June Favourites

This month has definitely been a month of hair care. Since getting my hair permed (find out exactly what I had done here), I've been loving hair care! Something that was a chore before as I couldn't be particularly adventurous.

The Favourites

Silk Extra Moisturizing Activator
This is what my hairdressers told me that I needed to keep my curls looking defined. I don't usually like being sold things from the hair dressers as usually you can find it elsewhere for cheaper but I was in a postsalon daze. She was right however. The one day I didn't use it, I looked like a poodle who had got caught in the rain! It keeps my hair tamed and under control. Frustratingly I can't find anywhere else that stocks this other than my hair dressers and American stockists (I don't usually like using American ones because of the whole customs malarkey but it's so much cheaper in dollars- ugh)

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter Body Lotion
My German friend gave this to me when she couldn't take it on her flight home. It's always sad to see friends leave. I benefited this time however as I'd never tried this body lotion. You can see from the almost empty bottle, my skin has been drinking it up and with the classic S&G scent, it was a instant winner. This body lotion is quite thick but it still rubs into the skin quickly. There's nothing worse than having a full body workout trying to get rid of white cream marks, is there?

Garnier Ultimate Blends The Sleek Restorer 1 Minute Treatment
My hair dresser recommended that I use shampoo and conditioner aimed at sleek and smooth hair so when I saw this on offer in Boots, I knew I had to get me some. I also picked up the corresponding shampoo and conditioner which I also love but this 1 minute treatment just wowed me. The smell is incredible and my hair felt noticeably more smooth and soft even after being left on for a short amount of time.

TRESemme Platinum Strength Leave In Conditioner
I've mentioned this before so I won't go on but this is my favourite type of leave in conditioner. It's a cream formula as opposed to the sprays. I never feel like the liquid sprays do anything and having such thick hair means that my hair can take it without being weighed down. After using this, my hairdresser commented about how repaired my hair looked which I put down to this product.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum
I had to have at least one makeup item in here! You can see a full review here but I returned to it being my everyday foundation this month. It's light, a perfect colour match and a Real Techniques buffing brush makes easy work of it!

Lastly, how cute is that little hair scrunchie! I picked it up from Primark with a matching headband. I love the bright floral print and now my hair is a little more controlled, it means I don't have to cut out my hair accessories!

What have you been loving this month?

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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 Scrub of Your Life

Oh my goodness, the scrubby limey goodness that is in this tub will blow you away. I'm actually struggling to write this post as there are no words for this heavenly scrub.

I'll get down to the deets. The Sugar Crush Scrub is fresh smelling lime, with mixed size scrubby sugar particles. Despite the oil you can see in the above picture, this scrub doesn't leave an oily residue. Instead it feels quite moisturising to the skin as if it's stripping (not in a bad way! just ridding you of the dead skin) and replenishing at the same time. What drew me to the scrub (as with all Soap and Glory products) was the scent. I feel as if this scrub wakes me up in the morning as it's so fresh. It is a strong scent, so bear in mind if you have sensitive skin or don't like an overpowering fragrance. The mixed size particles mean that it isn't overly abrasive but still gets the job done. It's the right balance of scrubby with mildness.

Overall it's my favourite scrub! I've been sniffing The Breakfast Scrub also from Soap and Glory and love the scent of that. I'm a bit hesitant as it's extremely sweet though (think maple on sugar on honey sweet). I do love me a sweet scent though so that might be one I pick up next! Do you have any scrub recommendations or love this one?

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The Stash Edit

When Boots sent me this doozy of a leaflet, it made me just want to buy everything in it. I mean, everything. Glow Job is at the top of my hit list (a moisturiser with a tan in it) but with money being tight at the minute (read: after buying too many drinks at the bar last night), I settled for shopping my stash.

