Beauty // Products I wouldn't repurchase

I have a corner shelf that has all of my toiletries on it,most of which I really love and use religiously.However,there is a dark corner that never gets touched,which is full of products that I have relegated to the back,never to be used again.I hate it when I buy a product and I'm really excited,but it turns out to be really disappointing, that's why I'm glad I don't spend too much money on these things!

I bought Oz Bonatics Major Moisture Shampoo from Poundland, and I was really expecting good results as it seemed like such a good dupe for the more expensive Aussie haircare range,but no luck! It smells really good,kind of like bubblegum,but it left my hair feeling really lank and weighed down.

I'm a big fan of dry shampoos because I get up very early for work,and I can't be bothered to wash my hair in the early hours of the morning.I usually use Batiste which works wonderfully,but I was really interested to see this waterless foam shampoo from Tresemme which I bought from Boots for around the £5 mark.I was willing to pay more because I thought it would give me really similar results to washing my hair,but all that happened is that it smelt slightly fresher.It didn't remove any grease and it left the ends of my hair looking really frizzy.You're supposed to distribute it through the hair and then blast it with a hairdryer,but I formulation is so gloopy that it gets everywhere! I'd stick to traditional dry shampoo.

I can't make my mind up about this Shine Gloss Booster from Bristow's  which I bought from Poundland.It says that it "gives hair a healthy shine" and that it has an "instant visible effect" but it doesn't seem to do anything! It smells quite nice and fresh but I haven't really seen any difference in the glossiness of my hair since using it.Maybe I'm not looking hard enough? Apparently it does protect against breakage, and my hair is looking quite breakage free at the moment,but I doubt that's got anything to do with this product.

I definitely won't be repurchasing these again,and this is a great reminder to myself not to get sucked into all of the buzzwords that promise me the swishy,glossy hair from a L'Oreal Advert.Oh well,I can still dream!

Have you bought any products you're dissapointed with? 

Fashion // Payday Wishlist

Payday is coming around so for me (and lots of other people,this post has been inspired by great reads I've seen.) I'm hoping to treat myself, but I often lose track of the things I'm really after, so I thought I'd create a wishlist where I can share all of my current fashion and beauty wishes.

001. Women's World Map Wristwatch :- £1.66 from Ebay

I don't often wear watches so I don't want to purchase one that breaks the bank,and this ticks all the boxes.I love travelling and it's definitely very eye catching! Until I can afford to go abroad I can have this beautiful watch.

002. Pink Floral Print Bra & Knickers :- £12.99 & £3.99 from New Look

There's just something about pretty matching underwear that makes me feel so much nicer and put together.I'm definitely into the girly/floral/lacy style of lingerie so this is perfect,and I love the 50's corset look of the bra.All for under £20 too so it's quite a bargain.

003. Jeffrey & Paula Print Tapered Leg Pyjama Trousers:- £35 from Simply Be

These are a tad on the expensive side,but seeing as I don't usually wear trousers I want to make sure I feel comfortable.I'm trying to challenge myself to wear clothes that I still feel are only for a certain body type (not mine) and these are beautiful! I think the cut of the leg is really flattering and I love how subtle the print is,I don't need trousers that say "hey look at my thighs".I'd style them with a simple white vest and my trusty brogues.

004. Coral 3/4 Sleeve Crotchet Collar Skater Dress:- £8 from New Look

The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful vibrant colour. I love coral and I really think it helps brighten up my pale freckly skin.skin. I've seen great Peter Pan dress OOTD's and I've been inspired to buy one,I love how girly and sweet they are.It will definitely take my back to my schoolgirl days!

005.Max Factor Creme Puff Translucent Compact Powder :-£4.31 from Amazon

After a long day my T-zone tends to resemble an oil slick,so I like to add a dab of powder to keep things in check.I'm definitely a fan of tried and tested products and I've heard great things about this vintage classic. I've been looking for a translucent powder that doesn't cake or leave my skin irritated, and I've had a lot of success with Max Factor in the past so fingers crossed! It's a great budget buy too.


There's not too long to wait until I can go on a little shopping spree, although I definitely find it easier if I put some money in my savings first (priorities!)


What's on your wishlist this month?

My day in pictures // Bank Holiday farm trip

I've been trying to get outside more this weekend! I always find I feel much happier and more balanced when I get out in the fresh air.This time we headed over to Totnes Rare Breeds farm which is a popular attraction this time of year.I love it because there are plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by,as well as various rare and farm animals to feed and pet.It's pretty reasonably priced too,adult tickets are £5.95 and children's are £4.50.

It's a good couple of miles away from where I live,so we decided to make the most of the weather and walk along the Village cycle path.It's very popular with dog walkers (I always get to meet some adorable pets!) and I love to watch the sun dance through the trees.

