5 Common beauty mishaps (+ fixes)

I love Instagram, don't get me wrong, but the completely polished look is unattainable 24/7. Mistakes happen and sometimes we are just short of time and that's fine. Sometimes our nail polish chips after the first day, we applied too much blush, or the mascara smudged on our eyes and we forgot to wipe it off. If you are prone to common beauty mishaps along these lines, stay tuned and I can recommend some solutions! 

The Perfect Wing
Like eyebrows, I believe that when lining your eyes we should be aiming for sisters, and not twins. Firstly because you don't want to spend an eternity doing your eyeliner and secondly people don't tend to notice your eyeliner once you have mascara on anyway. I'm not too fussy about my own eyeliner, however if I make a mistake that is going to be obvious, there are two tricks I like to use. The first is to use a cotton earbud to sharpen out the wing, or even erase it to start again. I like to use some eye-makeup remover to do this, although micellar water would also work. If there is no hope, I love to smudge out my eyeliner for more of a smokey, grungy look which can be less precise - having a soft eye pencil can help to create this look.

Gooey polish

I find that if I love a nail polish it's easy for me to reach the bottom of the barrel quickly, and sometimes we just have to make do with what we have, however in this case it leaves us with an uneven finish which, for me, ends up coming off fairly soon anyway. So if you have found that your nail polish has gone a bit gloopy, I would try one of two things. Firstly, try putting a small amount of nail polish remover in the polish and giving it a shake. This can help to get some of the dried polish off the sides and also turning the polish into a thinner consistency, it might also make the colour slightly less opaque too. The second thing you can do is heat up the polish with a hairdryer, again this helps to melt the polish so that it is more of a liquid consistency again! These tips should help to prolong your polish for at least another application. Below I have shown the nail polish with the remover colour compared with the gooey polish that it started out as!

Frizzy hair/flyaways 

As a person who walks 30 minutes up and down a hill to get to work, I am no stranger to the occasional frizz. A nice way to tame this is to warm up some handcream between your palms and then smooth down the hair. This is a great way to tame the hair but also the hand cream adds a mild scent too! I find that using handcream is not as greasy on the hair, and just adds enough product to put down those flyaways and tame a bit of frizz. It's also something that you might always carry in your bag too!

Bed sheet Nails

Everyone raise their hands if they have painted their nails just before they go to sleep, not moving an inch the whole night, but still finding that their nail polish has been defiled by the bed sheets. 

It is the worst. 

We usually do this because we are short on time and might have to rush in the morning. What I recommend is to do the same and apply the majority of the polish the night before however in the morning, apply a gel coat that is thicker in consistency. The gel coat will smooth over the texture and give that shine of a perfect manicure. I would highly recommend the Kiko Milano Gel Effect Nail Polish as it dries down within 5 minutes, however the Maybelline SuperStay Gel Effect is one that is thick in consistency and is more easily accessible. The first photo below, you can see that my nails aren't really the right texture, however once I have added the gel polish over it, you can't see any textural issues!

Clumpy/Dry Mascara

I love a dry mascara, I find that this consistency really helps to hold up my lashes after I have curled them, however once your mascara is dry, there is a small amount of time to work with it before it's completely unusable. In the same vain as the gooey polish, I find that if I want to have a thinner consistency of mascara, then heating it gently with a hairdryer works really well!

So those are my 5 mishaps and fixes - I have to say that these are also mishaps that happen to me regularly, and so I hope someone else can benefit from all the mistakes that I make! Let me know if you have any mishaps and fixes too! I would love to learn more hacks! If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

Where to Spend: Makeup Edition

So recently I wrote about 'Where to Save: Makeup Edition' which showcases the products I believe you can get right without becoming bankrupt. Today, I'll be talking about the opposite - products that I do think are worth the money. Like the last post, I will outline a few of my favourites that I have tried and tested too.

Foundation 

Foundation is the base of any makeup look so it's important that it looks seamless on the skin. With high-end foundations, there are usually more shades, variations in both coverage and formulas so there will be a foundation for the most palest, driest skin, to the more darker, more oilier skin. With purchasing high-end foundations, comes testing in store which is an experience that can really sell the foundation to you. I'm sure most people have picked a foundation in the wrong shade, texture and longevity - so trying before you buy leads to a much more informed decision, which means you will more likely be happier with your purchase! I've stuck with the same foundation for around 4 years now and it's still as good as when I first bought it! 

- NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (£35.00/30ml)

- It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (£31.00/32ml) 

Powder
Like foundation, it's important to have a good quality powder to set your makeup otherwise it can lead to a really cakey finish. Some high-end powders can initially seem like a bit much however I find that I don't tend to run out of powder quickly and so I'm happy to spend a bit more if it does last me longer. Also for products like this that I don't buy as regularly, the airport can really come in handy!
I tend to go more for translucent powders that I can use for baking and just setting my makeup. I've been using my Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder for the past few years and it's everything I look for in a powder, it sets my makeup without drying my skin out, blends into my skin seamlessly, and provides a really natural finish.
- Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder (£40.00/30g)
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (£30.00/29g)

Blusher

With blusher, I think it's about getting the most for your money. You can keep powder products for two years and so if you had a go-to blusher that you used everyday, that was easy to blend, pigmented and lasted all day, then I think that's all you need! Again, the shade range in high-end brands tends to be better and as a person who has darker skin, it's really important to find shades that compliment my skin tone, so the more mauve, deeper shades rather than bubblegum pink that I tend to see on the high-street. 

- NARS Blush (£25.00/4.8g)

- M.A.C Mineralised Blush (£23.00/3.5g) 

- BareMinerals All Over Face Colour Warmth (£22.00/1.5g)

Highlighter

A few years ago, this probably wouldn't have made the list because it wasn't on anyone's radar as much. Like blusher, a highlighter is something that will last you, as a little goes a long way and so with that in mind, spending more money on a highlighter makes more sense, as you can just buy one and chances are that it'll last you for more than a year. More luxury highlighters tend to be more finer in formula, looking less like chunks of glitter and more like a glow from within. Becca is renowned for their highlighters, and I wholly recommend getting their highlighters due to the their formulas, shade range and build-ability. They also come out with mini sets, so you don't have to splash out on a full-sized version. 

- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter (£30.00/8g)

- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (£30.00/30ml)

Eyeshadow 
The first luxury make-up product that I spent money on was the super iconic Urban Decay Naked Palette. To this day, I still believe people own a palette like that. Good quality eyeshadow is important, as a person with super oily skin, I do find that more luxury brands do tend to last longer and also don't tend to crease as much. Palettes are also a great way to get more bang for your buck, rather than just buying singles. More premium shadows tend to blend better, have less fallout and tend to be more pigmented which means that you tend to use less product anyway!
- Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat (£18.20/6 shades)
- M.A.C Burgundy Times 9 (£26.00/9 shades)
- bareMinerals Bare Naturals Palette (£39.00/ 14 shades) - Not currently sold

That's my round up of all the products I think is worth spending a little bit more on. It's mostly due to the products generally lasting longer and due to the choices in shade ranges. I'm also of the mindset that I would rather spend more and know I will use it most days, then spend less and not use it all due to it not being 100% what I wanted. I would love to know what products are on your own lists, what do you tend to spend more money on and why?
If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

My Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream

Around 2 months ago, I wrote about the Clarins x InTheFrow collaboration, which was a brilliant offer that enabled me to try a few new items. One of the items I purchased was the My Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream (£22.00/50ml) which is the daily moisturiser I have been testing for the last two months...

My Clarins is one of the newer ranges from Clarins, I believe it has been out for around 6 months now - it's predominately aimed those in their teens to mid-twenties and is marketed as entry level products to introduce people to more premium skincare. The My Clarins range is vegan friendly and are not selling their products in countries which still actively tests on animals, which is really inspiring. What I particularly like is that the products are described as 'plant-based' and 'eco-conscious' and also state that 88% of the ingredients are of 'natural origin'. They are trying to be as clean and simple for the skin as possible and also being transparent about it. The range itself only has a few products, and so really simplifies skincare into something that even a novice can comprehend. If you are interested in learning more, there is more information on the Clarins website. 

Out of the range, I have only purchased this moisturiser, the My Clarins Refreshing Hydrating Cream and I absolutely love it. Firstly the packaging is really cute, you can tell that it's aimed for younger people from the pop of colour and the cute half sun image however the pot itself is surprisingly weighty and feels more premium. The Refreshing Hydrating Cream smells lightly of rose, which I really like, it's also a pale pink colour. It's a cooling gel texture that sinks into the skin, however it's not like a serum that completely disappears as though you never applied anything - it  both hydrates and moisturises the different layers of skin. The description of a Hydrating Cream is perfect, because it's tackling dehydration and also dry skin at the same time. My skin is just happy wearing this - it's the perfect consistency and the perfect product for anyone looking for a new moisturiser. 