If you caught THIS Soap and Glory haul, you would have seen I bought three products; two of which really stole show. I'm still using the Face Soap and Clarity facial wash (full review here) over a year later and continue to feature Peaches and Clean  (how I use it here) anywhere I can. Despite giving No Clogs Allowed a glowing review (see here), I have to admit to using it five times or less. A travesty I know! 

I reluctantly rubbed it onto my face, thinking all the time how I wanted some of the new products. This product heats up like crazy though and that soon pulled me out of my mood. I left it on for about five minutes and then washed it off. As I washed it, I realised there were some scrubby particles in the mask so gave my face a little scrub as well. I was amazed at how smooth and soft my skin felt afterwards. My moisturiser and make up went on so smoothly afterwards, I couldn't believe it! 

This product is definitely in my skincare rotation now and although I'm still lusting after the new products, I'm happy to have unearthed an unloved one from the stash. Do you think you have any gems in your stash that needs some lovin'?

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The Pamper post

After a stressful week, this is my favourite way to relax. I can't think of anything better than a mug of hot chocolate, a good book or film, my skin care routine completed and a face mask on. People say you can put the world to rights with a good lipstick but I disagree; it's all about the face mask!

On this particular week, in my pamper ammo was:

Soap and Glory Face Soap Clarity-link

I absolutely swear by this product! I was bought this for Christmas last year and fell in love. You only need the tiniest amount of it; I've been using it for a year and have only just opened my second bottle of it! It gives you that super clean feeling without stripping the skin and making it tight and dry. It's £7, which is more than I would usually pay for a face wash but this one is definitely worth it!

Full review HERE

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean- link

This was a YouTube enabled buy. MissBudgetBeauty raves about it and I decided to give it a go. I also find this product too expensive to use as just a cleanser (I can practically see my money running down the drain with the product!) so use it in a similar way to her. I leave it on for around 5 minutes and then wash it off. I can't say that this method was found without complications. I once left it on for around 10-15 minutes and although I felt nothing but a mild tingle, to the amusement of my friends, I ended up with an extremely red face that didn't go down for hours! 5 minutes seems to the optimum time for me, no burning and the result is silky smooth skin, but bear in mind that all skin is different if you do try to use it in this way.

Quick Fix Facials Mega Moisture Gel Mask- link

I can't say that I love this mask. It's a thick cream that is meant to rehydrate your skin. Containing hyraluronic acid, it helps the skin retain moisture. However, it is definitely a quick fix. I think it's great as a treat for your skin or just for the sake of putting on a mask, but there are definitely no long term benefits.

Full review HERE

The only thing that could make this better is a bath. Alas I have only a shower at my house at university, boo.

What do you do to relax? Do you have any pamper recommendations?

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The Weekend #4

Another busy weekend but at the same time doesn't seem like I've done much! My family came down this weekend so we all met at my nana's who lives near to me and spent the weekend there. It was lovely to see my mum and sister. We relaxed and I ate A LOT! My nana has a sweet tooth like me so when we get together, we're awful!

Mum and Nana love Sherlock Holmes so while they were watching an extremely old black and white movie of that, I caught up on my YouTubers!

Olivia, my sister and I messing around! Please excuse my  hair and make up free face. Like I said, a very relaxed weekend.

Nana knows me too well! I luuuuurve sparkling water. My favourite brand is Pellegrino but I'll drink any of them. I think it's a real love it or hate it drink.

A weird late night snack! Nana cooked this pork chop up but we didn't end up eating it so I ate it cold later. I'm awful!

A very bad and blurry picture of Norwich's Christmas lights. They look really Christmassy. Not that you can tell from this photo :(

I'm having a real hormonal break out at the minute (TMI?) and really wanted to treat my skin. I leave this on for a few minutes, rinse it off and my skin is silky smooth! (Disclaimer: This product isn't designed to be left on, but I like to get as much use for my money as possible and think it works most effectively when used like this. I have left this on for 15 minutes before and my skin was very red and hot feeling. I think 5 minutes is a more appropriate time but obviously not all skin is the same so be careful and bear this in mind).