This beautiful owl was the first animal I saw when I came in and what a way to start! His handler was getting him to show us his wings and he was so obedient and affectionate.I love seeing animals and humans having positive and happy relationships.

There are plenty of owls to look at and I just had to get a picture of this little guy.He looks like he's up to something, but he looks adorable nonetheless.

I would hazard a guess that these Alpacas are considered a rare breed as I never see them wandering the countryside.You get a bag of feed when you enter and this one wanted all of it! They're really interesting animals that are very curious about people and their pockets.Most Alpacas don't spit either,which I am very grateful for.This little fellow is called Cappuccino which makes him even cuter!

If you like cute farm animals then you won't be dissapointed as there are lots of little chicks and ducklings to watch waddle about.

This trip definitely makes me want to life the "Good Life" and have a field full of animals! I'd really recommend this to any animal and nature lovers.You can spend a good few hours in there and there is a little cafe to visit if you get hungry.

Most areas have a local farm you can visit,they're really eye opening and a great way to support your conservation and welfare programs.Even Cities have got in on the act and offer various pet and wildlife farms.

What have you been doing this Bank Holiday?

Beauty // Shower essentials

I'm definitely a creature of habit and I love my morning routine.There's nothing better than feeling fresh and ready for the day, and I've found these products always help me start the morning on the right foot.I use these religiously and I will be making sure that I repurchase them again.

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub (£5.50 from Boots)

I've been loving Sanctuary products since I received a gift box for Christmas,they're really affordable yet they have that luxurious look.This scrub is really gentle and doesn't leave my skin irritated or red.I suffer with Keratosis Pilaris,which is rough and bumpy skin on my upper arms and this really helps combat that and keep my skin smooth.It's perfect to use in the morning because it's got a gorgeous citrus scent that is really wakes me up!

Radox Moisture Soak (£1 from Poundland)

I do love a nice bubble bath.A few candles and the water at just the right temperature (boiling hot) and I'm happy.The downside of having regular hot baths is it can leave my skin feeling dried out,luckily this bubble bath really helps to put the moisture back in.It creates loads of comforting bubbles and fills the room with a sweet and inviting fragrance.You really don't need much either,I've had this for a good few months!

Nivea Harmony Time Shower Cream (£1 from Poundland)

This smells absolutely gorgeous! It's almost perfume like and leaves my skin smelling faintly of rose petals and sweet almonds.The formulation is very creamy so it would be brilliant for people who suffer with dry,tight skin (like me.) 

Gilette Venus Razor (£7.99 from Boots)

I don't use these everyday (I alternate it with cheaper razors) as I think that  Venus razors and the new blades can get pretty pricey,but I love the results.I can get a close smooth shave and it doesn't drag across my skin and cut it up like some other razors have done.Armpits can be notoriously hard to get completely shaved because of the awkward shape,but I find that these leave no fuzz behind.There are normally quite a lot of offers and deals on Venus products so I'd keep an eye open to see if they go down in price. 

I'm always keeping my eye out for new products,but I always go back to these.I'm not a fan of fussy or complicated bottles (I'm very clumsy) but these do the job!

What products are you loving at the moment?

Poundland bargains // Feminine hygiene picks

If it's one thing I don't like buying it's feminine hygiene products, you will normally see me shuffling to the aisle,grabbing what I need and leaving.I'm not so bad now,after all I doubt the checkout assistant cares! It was worth having a look too as I found these great products in Poundland.My periods can vary from pretty light to excruciatingly heavy,so I like to have a few things around so that I'm covered for every situation.

I know that using heavily scented products have caused irritation or infections in some people,although I think it's completely a personal choice.I haven't experienced anything negative,but I would stop using it if you do.You don't need specific cleaning products for your vagina as it's self cleansing (clever thing) but these product really help me to feel fresher and more comfortable. 

Always Dailies Scented Pantyliners 

These are great for the days when your period is starting or ending and it's not a heavy enough flow for a pad or tampon.They don't take up much room in a bag and stay put until you want to remove them.The scent is light and fresh without being irritating or overwhelming,this is partly due to the "Actipearls" which help to neutralise any odours.I do feel any odours are being removed rather can covered up,so these definitely give me piece of mind.They're really thin too and made of comfortable material,so they feel like they are barely there.

Femfresh soap free wash

This is amazing! Especially if you've had a long day and want to quickly freshen up without using drying soaps.I don't use it everyday just to give my skin a break but it is suitable for daily use.Femfresh is a well known brand that offers dermatologically and gynecologically tested products so you can be sure that this has been specifically designed for personal use.When using feminine hygiene products,you should only apply them to the outer parts as using them internally can cause discomfort and encourage excess discharge It's got a neutral and very subtle scent but you really don't need to use much,maybe about a 10p sized amount.