This moisturiser comes in two other formulas, one more formulated for dry skin, the Comforting Hydrating Cream, so is more cream based, and the other for oily skin and so is more gel-like, the Mattifying Hydrating Cream. Although I have more oily skin, I chose the Refreshing Hydrating Cream because I have dehydrated skin that is oily and so I like a mix of both formulas. 

In terms of price, this is £22.00 for 50ml, which I think is a good price for the product that you are getting. The whole My Clarins range is under £24, and so I do believe you are getting good quality products for the price listed. Like I said earlier, I have had this for 2 months and I am around 1/3 into the bottle. I normally use one to two pea sized amounts of product and smooth the product into my skin, I tend to pat in the excess and try to bring some down my neck too.  

All in all, I really love this product, I've been excited to use it every morning, and I'm happy with how it has lasted too. I would highly recommend checking out the whole range - although it's marketed for those under 25, anyone can use the products. Clarins typically spilt their products into different age ranges as it focuses on skin concerns that typically occur around those ages, which again I think is really helpful and informative for those who aren't as interested in skincare. I think Clarins has done a great job at educating younger people to look after their skin with this range.

What do you guys think? Let me know down below if you have tried any of the products! If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

Where to Save: Makeup Edition

I love a bargain. It's the best feeling when you can find a product where the quality vastly outshines the price. I own a mixture of luxury and affordable makeup and I have tried and tested all different categories of makeup to give you my picks on what makeup items are worth heading to your local high street for.

Mascara

I have tried my hardest to find a high-end mascara that curls my eyelashes, makes them thicker and fuller without weighing them down and I have not found one yet. Thing is, you can't trial a mascara out properly before purchasing it and so whenever I have purchased one from a luxury brand that claims to be the holy grail of mascaras, I'm always disappointed with the end result.
With mascara that is more affordable, I find that I can trial more out without spending a fortune, and so I do have a few go-to favourites that give me the results that I want - I will list and link them below!
-  Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara (£8.99/9ml)
- Kiko Unforgettable WP Mascara (£7.20/9ml)
- L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara (£10.99/9ml)

Eyeliner
I think it's so easy to find a brilliant eyeliner without spending too much. Eyeliner only lasts a few months, so I think if you can find something you like for under a tenner then you are definitely winning. From liquids to pencils - the high street has so much variety that I don't feel the need to look elsewhere! I've now found my holy grail liquid eyeliner for under £3, which I can create a thin and defined line, to a more bolder statement look:

- Collection Fast Stroke Eye Liner (£2.99/3.8g) 
- L'Oreal Paris Super Slim Eyeliner (£6.99)
- Rimmel London Scandal'Eyes WP Eyeliner  (£4.49)

Nails

If you are like me, and like to chop and change your nail colour weekly, then the high street can provide a variety of colours, textures and formulas to please anyone. I love finding the needle in the haystack when it comes to shopping for nail polishes, because I think every brand can vary so much (luxury polishes included!). Just because you might pay over £15 for a nail polish, doesn't mean that it's less likely to chip - nails are one thing that is affected by general wear and tear of your daily living. I've found some formulas in the high street that I would wholly recommend to anyone looking for nail polishes that can last for up to week without chipping. 

- Maybelline Forever Strong Gel Nail Polish (£4.49/10ml)

- Kiko Perfect Gel Duo (£7.99/2 polishes)

Lips

Similar to nail polishes, I think you can find a really nice selection of lip products on the high street, again with different textures, formulas and colours. I think because lip products are something that you will tend to reapply throughout the day, regardless of the price, you don't need to spend too much cash, whether you want to is a different story! I'm a massive fan of nude lip colours, and I'll list a few of my favourites below: 

- Nip and Fab Makeup Matte Liquid Lipstick (£7.95/2.6ml)

- Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lipcolour (£7.99)

Brushes 
No matter what makeup you purchase, it's so important to ensure that your tools are just as good as the products. In the last decade, we can see a massive increase of affordable but high quality makeup tools. I believe makeup tools are worth investing in, and finding the right ones for the right price can be difficult, but not impossible. Anything by Real Techniques is an automatic win - I've never been disappointed  in their products and they are so multi-purpose, sometimes I use them for what works for me, rather than what they are meant to be used for!
- Real Techniques Blush Brush (£9.99)
- Real Techniques Sculpting Set (£19.99)

- Kiko Blending Brush 200 (discontinued)
- The Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush (£9.00)

So that is my round up on all the makeup products that I think is worth getting for an affordable price tag. I would love to know if this is something you agree with, or whether there is something else you think is worth sticking on this list.
If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

5 Skincare Tips

Over the years, I have gathered some helpful tips when it comes to caring for your skin. These tips and tricks are things I do myself and although some of them aren't groundbreaking, it might require you to switch up how you do things, even if it is just a little! I have also collated some information on anti-ageing at the end, so be sure to give that a read!