 

I haven't painted my nails for what feels like years, which is so unlike me! You'll see this combo up on the blog later in the week so look out for that!

What have you been doing this weekend? Eaten any sweet treat that I can lust over (and then buy in the name of blog research? ;))

 

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November Favourites!

I would start all my favourites like this if you guys wouldn't get bored: how is it the end of November already?! I seriously feel like I've just started university again and now I'm on holiday in two weeks. It's crazy. Necessary 'time going too fast' moan over. Here's what I've been loving this month.

I've been really toning down the amount of make up I've been wearing recently. Partly because I'm back at university and I need as much time in bed as possible and partly because I really like how it looks.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush- link- This brush needs no hype, it's just perfect. Nothing buffs foundation or concealer into my skin like it. I'm sure it's featured in another one of my favourites (oops, it's been in more favourites than not!) so I won't harp on about it. Basically it's brilliant, buy it!

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 011 Sable Brown- link- This is a trick I nicked from ViviannaDoesMakeup. Little bit of this eyeliner smudged over the lids makes you go from 'just woken up' to 'I spent at least 10 minutes on my eyes' in about five seconds. I've been reaching for this loads this month because I have had little time for eye shadows in the morning.

Soap and Glory Super Cat  Liqiud Black Eye Liner Pen- link- I've only just realised that a cat flick makes my droopy eyes look more awake. I can't believe it has taken me this long to figure it out! When I've had time and/or patience, I've been giving that a go. I can't say I'm a professional , in fact an 'Eye Liner for Noobs' book would be quite an apt present for Christmas but I've been loving the look (when I can get them even that is and don't wipe it all off in an angry huff!)

17 Hide Away Concealer Cream in Medium- (Can't seem to find it anywhere-weirdly enough)- This has been my concealer of choice for a couple of months now. It hides blemishes really well without accentuating them like some and I find it works really well even when my skin gets a little drier in the colder weather.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion- link- This has definitely been in another favourites. I named it my first Holy Grail item of this here blog here and I'm still loving it six months on. I find that when the winter months roll around, my skin gets noticeably pale and I look ill, like 'had the plague and just about came through the other side' ill. This gives me a bit of a glow without looking like I've piled on the tan. Perfect!

Home Baking candle- This is a bit of a cheat as I can't tell you the brand. I picked this up in Roseby's, a home furnishing store. I've had a little Wikipedia search and they apparently have 300 stores nationwide so if you have one near you, I would definitely recommend you popping in for some amazing candle discounts. I got this giant one (like Yankee Large giant) for £6! It's in this lovely glass jar that looks anything but cheap and the smell is divine! It's a warm vanilla scent, not too synthetic which can be the way with vanilla. My housemate even commented that she could smell it downstairs! That's how much it fills a room. 

Sorry to go on so much about a product you might not be able to find! What have you been loving this month?

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October Favourites!

This post is a little bit later than I'd like but I really wanted to make sure I got a favourites up this month sooo...better late than never right?

So here they are! This month has been a month of rediscoveries (read: nothing that hasn't appeared on the blog before). University is really stepping up its game so I haven't had any free time to be perusing Superdrug (as I like to do on a far more than normal basis).

First is Soap and Glory's Mist You Madly body spray. This is a lovely light, floral spray that I've been spritzing like mad this month! This is down to the fact that I now ride my bike to university and I'm more than a little paranoid that I smell like  a monkey's armpit by the time I get there. That got not-so-nice very quickly!

I'm loving white nails this season. They could be more reserved for the summer months when you have a tan and the contrast looks amazing but I love it all year round. I think it gives such a sophisticated look and with a glitter top coat, oooh Christmassy! I've been using Barry M Matt White for my white nails and it's the best I've found. Applies opaque and not streaky after two coats, which is great as I've tried many a white polish which are milky looking on application. Not ideal!
You may have seen this polish featured recently in THIS post

Real Techniques buffing brush. Need I say more? I have nothing to say that hasn't already been said about this brush but it's been lovely for buffing in my liquid foundation for a really flawless look this month.



