick? Have you been suffering from hayfever?

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Life Update and What to Expect on AG!

Exams are over and my second year of university is officially finished. As well as being relieved, I'm sad. My time at university is just running away from me. I feel like my third year will just be over in a flash. Reminder to make the most of time!

I'm currently doing a week of full time work at the place I volunteer which (although I've only done one day of so far) I am really enjoying it. It involves a lot of administration work with a legal side to it which is what I currently intend to do after university. A lot of people go down the solicitor/ barrister route after a law degree but I just don't feel like it's is for me. Not now anyway, I'll keep my options open; hopefully with some more work experience later in the summer.

As well some more work experience, I really want to grow my blog this summer and, as you can see the from the plan above, will be squeezing it in at every available moment. The dream is to blog daily but I know myself better than this and it is just that, a dream. I want to enjoy my summer without draining the fun out of  blogging with stress so I will resume posting three times a week. Organisation is our friend people!

My best friend at university is moving abroad for a year (booooo!) so this will be last summer with her (until she gets back!) so we intend to fit lots of fun things into the next two weeks so you can expect lots of lifestyle posts on what we get up to. No doubt, cake in millions of coffee shops 'cause who doesn't love cake?

I've also been shopping so some hauls and reviews are coming your way (I'm so excited, I may have had a cheeky play with the products before picturing! Shock horror). Is there anything else you'd like to see on my blog?

Hope you are all well and (if you have exams or work) stress hasn't been getting you too down. How are you going to spend your summer? What have you been up to recently?

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