1. Pat don't rub 

Our skin is quite fragile and sometimes it's the things we don't consider that might be irritating your skin. After washing your face, it's common to get a towel to rub off all the excess water. However this is quite aggressive on your skin, so I would propose that you pat the towel onto your skin as it will get rid of the water in a more gentle way. 

Similarly, when applying products into the skin, such as serums and eye-creams, rubbing the products on the skin is just going to aggravate the skin and sometimes you end up rubbing the product off or the product ends up going in the wrong place. I'm also not going to say that rubbing your skin will cause wrinkles, but you are decreasing the elasticity of the skin by doing this. Again, I would propose pressing serums and eye creams onto the desired areas, so that they can absorb nicely in those areas. 

2. Wash, Wash, Wash 

I wash my face twice a day and that suits me well. Everyone is different when it comes to how much they should wash their face and that's just fine. This point is more about how well you might be washing your face. After I have cleansed my face and I am rinsing my skin of the products, I will rinse my face at least 5-10 times with water. This seems excessive however if you only rinse your face once or twice trying to get the excess face wash off, then chances are that you probably haven't got rid of the product fully which means that you might still have makeup/dirt/face wash on your face and you are applying more skincare products on top of this. If you think your face is clean of any products, it's probably best you rinse another time to be sure. 

3. Less is more 

I can fully say that this is my weakness. When I was first interested in skincare, I was trying everything from cleansing brushes, acids, toners and retinols - chopping and changing so often that my own skin couldn't keep up. 

Now, I'm a firm believer in a fixed routine that has minimal products, I'm aware that I might still apply more products than the average person but this is my current minimum:

Morning: Exfoliate and cleanse. Follow up with a serum, moisturiser, lip-balm, eye-cream and SPF.
Evening: Oil cleanser (to remove makeup), exfoliate and cleanse. Follow up with serum, moisturiser, lip-balm and eye-cream.

4. If it ain't broke...

Like the previous point, it's easy to go overboard with skincare and end up causing damage rather than helping your skin. If you do really want a product, then ask yourself whether there is a skin concern that you want to address and if the product you want will fulfil this. It's easy to get carried away with adverts claiming to be the holy grail of products but sometimes it's good to look at why what you are already using is currently working. Chances are that there is no added benefits about the product you wanted to buy, however I do understand buying something if it will help with a specific skin concern or other factors such as price and accessibility. 

5. Anti-ageing / SPF 

Anti-ageing can only be achieved through preventative measures. If you are over 25, I would start thinking about what you can do to help your skin retain it's moisture and elasticity. Skincare can't fix everything - lifestyle factors play a part too, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, drinking, smoking - no amount of money you spend on a product can fully reverse a lifestyle that has spanned over decades. However there are 3 products/ingredients that are known to be truly anti-ageing, I will talk about them each below. 

5.1. SPF: It's widely known that UVA rays can cause signs of skin ageing such as wrinkles, and no matter whether it's an overcast day those rays are still there. I am a big believer in applying SPF everyday regardless of the weather. 

5.2. Retinols: A derivative of Vitamin A, Retinols and Retinoids are known for increasing the cell turnover in the skin, which means that skin acts in the same way as it did when you are younger, helping signs of ageing such as wrinkles, uneven skin-tone, elasticity and even things like acne and shrinking the size of pores. Although this sounds ideal, Retinols can be irritating on the skin so be careful before trying any and be informed about the percentage that you are using as this determines the strength and potency of the product. Check out Caroline Hirons blog and YouTube for more in-depth information about Retinols from an expert. 

5.3. Niacinamide: AKA Vitamin B3 is an ingredient that I don't think most people are aware of. Another proven anti-ageing ingredient that can reduce fine lines and wrinkles with prolonged use and can clinically reduce pore size and skin texture. If you are interested, it's worth researching this before purchasing- I use The Ordinary's Niacinamide and Zinc 10%. Again, it's worth paying attention to the percentages of the product. 