I was taking to my hubby the other day about how there are no products like this for men.The media does seem to play a part in making women feel unclean or ashamed of their natural cycle.I remember when I was a teenager I was scared that people would be able to smell blood on me or that I might not be quite fresh enough,but unless there is an infection,vaginas tend to remain in a neutral state with no particular odour.Of course I bought these from Poundland,so at just £2 for both,these are a really affordable addition to my routine.I think these products are great to have alongside sanitary towels just in case!


What products (if any) do you use to help you feel better?

Poundland bargains // Derma V10 Anti Wrinkle moisturising cream review

I always get so confused with all of the technical mumbo jumbo when it comes to skincare.I don't know what "peptides" are or what hyaluronic acid does for my skin, I just want a face cream that  is simple and affordable.Of course,I went to Poundland and I found this little beauty.I'm not the sort of person to spend £30 on one product,so I was hoping this would be a perfect budget alternative.

The first thing that caught my eye was the packaging.I like how fuss free it is and it looks quite luxurious for a cheaper product. 50ml is a generous amount,and it's suitable for all skin types so it shouldn't irritate any problem areas.I've seen Q10 mentioned on other anti wrinkle products and apparently that is because it rich in antioxidants,which are great for maintaining healthy skin .Aloe Vera is very good at calming redness and Carnitine helps boost anti aging properties.It all sounds very professional! 

This is a new pot,but I've been using this for around 3 months and I'm really happy with the results.It has a lovely consistency and is thick enough that it leaves my skin feeling moisturised without that greasy feeling.Also,a little goes a long way,I only use about a 10p sized blob to cover my whole face.I can't comment on it's anti wrinkle effect as I don't have any yet (maybe that's why!) but it creates a wonderful smooth base for my make up and it does everything a face cream should do.It smell gorgeous too,it reminds me of a mix between fresh laundry and soap.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for simple skincare that works.If you're spending quite a lot in that area,this would be an effective alternative.My pot lasted 3 months using it every day so I only spend £4 on face creams per year,less than one pot of higher end product.

What skin cream are you using at the moment?

Beauty // Morning Make Up Musthaves

I'm pretty sure that I'd run down to the shops in my pyjamas if I ever ran out of these.I always make sure I've got enough,and because they are all under £5 I often have a couple of back ups lying around in different places.They're not high end products but they're really effective and do the job well.

Wilko refreshing eye drops (£2-£3 from Wilkinsons)

I can't remember exactly how much this lifesaver cost,but I know it's very budget friendly.I'm basically a walking allergy,and these drops are great at making sure that my eyes stop running and they stay clear and bright.They're great to use after a long day too,although I don't use them everyday because it might disturb the natural balance of my eyes.

Sanctuary Spa hand cream (£3 from Boots)

I was lucky enough to receive this in the Sanctuary gift set for Christmas from my lovely husband! My hands get really dry and this formula is rich enough to give my skin day long moisturisation, without leaving a greasy film on my hands.It smells so good too,it's got a lovely sweet and subtle almond fragrance that lasts for hours .I've had it since December and I don't even think I'm halfway through as you don't need much,so this is a great cost effective option.

Maybelline Pure Cover Mineral Concealer (£1 from Poundland)

After trying this out, I went to Poundland to pick up another as it was that amazing! This one is shade 02 (Natural) and is great at hiding the redness I often get around my nose and chin.It's quite a creamy formula too,so it's really moisturising for dry skin.I also love that when you apply it to a breakout it doesn't cake or leave it looking worse than before,it just gives a nice even coverage.

Vaseline Rosy Lips (£2.18 from Boots)

I think I've tried just about every type of Vaseline but this is definitely one of my favourites.It isn't heavily scented but it does have a light rose fragrance which I love.The almond oil helps keep my lips free from cracks and moisturised all day.I often use it so that I have a smooth base to apply lipstick or gloss,but it's great by itself as it gives my lips a beautiful rosy sheen.

I know they're nothing exciting,but I couldn't be without these.They definitely help me feel more put together and polished.I always feel like I'm going to have a good day if I have everything to hand.I'm still trying to scout out more bargains to add to my collection!

What are your must haves?

Poundland bargains // Constance Carroll Compact Refill Powder Review

I've been after a powder to set my make up and stop shine for a while now, as I've just run out of my trusty ELF powder.I decided that seeing as I get most of things I buy from Poundland,I'd see if they have any powders on offer.I found these compacts from Constance Carroll (which is apparently a UK brand,although I've never heard of it.) The only issue I have with Poundland is sometimes there is a lack of shades in cosmetics.There were two shades of this powder,"Roma" which was quite a dark pinkish brown colour and "Saffron Glow" which was more yellow toned.I picked "Saffron Glow" but on checking the Constance Carroll website,I noticed they do lighter and darker shades.It would be great if Poundland started stocking these,so that everyone could try them out!

