Beauty // Budget problem skin favourites

My skin changes from one day to the next,so I'm never sure what I'm going to wake up to! In the likely event that a few spots will have appeared,I like to keep a couple of fail-safe products in my collection to help clear my skin gently and quickly. I've been using these for a while now and I'm really pleased with how they've worked for my skin.There are so many expensive washes for acne prone faces out there,but I think if you look around you can find products to suit any budget,especially now that cheaper stores are everywhere.I managed to pick these up from the 99p store whilst browsing around town.

I was drawn to this Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash because I love the smell of Pink Grapefruit,it's so energising and zesty which is perfect a refreshing morning wake up.I was concerned that it might leave my skin feeling tight and dry because it's acidic,but it has a gentle gel formulation which doesn't leave any residue or affect my skin.If you suffer with enlarged pores and spots around the t-zone like I often do, I'd really recommend this because since using it I've found that the area is much smoother and free from breakouts.It contains Salicylic acid which is effective at reducing inflammation and works to keep pores free from the build up that can encourage acne.I like to use a hot washcloth to open up my pores before applying as I think it helps it soak into my skin, followed by a cold blast of water afterwards to close my pores (it definitely wakes me up too!) Apparently, it's boosted by "MicroClear" technology,but I'm not too sure if that makes a difference as it sounds like one of those skincare buzzwords to me! Words aside,I'm really enjoying using this wash and I've seen a good improvement in my skin tone and texture.

In my lifetime I think I've had about every kind of acne you could imagine,but none as bad as the dreaded "bacne" or back acne.Although it's calmed down now that I'm in my twenties,I'm still prone to getting sore under the skin spots on the top of my back.You know the kind that you can't pop and never seem to leave? Well I'm intending to wear cute tops this Summer, so I had been looking for a body wash that would leave my skin acne free and smelling good.That's where this T-zone Revitalising Body Wash comes in! I haven't used T-zone products since I was a teenager,but I've been pleasantly surprised by how good they still are.You only need to use a 50p sized blob as it lathers up really well and it fills the bathroom with a fresh peppermint scent.It also contains tea tree oil which is well known for being an antiseptic and helping to prevent breakouts.I like to apply this to a bath lily (or bath poof, whatever you want to call it!) and really work the product into my skin,it feels so soft and clean afterwards.afterwards. I've been using this  every morning for just over two weeks and I've noticed that the areas normally affected are much less inflamed and sore,it's surprising what a difference it's made to how I feel about myself.

Although there's nothing wrong with buying high end brands,if you often walk past budget stores,I'd really suggest going in and seeing what they have to offer. I've noticed that many pound shops have the same products,but they're often a foreign version,so if you are a brand lover you might find one of your favourites in there.These products are really working well for me,so I'd definitely suggest you pop in to the 99p store and have a look.


What do you use for breakouts? Does the toothpaste trick really work?

Poundland bargains // My £2 Poundland acne busting duo

I can always tell when "that time of the month" is coming because I always seem to get the same spots in the same place! They always seem to be in really obvious places too,like on the end of my nose.They're never just small blemishes either,but the under the skin kind that can take forever to go away.So short of going into work with a "yes I have a spot and please don't look at it" sign,I grabbed the two products I always bring out when I need to reduce redness and spot size quickly.

I'm always reading about how people can spend loads on high end products and get great results,but I picked these up from Poundland for £1 each,and I'm really impressed with how hard they've been working.On first appearances,I think they look quite similar to Clearasil products,which also work quite well on my skin.I use the Cleansing Face Wash every morning and evening and what I really love about this product is how it doesn't leave any residue behind,it just makes my skin feel really clean without stripping it of any of it's natural oils.I use the Purifying Face Scrub 2 or 3 times a week to give my pores a really deep clean and help to prevent spots from coming back. I've used some facial scrubs before that have left my sensitive combination skin looking really inflamed,but this formulation contains "micro beads" to clear the skin gently. When I use these products together,the first thing I notice is a reduction in the size of the blemishes,they look much less noticeable and sore,which is a great confidence boost.

I love how luxurious and creamy these products feel on my skin! I like to grab a hot wash cloth to place on my face to open up my pores to really help these products to work,sort of like a home spa experience (where are my eye cucumbers!) The Salicylic Acid also helps to remove excess skin cells and leave your skin looking more even and hopefully prevent blemishes.

A few days ago I had so many sore red spots on my t-zone and nose,which were not only pretty painful but also impossible to do anything to,but these products really helped ease the discomfort and tighten up my pores.Obviously these aren't a miracle cure but I'm so happy that I've found a budget range for acne prone skin of any type.It does feel nice to not have to painstakingly apply concealer and just go out with a little BB cream on.Fingers crossed it stays like this!

What tips do you have to prevent breakouts?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Beauty // Miss Sporty So Clear Pressed Powder Review

Miss Sporty was one of my staple make up brands when I was a teenager! I would save up my money and then head to Superdrug to see what I could get for £5 (which was most things.) I've just finished my last powder which was my beloved ELF Mineral Foundation in Fair,and I was looking for some a little cheaper and that offered something a little different.

The only problem I have with Miss Sporty products is they do tend to feel a bit plastic and cheap,but let's not judge a book by it's cover.Their target market is young girls so this kind of packaging is perfect for that make up experimenting phase.I picked this Miss Sporty So Clear Powder in Translucent from Superdrug for £2.99 and I must say I'm very impressed.I have combination skin where my t-zone can get really oily and my cheeks tend to be drier (great),but this powder leaves my problem areas looking matte and smooth,without irritating my sensitive skin.I apply it over Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in Vanilla  before work and 7 hours later there is little sign of change,it could do with a touch up,but my skin still looks even and relatively flaw free!

If you prefer the matte look on a budget and are prone to breakouts and blemishes,I'd really recommend this product.It settles really nicely and doesn't creep into any dry areas,I'm definitely going to repurchase this as it makes my skin look much more polished.I'm happy I picked this up!


What powder are you currently using?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Beat bad skin // £2.19 Germolene cream trick

I've been stuck with one of those really painful under the skin spots for a couple of days now (thanks hormones).You know the kind that stick out like a sore thumb and can't be popped? Short of going outside with a scarf wrapped around my chin,I grabbed some Germolene antiseptic cream from my cabinet and dabbed some on.I've always used it for burns and insect bites so I thought it would be good at numbing the area and keeping it free from infection.

I really love the smell of Germolene,it's a very medicinal scent and it has a thick consistency.I found I only needed a little bit to numb the spot and I was pain free! I thought I'd let it do it's magic overnight and hope for the best.When I woke up it hadn't gone,but it definitely look less irritated and had begun to shrink.A great way to improve the effectiveness of Germolene is to dab a cotton wall ball in hot or warm water (be careful) and place it onto the area,this helps opens up your pores and lets the cream do it's job a little better.


It's a great multipurpose product to have around the house and it's really affordable too.You can pick it up from Amazon for £2.19, but I have seen it in various pound shops before so keep an eye out!

Do you have any tips for treating problem skin?