I could go on forever talking about those three ingredients, so if you are interested in them then be sure to let me know and I can do more of an in-depth post about them. As a bit of a disclaimer, I am not a dermatologist or a skin expert, I just like to stay up to date with the latest ingredients and do tend to research them before sharing them with other people. I would advise anyone to also do their own research before purchasing a product too.

I hope this post has been helpful, let me know if you do have any questions, and will be happy answer them or direct you in the right direction! If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

The Nail Polish For Every Skin Tone

If you have seen me in the past 6 weeks, chances are that you have seen me with this nail polish on. Painting your own nails does require a bit of maintenance but the result is always worth it - and when it means that you can watch Netflix whilst they dry, it's a win-win situation!

The nail polish is the Maybelline Forever Strong Gel Nail Colour in the shade '130 Rose Poudre' (£4.49/10ml). The funny thing is that I bought this shade a few years ago and finished it, but now this is just my go-to shade. 

In terms of the colour, it's a lovely dusky pink colour that also has a nude undertone, so I know it will flatter a lot of skin tones. It's one of those shades that you can wear for weeks on end without getting bored of it and also one that compliments most outfits!

In terms of the formula, I always imagine this as a liquid elastic when applying it. I find that I don't really make any mistakes - it clings to the nails but is not so quick drying that you feel like you are racing against time. It's a thin consistency that still manages to be opaque. I do find that you do need two coats to get the perfect finish though. I am a fan of the brush, which is again just that perfect medium of not being too big, nor too small and can apply the product evenly. 

Although this product says '7 days', it's more like five. Five days of your nails actually being more or less perfect before they actually do start chipping, so at '7 days' it's mostly intact but it's probably time for a refresh! 

One product that is new (to me at least) is the Maybelline Forever Strong Gel Nail colour in '25 Crystal', which is basically a clear top coat. I like this top coat, I find that it doesn't disturb the polish underneath and does give a nice finish to the nails. The nails are practically dry to touch after 30 minutes, however beware of sleeping for a few hours otherwise you will get texture on the nails which is the worst!

All in all, I really like this product, especially on my skin tone - I just find it so flattering! I would love to know more recommendations on staple nail polishes, so be sure to let me know in the comments below!

If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

The eye cream for the under 30's: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye-balm

Sounds excessive, but I have been wearing eye cream since I was 21 years old. I'm a massive believer that prevention is the key when it comes to anti-ageing and 3 years later I am still wearing eye cream religiously.

Currently, my eyes have no specific skin concerns and so the product I will be sharing today is one that I think people under 30 would really benefit in using if, like me, they don't have a specific concerns to target. When I was on the hunt for my next eye cream, I was looking for something that was more hydrating and this one completely fits the bill...

The product I am talking about is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye-balm (£15.00/15ml). Firstly, I really like the packaging, the product is dispensed through a pump which is hygienic and really easy to keep clean. I also like how you can control the amount of product that comes out, I find that I never pump more than I actually need which is great. The packaging is light and I find that the lid is secure (I haven't lost it yet!) which means no accidental leaks and so is great to travel with.

In terms of the product, although this is labelled as an eye balm, I think it's more of a gel like consistency, especially when it is smoothed onto the skin. It's also the colour blue, which is something I didn't expect and doesn't really have a smell either.

I would use the amount pictured below over both eyes, so as you can see a little goes a long way and I use my ring finger to blend out the product onto the orbital bone and if there is any product left over, I tend to add it to my upper lip to prevent wrinkles forming in the first place. This product sinks in really fast and does feel hydrating, especially if I haven't had the best nights sleep. I find that this works well under make-up too, as it isn't heavy nor does it leave any residue on the skin. 

I'm quite strict with my skincare routine and I have been applying this product twice a day since I bought it around a month ago now. Although I can't say that this product has worked in the traditional sense, I find that this product does work to hydrate my eyes, as I can notice the difference when I don't wear eye cream - my under-eye area becomes slightly tighter and just feels like it needs moisture. This is a really non-offensive product that I think would work on a variety of skin types and needs, containing Vichy's Thermal Spa Water, known for it's soothing properties and Hyaluronic Acid, known for it's ability to hydrate the skin and to hold a thousand times it's weight in water, it really is a product that your skin will be happy using. 

I believe this would be a great introductory eye cream for anyone, especially if you are under 30 as the focus is on hydration. Let me know if you have any questions about this product in the comments section, and I would love to know what eye creams you would recommend I try next. 

If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date! 