 I'm not sure about the packaging,I think it looks a little dated,but let's not judge a book by its cover.It seems to have quite a lot of product in it,so hopefully it will last a while.

I can't make my mind up about this powder.It has a nice texture and leaves my skin feeling soft.Also,it offers a sheer coverage so it looks quite natural.I was worried that it would be too yellow toned for my skin,but it blended into problem areas (cheeks and chin) perfectly.The only downsides are  that the powder can get everywhere and it doesn't have the nicest smell.It's got quite a powdery scent and it reminds me a little bit of a perfume my Nan might wear,it's not too overwhelming though.

Here is the final result! Overall I'm pretty happy,if you're after a matte finish then this isn't the powder you're looking for,but it does give a lovely dewy look to the skin.I've also noticed it keeps my make up in place nicely for a good few hours.It's definitely worth having a look at anyway,the store I went to was quite small,so a bigger shop may have a wider variety.

What type of finish do you prefer for your skin? Matte or Dewy?

Mini Haul // Superdrug body sprays review

Superdrug is the only store we have in my town that sells everything beauty and health related.That's why I'm always popping in there to see what they've got to offer.I always like to make sure that I have body sprays to hand because they're great to put in my handbag for a quick freshen up.I don't like to spend too much as I go through them quite quickly,but I noticed that Superdrug were having a Buy One Get One Free offer on their body sprays,so they were 99p for 2.Bargain!

The vibrant cans really caught my eye and there were 7 to choose from;

Minx
Delicious
Crush
Seduce
Sugar
Starlight
Lusty

I find the names quite amusing.They're definitely no Coco Chanel but I think  they're fun and don't take themselves too seriously.You could buy one for every occasion and still have change from £10! Eventually I picked up "Minx" and "Delicious" because the descriptions sounded like the kind of scent I was looking for.

Minx

"Feel utterly feminine and seductive! A bold,flirtatious mix of juicy citrus fruits,with pineapple,jasmine and sweet vanilla notes.Spritz all over your body to leave you feeling fresh and confident." 

This one is my favourite out of the two.It reminds me of a tropical island as it's got a strong Pineapple scent with an lovely underlying floral smell.It isn't too "in your face" so this would be a great scent to wear if you just wanted a light and fruity fragrance.I've been using this one everyday.

Delicious

"Feel absolutely irresistible.A luscious blend of floral and delectable fruity notes.Spritz all over your body to leave you feeling fresh and confident."

This scent is undeniably girly.It's very sweet and sugary but in a subtle way.I have this one in my handbag at the moment,and I find is has a lovely comforting smell,like something familiar.If you're a fan of floral or vanilla fragrances then I would definitely recommend this.You don't need much either,just a little spritz and you're good to go. 

I was surprised at how long these scents lasted! Once I apply them in the morning they last for a good 2 or 3 hours,which is great considering the price.

Another bonus is that they are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans too.I'm trying to become more aware of Animal testing so I'm happy that these sprays are BUAV approved.The BUAV is the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and they campaign for the abolition of all animal experiments.Also,they don't harm the Ozone layer as they are CFC free.I would definitely agree that there is "100 happiness guaranteed".I would recommend these to anyone who is after budget friendly and cruelty free fragrances that smell wonderful.

Have you ever tried Superdrug's body sprays? What did you think?

Poundland bargains // Maybelline Forever Strong Pro Polish Review

Another post in my Poundland bargains series and it's another nail varnish! What a surprise.This one really interests me as it claims to last up to 7 days,which is great for me because I hate getting even the tiniest chip.It makes a lot of claims with the name "forever strong pro" but I decided to try and out and opted for neutral shade "Porcelain beige".

I don't have enough neutral colours in my nail collection and I was after something I could wear to formal occasions or when I need a more subtle look.The Calcium and Iron has been added to help achieve a rich colour and shine.I Googled what silica does in polish and apparently it allows it to be more evenly distributed. 

I found that the brush was the perfect shape to get to the edge of the nails and the polish had quite a thick consistency.I needed to apply two coats to achieve a full block of colour,but it looks lovely with just one.

 I was worried that a nude polish might look quite orange and unflattering on my pale skin but I am very happy with the finish.Beige can sometimes be quite boring and drab,but this colour is really versatile.It's a lovely shade of milky coffee and it really helps my nails look more polished.It is a glossy polish but I applied topcoat to add extra shine.This will definitely become one of my favourites!

What are you wearing on your nails at the moment?