Finally it's the lip products! These two are very similar in colour, I obviously have my favourites!
First is Topshop Beatnik lipstick. This lipstick is relatively new to my collection, I picked it up around two weeks ago. Check the dent I've made in it already! It's a dusky pink colour and the feeling it leaves on the lips is....well wow! It is so creamy, I've never felt anything like it!
See full review and swatches HERE

Lastly, is Collection Cream Puff in Cotton Candy. Very similar in colour to the Topshop offering, just a tad pinker. This dries matt but doesn't make your lips look like the moisture has been completely sucked out of them. The feeling on the lips isn't amazing, it makes it hard to rub them together but for the price and the smell, it smells of FLUMP (!!), it's definitely worth it!
See full review and swatches HERE

What products have you been loving this month?

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FOTD featuring Topshop's Beatnik lipstick

This was my Face of the Day today. I was only going into university for a few hours so I kept it very simple. I wouldn't usually wear eye shadow for uni, just a slick of eye liner and mascara but I had some extra time on my hands this morning so decided to add some neutrals into the mix

To achieve this look, I started off with my Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour foundation, mine is in 400 Natural Beige and my Real Techniques buffing brush. I find that this foundation can look a little orange for my taste so I will usually mix it with a little moisturiser to tone this down. I also find this helps the foundation to be more moisturising and not stick to dry patches as much.

Next I went in with my Collection (2000) Concealer in Medium 3. I applied this under my eyes with my fingers, I find it goes on best patted on. I also patted on a bit more foundation on any blemishes I had for a higher coverage.

For my eyes, I first put on a base of MUA's Colour Boost Eyeshadow Tint in A Girl Like Me. I wasn't keen on this product to start with as it seemed to have very little colour pay off on the eyes, despite looking lovely when swatched. I think it worked well as a base for this look though. On top of that, I put a sweep of Reveal from the MUA Undress Me Too palette, followed by Exposed in the outer corner. These shadows are quite light but I didn't want anything to heavy for today. I finished my eyes with a thin liquid liner (Soap and Glory Supercat) and W7 Lashtastic mascara.

I finished this look with Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 02 Sun Bronze all over the face and a swipe of Topshop's Beatnik on the lips (see review HERE)

I really liked this simple look! What make up did you wear today?

Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed review

Hey!

I've got a review for you today! If you read this post- LINK- you will have seen I recently picked up a few Soap and Glory bits, including the S&G No Clogs Allows Super Self Heating Deep Cleansing Face Mask (woah, that's a bit of a mouthful!)

First thing I can say is this product gets HOT. I couldn't believe how self heating this was! Before I'd even started rubbing it in, my face was really heating up. I thought this was really good as many products marketed as self heating hardly give off any heat at all. To be completely honest, the thing I was really looking forward to was my face turning blue (me, childish? nope). Unfortunately I was disappointed, I was a pale blue at a push. I understand the change in colour was more of a gimmick to fit with the '[doing something] until you're blue in the face' so I shan't mark this product down on that.

I decided to leave the mask on (you can wash it straight off for a 'refresh' or leave it on for 5 minutes). It was really easy to rinse off as it hadn't hardened, just dried. Another plus as I absolutely hate it when you have to take hours to scrub off a mask. My skin felt SO smooth and fresh afterwards. What drew me to this product was the 'no clogs allowed' aspect as I have a few lumps and bumps on my face which are a tad stubborn. I feel that used regularly this product could improve those as I noticed an improvement after just one use.

Next time I use this mask, I'd only apply it to the areas that have the blackheads as I did find it dried out parts of my T-Zone. Nothing a good moisturiser couldn't sort out however! In short, I love this product and it will definitely be added to my skin care routine once or twice a week.