Clarins x InTheFrow Collaboration

Today, I am writing to share a brilliant deal from the Clarins x InTheFrow collaboration. Clarins is a brand which seems to get it right - all their products are gentle, easy to use and encased in the perfect packaging. In this deal if you purchase one skincare item and any other product in their range in-stores you get a Summer Tote bag filled with three travel sized goodies which you can select yourself from a few choices. I'll show you what goodies I managed to grab and a quick first impression! 

First of all, can we admire this Summer Tote bag? It's perfect! It has a cute pattern, rope handles and is the perfect size for taking the essentials to the beach. 

The first product I was looking to buy was a new moisturiser, so I bought this My Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream (£22.00/50ml). I have never seen this range before, but from what I've heard it's more geared towards people under 30. Clarins has very helpfully divided their skincare based on the clients age, and so finding a moisturiser that will work for your current skin needs is really easy to find. This moisturiser is a cream-mousse formula which means it's super lightweight and sinks into the skin quickly. It feels really nice and cooling in the morning, part of me wants to stick it in the fridge so that experience is enhanced!The packaging looks light but it's actually quite weighty, so don't be fooled! 

Funnily enough, my second choice of moisturiser would have been the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream (£37.00/50ml) and so I selected this as one of the free products. This is just a super hydrating moisturiser that would suit all skin types. The only reason I didn't go for it was the price tag, this seems like a product where I could happily apply a lot onto my face just due to the texture. I'm happy to test-drive this 30ml travel sized version to see if it is really worth the money!

Recently, I have been taking more of an interest in my bath and shower products because that time to unwind is really important and I want to make sure I use products that just enhance the DIY spa experience that I try to create for myself. I grabbed the Clarins Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate (£20.00/200ml) in one of the free products (it's a 100ml version!) - it has a few essential oils which makes it a really luxurious product to use, the steam of the shower/bath mixed with this product just really helps you to inhale the scent and my muscles just relax instantly. I personally like to massage a bit of the product near my collarbone and temples as it enhances the smell and also the experience.

The last free product I chose is actually one that I have used in the past, and used to be one of Clarins best selling product which is the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract (£21.00/125ml). This cleanser is what it says on the tin, super gentle and it has some exfoliating beads which isn't too abrasive on the skin. I find that this product doesn't irritate my skin and it leaves my skin feeling cleansed without feeling stripped. This travel sized version contains 50ml of product. 

The second product I actually bought was this Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (£18.50/12ml). I remember when these came out a few years ago, it was one of the products that I always wanted but never seemed to be at the top of the list. I have the shade 06 Rosewood Shimmer, which is the perfect nude shade for my skin-tone. It's super moisturising on the lips, with a gloss like finish that compliments most make-up looks. I have a feeling I will be reaching for this a lot! 

That's it in terms of my mini round up of this deal. I think it's still on for a few more days, so I would highly recommend checking it out because you do get a lot for your money. It's nice that they also give you a choice of products to choose from too!

I might do a full review of some of these products once I have tried it for a considerable amount of time! If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

Two products for softer, more manageable hair...

I'm quite a boring beauty blogger, I love to try new things but as soon as I find something great, I tend to stop my search. That's what has happened to my hair, I was using the same things that tended to work well, until they just stopped performing. So I wanted to share new one product that I have completely fallen head over heels with and another that I have had in my collection for over two years and I still love it.

My latest find is the TREsemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil (£7.69/50ml). I have hair that is more straight than wavy, that I blow dry on a daily basis. I recently noticed that my hair was generally getting a bit more frizzier in texture. I went on a hunt for something that would make my hair smoother and condition it back to the texture that it was and this product is the one.

I use it on wet hair and I use two pumps for my whole hair. I normally warm up the product in my hands before applying it to the mid-lengths to ends of my hair. I then brush my hair though and begin my styling routine. This product feels like a hybrid between an oil and serum, it will leave a bit of residue on your hands, but it doesn't feel unpleasant. The result is literally silky smooth hair. What I like about this is that the silkiness lasts the whole day. I walk up and down a hill for 30 minutes either way, and my hair is not getting a frizzy as it usually was which is an absolute miracle.

I've used this on dry hair to add some shine, and although I would use it like that again, it's quite easy to go overboard! So a little goes a long way! I love how travel friendly the bottle is too, so I will definitely be taking this away with me on two of my trips away in the next month!

