Guest Posting: 3 Healthy Breakfast Ideas

I've recently written a guest post on the lovely India's blog, www.touchscreensandbeautyqueens.com on 3 Healthy Breakfast Ideas. I'd love if you'd go check it out. I've tried to make it so that there was a breakfast to suit everyone. I've got a mango smoothie recipe, a porridge recipe and a peanut butter and banana toast idea.

You can find the post here, enjoy!

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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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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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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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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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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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Empties #1

 

This is a post that has been in the pipeline for a while and in all honesty I thought I'd already posted it! If you don't know what an Empties post is, it's where I show you all the products I've completely used up and what I thought of them. This may seem hoarder like and weird (I do eventually throw them away. Promise!) but I like watching and reading these videos/posts as it means that someone has completely used the product up and can give their opinion properly. Sometimes bloggers use things a few times and then give their verdict when there may be long term advantages or disadvantages about the product. You'll find that out in an empties! So here is what I used up!

Simple Age Resisting Moisturiser

I hauled this moisturiser in this post and really did like it. It was quite heavy, definitely not a light moisturiser, but I prefer this as my skin is so dry. It really felt as it was working. There has been many an anti-ageing product on this blog but I use them only as a preventative measure so I can't really comment on how it helped my non-existent fine lines etc. If you're wondering, anti-ageing product usually have a higher SPF and as I don't use a daily SPF I like this side of those products. Sun can cause hyper pigmentation which I already have enough of, thank you! The only thing I didn't like was the packaging. Being a pump and in such plastic casing meant that I couldn't cut into it and get the last bits out. It also meant one day I just ran out and didn't even know it had been running out! Not ideal.

Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze

Will be repurchasing until they discontinue. Enough said. Check out my holy grail post of it here

Sainsbury's Cotton Pads

I'm not particularly fussy about these. I'll buy any that are on offer. As long as they're not the super cheap ones that tend to scratch across the skin, I'm happy. Used up for nail varnish remover, toners and make up removal.

Montagne Jeunesse Wild Strawberry Peel Off Mask

See full review here. I liked this mask, it's not one of MJ's best. Just a basic mask really.

Good Things Deep Pore Toner

Shows how old this post really has been coming as I haven't had this for at least 3 months. Oops! It was a basic toner that didn't drag or sting the eyes. It was part of a blemishes range and I did feel as if it was calming and cool on the skin. It also smelt like delicious fruity water so thumbs up in my books. I wouldn't repurchase it for the pure fact that I like to try different ones but I did repurchase it twice before so it is good!

As I thought I'd already posted this, I threw away the only make-up related items! Anyway they were:

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

I wasn't overly enamoured with this concealer (see my full review here) until I started comparing it to other drugstore ones. Nothing compares to the coverage for the price! When it ran out, I immediately picked up another one. I believe they have a few new shades as I was able to pick up Dark 4 this time. I'm going to do a full new review on it as I've fallen in love (if not a little late) and it matches even better with my skin tone now. Result.

Tesco Baby Wipes

I've never been a fan of wipes because they tend to drag and dry out my skin. However they are handy to have in for make up spillages and mistakes and the odd lazy night. I only had a few left and in an experimental phase where I put on a full face of make up for the fun of it, I used them up. Bog standard wipes

A lot of "basics" used up this time! Hope you enjoyed this post or it was of some use to you. What have you used up recently?

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Freebie Alert: Marie Claire

Thought I'd pop up a really quick post to say that Marie Claire is down to £2.50 and has an Aromatherapy trio in it worth £13! Bargain or what?! I, of course, had to pick it up. Looking forward to see if the hype about Aromatherapy is justified!

Will you be picking this up?

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Mother's Day: Make Up

Just a quickie today (mind out of the gutters ladies!), more of a visual inspiration really. I'm absolutely loving the fresh faced, Spring make up looks of [the select few of] my celeb crushes. Flawless, glowing bases, lots of highlighter (looking at you Kimmy K) and nude pinky lips. I just love the simplicity of it, even with Jessica's (yes, we're on a first name basis) light brown smokey eye, it all looks so effortless. My favourite type of make up!
I've also included my biggest make up lust; the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I want it's rosey tones all over my face- well mainly on my eyelids! There is also a Sleek matte lipstick in Heartbreaker up there as matte lips are in and it's the perfect coral pink shade.

I've left you with a picture of me and my mammy (and my sister hiding in the back there). Hope you all have a great Mother's day!

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Mask Monday: Montagne Jeunesse Wild Strawberry

If you saw this haul, you would have seen I bought this mask 3 months ago!! I can't believe it's taken me this long to use it. Anyway, first thought was that it smelt delicious. The masks contains strawberry (duh!) and rhubarb, which really came through in the smell. If you don't like sweet scents though, stay away! I wanted to eat it however! (Please don't!). The mask is a gel like consistency with a red tinge. I had intended to take a picture with it on but I just look weirdly shiny; something you guys don't need to see!

The mask is aimed to get rid of dead skin and impurities and my skin did feel smooth after using it. However, to get rid of the dead skin, it is a peeling mask. I find peeling masks to be a bit messy and a tad annoying if the mask hasn't fully dried. I do love the satisfaction of peeling it off though. Only me? Okay...

Overall a nice basic mask but nothing special. Montagne Jeunesse reminds me of my childhood sleepovers and this is one I would definitely have loved back then. One thing to add though, I had a enough product for an application and a half which was great, as I hate it when you have to spread a mask thinly!

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The Base Dilemma #2

 

 On Friday I spoke about the dilemma of what to use to apply your skin base, today I thought I'd tackle the eye base. There are so many options to choose from so I've chosen a select few. You can go in without a base (I often do, ain't nobody go' time for dat) but if you're looking for a long wearing eye look, a base can really help. It also helps if you have any discolouration or veins on your eyelids that you would like to cover first.