Have you tried this product or want to? What masks do you like?

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Soap and Glory haul!

Hey!

I don't know if 3 products can really constitute a haul but I wasn't sure what else to name this post! If you follow my Instagram (@alexgeorgie_), you will have seen that a 3 for 2 offer in Boots lured me to pick up these products, so here they are!

Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity

I reviewed this product earlier in the year-LINK- I was given it for Christmas and have repurchased it now that mine has almost ran out. I love S&G products but do find them quite expensive so I make sure to use them sparingly. This product really brightened my skin and reduced blemishes.

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean

I bought this because of Miss Budget Beauty, who absolutely raves about this product. She uses this product as more of a mask than a cleanser to get more use out it. She says it leaves her face feeling clean and really smooth in the morning so I thought I would pick it up. I intend to use it in the same way as its the most cost effective. I've found that I've got quite a lot of under-the-skin spots on my cheeks that never seem to properly go, although they're not always red and sore. I'm hoping that this product along with the next one will give my skin a real refresh.

Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask

As well as the above reason, this product damn right intrigued me! It's marketed as a self heating mask that when rubbed into the skin turns blue and helps clear pores. I haven't tried a self heating mask before so that was another reason to pick this up. I intend to use this in the bath to help the heating further and open my pores more.

Do you like S&G products? What would you have picked up on this offer?

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Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity review

Hey!

When Soap and Glory added make up and extended skin care to the their range, I became increasingly interested. I love Soap and Glory as I feel they have some of the best smelling products on the market. They're lovely, fresh and clean smelling.

I have reviewed an eye shadow palette of theirs here and I'm reviewing part of their skin care range today. I was lucky enough to be given some Face Soap and Clarity for Christmas from a friend. This face wash is a fruity smelling face wash with small pink exfoliating beads suspended in it, to make your face extra clean!

Me and my skin have been absolutely loving it!

As usual, S&G didn't disappoint on the smell. This face wash claims to have "Superfruit Plum" in it and I don't know if this really attributes to the smell but it's lush anyway! I love love love the packaging that Soap and Glory have, from their retro look to the quirky sayings on them. I recently found out that consumers send in the pictures for the packaging, so if you have an old retro snap of your nan to send in, you could see her face on millions of bottles!!

Anyway, I can't pinpoint exactly what ingredient my skin likes in this product but it's definitely been benefiting from it. My skin has cleared up, I have less blemishes and my skin seems a lot brighter.

The retail price is £6.99 which isn't exactly expensive but more than I would pay for the average face wash. I do feel S&G have been cheeky in making their new ranges as expensive for being new on the market with them but, c'est la vie. Saying that, for how much my skin has benefited I do think this wash is worth repurchasing.

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Soap and Glory "Tricks of the Shade" Review

Hey!

Today I'll be reviewing the Soap and Glory "Tricks of the Shade" Eye Palette for you!

This eye palette comes with a double ended brush and a "Supercat" liquid black eyeliner pen. I love Soap and Glory packaging on a whole with its vintage pictures and quirky sayings. This particular palette is in a strong cardboard case which includes a very large mirror on the inside. Its not really travel friendly (e.g. can't throw it in your handbag) however at home or if travelling for a long time, the mirror is perfect.

I like the eye liner pen. I use it when I've put on eye shadow and don't want eye shadow all over my normal eye liner. It's a jet black and the pen makes it very easy to apply, especially as I'm really liking winged eye liner again

 My favourite shades have to be Wild Blue, Dandy Plum and Minky.

However I do have some criticism of this shades. I find that the colours aren't highly pigmented meaning you have to put on quite a lot for them to show. I prefer using my own brush as the brush supplied tends to eat the eye shadow so you're having to use even more.

I think they'd work a lot better with a primer which I didn't use when I wore them.

I would recommend this palette to anyone who has the patience to build up the colours as they really are gorgeous shades.

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