My old but gold favourite is my trusty Wet Brush (£11.99). I love the Wet Brush. If you don't know what it is, it's a hair brush that literally de-tangles your hair without pulling or tugging and just makes brushing hair a pleasant experience. I love that the Wet Brush has an actual handle because I do use it to blow dry my hair so makes styling quite easy. I find that my hair is less likely to break when I use this brush, and so it helps to maintain  my hairs condition.

I've recently repurchased this product, because I use it every single day and my old one was getting super grubby. This one is already got some fluff on it! If anyone knows how to successfully clean one, I am all ears. If you are looking for a brush which looks great but also performs, then look no further!

So those are my two products for softer, more manageable hair. I use both of these daily and I have noticed such a difference in the condition of my hair! I would love to know if there are any products that help the condition of your hair!

4 Beauty Repurchases

With the makeup and skincare industry being completely over-saturated, it’s difficult to know what products really hit the mark and are the holy grail of all products, especially if you are like me and love reading blogs or watching YouTube. For me, the tell-tale sign that someone absolutely loves a product is if they would spend their money on the product again. When I write blog posts, I like to state whether I would buy a product again or not, as I want to be smart with my money, and if a product is not worth it then I will not purchase it again…

So onto products that I have repurchased and will continue to repurchase until something else slides it out of place. I have two makeup favourites and two skincare bits to share with you.

The first makeup product I want to mention is the Kiko Milano Highlighting Effect Fluid Concealer (£7.20/2ml). This is a concealer that is great for highlighting features.  If you are new to my blog, then it should be known that I am a massive Kiko Milano fan, I think they have quality products for affordable prices and they are by far my favourite high-street makeup brand.

I use Shade 5 in this product, which is slightly lighter than my skin-tone, but is just as warm. I love that this product is super lightweight on the skin, so it's not too heavy on top of my foundation and blends in seamlessly while still providing coverage. I use it under my eyes and in the centre of my face (forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip and chin). For a whole blog post on this product, go click on this link!

The second makeup repurchase that I wanted to mention would be the Collection Fast Stroke Liner (£2.99/3.8g). This eyeliner is amazing, affordable and accessible. What I love about this product is that it is super black and also so easy to apply. I’ve tried more expensive eyeliners in the past, and although I would recommend them, liquid eyeliner generally runs out quite quickly so I would rather find a brilliant product on the high-street and save my cash for products that will last longer.

So onto skincare, I’m going to breeze over this first product because I feel like I mention it in most of my skincare posts. It’s The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ serum (£12.70/30ml). If you have problematic, congested skin that might leave you with spots then this is the product to try. It contains helpful peptides that work to de-congest the skin. I’ve noticed so much difference in my skin since using the product, I used to have a lot of texture on my skin and used to be prone to breakouts too. Now my skin is smoother in texture and just feels breathable.

The next product I have repurchased is the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (£24.50/50ml). This is one of my all time favourite moisturisers. My skin just agrees with it. I love this one and also the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 (£24.50/50ml) too. I find with the Kiehl’s moisturisers that they hydrate your skin on the inside but also moisturise the top layer of your skin too which is important as your skin does battle the elements daily, so it’s important that it’s protected. I generally have oily skin, and I find that this doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy or heavy. They sink in well and leave a nice amount of residue on your skin so that it is prepped for the day. I would be more than happy to buy this product again because I haven’t found a moisturiser that delivers as well as this one does.

So that’s my four beauty repurchases, as you can tell I love these products and it’s just so nice when you find a product or brand that you agree with and can advocate to other people. I would love to know what products you have repurchased, as like I said at the start of this post, it’s just a really good indicator of whether it’s stood the test of time! So let me know in the comments below!

2 Favourites from The Body Shop

When The Body Shop is on offer, that’s the time to strike. So recently, when they had 40% off sale, I bought one old favourite and one other product which has managed to weasel its way into my favourites list.

My old favourite is the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. (£12.00/200ml) This was the first ever cleansing oil I had ever used and to this day I still am in love with cleansing oils. I remember when this used to be the cult beauty product that so many bloggers and YouTubers spoke about years ago. Using this now, the smell is still the same - It’s so nostalgic! The consistency is quite watery but that means it’s light on the skin, it’s easy to massage into the skin and remove every single scrap of makeup. I love that it comes with a pump too, however it does make the product not as travel friendly! If you have never tried cleansing oils, they are a brilliant way to take off makeup which doesn’t dry the skin out. As an oily skinned girl, I was so afraid of using oils as my face produces more than enough, but cleansing oils don’t leave any greasy residue on your face and can remove a full face of makeup in  under 30 seconds.