Concealer

This is a great choice as many people will already have this in their stash (go us for no extra spending!) Just dab small amount on the lid and blend over. Done! Be careful not to be too heavy handed with it. A little can go a long way- you're only look for something for the eyeshadow to stick to, not to highlight/conceal your whole eye!

Cream shadow/ Paint pot

Any of the above will do. These are lovely if you're doing a specific eye look. I love using my Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze when I'm doing a brown eye look as it adds depth to the look in seconds. If not, something like MAC's paint pot in Painterly (which is a skin like colour) can prep the eye, even out any pigmentation/veins, as well as providing a base for your look.

Eye shadow stick

Very similar to the above but in stick form. I use this when I don't want to get my fingers dirty. The product can be just striped on and blended with a brush. Quick and easy application!

Primer

The most obvious of the bunch. You can get purpose built eye primers (for example Urban Decay Primer Potion) but really any sort of primer will do. I like this 17 primer for priming my eyes as it makes the look last longer and really smooths out the skin. This one is silicon based so doesn't agree with the rest of my face but just round my eyes is perfect.

So that's all the options I've got! Let me know if you use anything different or use any of these. I'm really interested as whatever I seem to use, I do end up with a slight ring of my make up round my eyes (booo!)

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Summer Skin

Okay so it's not quite summer I admit that. After all the rainy, cloudy grey days though, the first bit of sun and warmth in the air got me excited. I love summer; the sun, the ice cream, the hot days, and most of all getting my tan onnnnn. I feel so much more confident with a tan, maybe even more me. Is it weird to say I don't suit my natural skin tone? I go very pale in the winter and look almost sickly so it is more than time for a tan. Seeing as I can't wait for England's sun to come out (and partially because it might never come!), I've enlisted the help of a trusty holy grail product of mine.

Let's go back a  step. Winter is gone and so have the need for industrial tights and long sleeved tops. Dust off your razors ladies and get scrubbing and a shaving. My favourite things to get rid of scaly skin are exfoliating gloves and scrubs (see this post). I use exfoliating gloves (or scrubby gloves as my family call them) all year round as, as well as keeping dry skin at bay, they improve circulation if used in a sweeping motion towards the heart. Sometimes this doesn't cut it on my feet however (TMI?) and when this happens, I go in with my pumice stone to keep them baby soft.

I can't take the upkeep of fake tan. The fading and weird marks it leaves aren't for me so gradual moisturisers are the perfect alternative. I slap Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze on when I'm out of the shower and it just gives me the perfect sunkissed look. Do be careful to wash your hands after applying this though as too many times I've realised I've got lovely orange marks between my fingers!!

How do you get your summer glow? 

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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 Budget Concealer Trio

Now I'm not sure if you've noticed but this blog is primarily a budget beauty one (by primarily, I mean one high end Christmas gift has made it onto here). This is because I'm a student and I can practically hear my mum scolding me if I even venture to the more expensive end of Boots, let alone to the counters. I'm going to capitalise on this and explore the drugstore for you in the hopes of finding some gems. And believe me there are plenty!

What I'm sharing with you today is my concealer routine. These are the three products I use to hide my colossal bags, my 'one too many drinks' spots and all the rest of it!

First up is Collection Illuminating Concealer. What drew me to this is the illuminating part of it. I've got quite purple dark circles and they needed something more than just covering. This is a light concealer that brightens under the eye perfectly. It also has a peachy tone to it that cancels out my bags. I tend to use this as more of a correcter so will apply this lightly and then go in with a second concealer. The one I'm currently using is the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. Depending on the heaviness of my make up, I'll either dab this in my inner eye for a little bit more coverage or go all out with the classic highlighting triangle below my eye. Plenty has been said about this concealer but it is quite heavy so do be careful of that. I like to put it on the back of my hand and then dab it under my eyes for a less cakey look. Finally I finish with my Rimmel Stay Matte Power in Transparent and Real Techniques Contour Brush (it fits perfectly under the eye!) to set it all and ensure no movement!

I'd love to hear your favourite concealers. I'm a bit of a concealer junkie. I'm looking at the Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer next! Looks amazing with the little sponge on the end.

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Face of the Day| Drugstore

Berry smoothie to go with my berry lips!

I thought I'd share another FOTD with you today, if not simply to prove that I do wear other make up other than brown matte shadows (not that I stray too far..)

Recently my skin has been on the verge of a break out so most days I've gone without a base to give my skin a chance to recover and rebalance. I've realised that I have a real liking for concealer and am constantly flitting in between. The one I'm currently using is the Collection Illuminating Touch concealer for under my eyes. I've got quite bad dark circles and this has a peachy tone that cancels that out. I use my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent to set it as it does have a tendency to crease if I over do it.

For eyes, I kept it simple and used my MUA Undress Me Too palette. I've been trying to experiment with this palette and try and get some more every day looks out of it. The shimmer shades are definitely the better pigmented ones though and sometimes I feel as if I've over done it and look like I'm  going on a night out instead of just to university.

On this day, I used Reveal on the lid and Obsessed (my favourite crease colour) and I think I acheived the every day look! I then put a little bit of eye liner to thicken my lashline and mascara.

To finish the look, I did the teeniest weeniest bit of contouring (I'm trying to get back into it) and slicked on some Bourjois Colour Boost in Plum Russian. I still love this for an every day not too vampy lip.

What have you worn today? I've had a bit of bloggers block recently so any recommended tags or post requests would be most welcome!

(P.S. Please excuse my hair! It just wasn't doing what I wanted so I eventually gave in battling it and left it)

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