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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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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