If you are a fan of massaging your face, this Camomile Cleansing Oil is a good oil to use because of the consistency, like I said earlier it’s so light on the skin and a little goes a long way. Massaging is great as it's increasing circulation to your face and so can help to brighten and tighten the skin.

My new favourite is the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 (£17.00/40ml). I think SPF is so important to have in your skincare, even if you live in dreary place like England. SPF has been proven to be a good anti-ageing product, as it is protecting your skin from UVA rays (which causes the skin to age) and UVB rays  (which can damage the skins surface). So even though it looks like the sun isn’t there, both UVA and UVB rays can still be harmful. In the past I used to ensure that my moisturiser or my foundation has some sort of SPF included, which is probably better than wearing no SPF but now I am completely sold on doing my best to protect my skin.

So back to this Skin Defence SPF, I love it because it’s so light on the skin, it doesn’t feel like a heavy extra layer. It sinks into the skin within seconds, mimicking a serum. The colour is white too, which I was hesitant about as old sunscreens used to leave a greyish white residue which would make me, an average Indian girl, look like a dull ghost. This product left no white/grey marks or any marks at all, I was amazed. It sits so well under makeup too, not interfering with it or clogging up my skin either. If you are looking for an SPF then this is the one to get. It has all the protection with none of the fuss or faff so no-one has an excuse not to wear SPF.

So those are my two favourites from The Body Shop which I am sure I will repurchase. I normally love to buy their candles too, however they were all sold out when I bought these online! I would love to know what your go-to products are from The Body Shop. Finally, be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date with my posts!

A Trio of Smashbox Primers

Primers are the marmite of makeup products some people love them and others just don't see the point. 

I love wearing a primer before applying my makeup as it adds an extra barrier between my skincare and makeup, and can help makeup to last longer and look more flawless.

I bought the Smashbox Holidaze Photo Finish Travel Primer Trio ($15.00/3 products) on sale in Sephora while I was out in Boston. I couldn't resist this purchase as I've never actually tried any primers from Smashbox so the opportunity to try three new primers seemed too good to pass up.

First of all, how cute is this packaging, I love the gold metallic with the slight Aztec floral theme - it's different from anything else I own. I also love that all the products are still packaged similarly to their full sized equivalent as sometimes with travel sized products brands will change the lids or nozzles. Although it's marketed as 'travel sized', you do get a fair amount of product - I think this set will last me around 3-4 months which is fab. I've tried all three primers now (my favourite type of 'homework'!) so I will outline my thoughts on all three. 

The Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer (12ml) is a cult classic and is one of the most iconic primers out there. This primer has a slight silicone feel, which means it glides over and fills your pores leaving you with a smoother and flawless finish. I like to pat this into my t-zone, where I know my pores are more noticeable. If this is something you look for in a primer then this is the one to get, it's ideal for events where you might be chasing that perfected look. 

This product is similar to others I have tried in the past, which was probably created in the image of this Smashbox primer - the L'Oreal Infallible primer is similar in terms of function, however is more greasy in texture.

The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water (30ml) came out not that long ago and I really didn't see the hype. However trying it now, I actually really like this primer. I use it after my skincare and just spritz a few times directly onto my face, I press the product into my skin and it leaves me with a very slight tacky feel that's almost undetectable. After this, I continue with my makeup routine, and it just adds that slight barrier in a refreshing way. It's just a really nice product. It's multi-purpose as you can also set your makeup with this afterwards and also refresh your makeup during the day too. If you like the idea of wearing something super light that you can also take with you then this is the product for you. 

Lastly the Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer (15ml), which I believe is the newest out of the three primers. This primer is supposed to be a fusion between a moisturiser and a primer - meaning that you could skip the moisturising step if you wanted to. I don't do that, and I apply this as a stand-alone primer. This primer is lighter in texture and also on the more liquidy side. This is the product to use if you are looking for longevity in your primer. It's lightweight and sinks quickly into the skin ready to be followed up by your makeup. I'm a massive fan of this primer - it's similar to the Too Faced Hangover Primer which is one of my all time favourites. If you are interested I would definitely try this in store to feel the texture.

My taste in primers has definitely changed, a year or two ago I would have been besotted with the Original Photo Finish Primer because that's all I wanted from a primer, however now the Primer Water and the Primerizer are the types of primers which just helps your makeup look fresher for longer and so are great additions to my mini collection!

I would love to know if you have tried any of these three primers and what your thoughts were! If you have a favourite primer, please feel free to let me know in the comments below and I will go and check them out!